Is Indianapolis, IN cheaper than Portsmouth, VA?

Based on cost of living data, Indianapolis, IN is 11.3% cheaper than Portsmouth, VA. This translates to saving $845 per month.

What salary do I need in Indianapolis, IN to live like I do in Portsmouth, VA?

If you earn $150,000 in Portsmouth, VA, you'd need approximately $139,860.238 in Indianapolis, IN to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Portsmouth, VA and Indianapolis, IN?

Housing in Indianapolis, IN is 13.3% cheaper than in Portsmouth, VA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,360/month in Indianapolis, IN compared to $1,342/month in Portsmouth, VA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Portsmouth, VA to Indianapolis, IN?

Moving from Portsmouth, VA to Indianapolis, IN could save you approximately $845 per month, or $10140 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Portsmouth, VA vs Indianapolis, IN: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Portsmouth, VA — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Norfolk, VA area

Current salary in Portsmouth, VA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $845/month moving to Indianapolis, IN

$150.0K in your current city equals $139.9K in Indianapolis, IN

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC area

Overall Cost

↓ 11.3%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$845

Savings

Annual Impact

$10.1K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Portsmouth, VA

Population:97K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$243K

Indianapolis, IN

Population:888K

Cost Index:89

Median Home:$176K

Portsmouth, VA

The Old Dominion State

97K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Virginia, this city has a population of 97K residents.

Indianapolis, IN

The Hoosier State

888K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Indiana, this city has a population of 888K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Portsmouth, VA vs Indianapolis, IN

Category	Portsmouth, VA	Indianapolis, IN	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,247/mo	$1,949/mo	↓ $298less	13.3%
📦Other	$1,674/mo	$1,590/mo	↓ $83.82less	5.0%
🚗Transportation	$1,259/mo	$1,188/mo	↓ $70.53less	5.6%
⚡All Utilities	$568/mo	$503/mo	↓ $65.40less	11.5%
🏥Healthcare	$626/mo	$582/mo	↓ $43.36less	6.9%
🛒Groceries	$950/mo	$919/mo	↓ $30.55less	3.2%

🏠Housing

↓ 13.3%

Portsmouth, VA

$2,247

Indianapolis, IN

$1,949

Difference

$298

less

📦Other

↓ 5.0%

Portsmouth, VA

$1,674

Indianapolis, IN

$1,590

Difference

$83.82

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 5.6%

Portsmouth, VA

$1,259

Indianapolis, IN

$1,188

Difference

$70.53

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 11.5%

Portsmouth, VA

$568

Indianapolis, IN

$503

Difference

$65.40

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 6.9%

Portsmouth, VA

$626

Indianapolis, IN

$582

Difference

$43.36

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 3.2%

Portsmouth, VA

$950

Indianapolis, IN

$919

Difference

$30.55

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Indianapolis, IN: Marion County Income Tax$3,030/yr (2.0%)

Portsmouth, VA has no local income tax.

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,171

To$1,030

↓ $141

1 Bed

From$1,183

To$1,170

↓ $13.00

2 Bed

From$1,342

To$1,360

↑ $18.00

3 Bed

From$1,858

To$1,760

↓ $98.00

Portsmouth, VAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,240–$1,490/mo

Indianapolis, INZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,080–$1,870/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$7,324

Monthly in Portsmouth, VA

$6,732

Monthly in Indianapolis, IN

$592

Difference

Home Values

Portsmouth

Indianapolis

$243K

Median Value

$176K

↓ -0.9%

YoY Change

↓ -1.1%

↑ +38.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +26.9%

$220K - $308K

Price Range

$109K - $340K

Homes in Indianapolis are 27% less expensive than Portsmouth

Calculate payment - Portsmouth Calculate payment - Indianapolis

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $3.5K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$294

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

2.3%

Rate difference

Portsmouth, VA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Virginia State Tax

Effective: 5.6%

$8.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 30.3%

$45.4K

Take-Home Pay

$8,718/month

$104.6K

Indianapolis, IN

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Indiana State Tax

Effective: 3.2%

$4.8K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 27.9%

$41.9K

Take-Home Pay

$9,012/month

$108.1K

Additional Tax Information

Portsmouth, VA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:5.7%

Property Tax:0.8%

Indianapolis, IN Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.0%

Property Tax:0.9%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.