Is Indianapolis, IN cheaper than Providence, RI?

Based on cost of living data, Indianapolis, IN is 35.6% cheaper than Providence, RI. This translates to saving $2670 per month.

What salary do I need in Indianapolis, IN to live like I do in Providence, RI?

If you earn $150,000 in Providence, RI, you'd need approximately $117,965.256 in Indianapolis, IN to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Providence, RI and Indianapolis, IN?

Housing in Indianapolis, IN is 54.7% cheaper than in Providence, RI. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,360/month in Indianapolis, IN compared to $1,803/month in Providence, RI.

How much can I save per month by moving from Providence, RI to Indianapolis, IN?

Moving from Providence, RI to Indianapolis, IN could save you approximately $2670 per month, or $32035 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Providence, RI vs Indianapolis, IN: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Providence, RI — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Boston, MA area

Current salary in Providence, RI

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $2.7K/month moving to Indianapolis, IN

$150.0K in your current city equals $118.0K in Indianapolis, IN

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Providence-Warwick, RI-MA area

Overall Cost

↓ 35.6%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,670

Savings

Annual Impact

$32.0K

Per year

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

Providence, RI

Population:191K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$430K

Indianapolis, IN

Population:888K

Cost Index:64

Median Home:$176K

Providence, RI

The Ocean State

191K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Rhode Island, this city has a population of 191K 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: Providence, RI vs Indianapolis, IN

Category	Providence, RI	Indianapolis, IN	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$4,304/mo	$1,949/mo	↓ $2,355less	54.7%
🚗Transportation	$1,659/mo	$1,188/mo	↓ $471less	28.4%
⚡All Utilities	$682/mo	$503/mo	↓ $179less	26.2%
🏥Healthcare	$708/mo	$582/mo	↓ $126less	17.7%
🛒Groceries	$1,028/mo	$919/mo	↓ $108less	10.5%
📦Other	$1,654/mo	$1,590/mo	↓ $63.91less	3.9%

🏠Housing

↓ 54.7%

Providence, RI

$4,304

Indianapolis, IN

$1,949

Difference

$2,355

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 28.4%

Providence, RI

$1,659

Indianapolis, IN

$1,188

Difference

$471

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 26.2%

Providence, RI

$682

Indianapolis, IN

$503

Difference

$179

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 17.7%

Providence, RI

$708

Indianapolis, IN

$582

Difference

$126

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 10.5%

Providence, RI

$1,028

Indianapolis, IN

$919

Difference

$108

less

📦Other

↓ 3.9%

Providence, RI

$1,654

Indianapolis, IN

$1,590

Difference

$63.91

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Providence, RI 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$1,372

To$1,030

↓ $342

1 Bed

From$1,464

To$1,170

↓ $294

2 Bed

From$1,803

To$1,360

↓ $443

3 Bed

From$2,181

To$1,760

↓ $421

Providence, RIZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,400–$1,970/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.

$10,035

Monthly in Providence, RI

$6,732

Monthly in Indianapolis, IN

$3,303

Difference

Home Values

Providence

Indianapolis

$430K

Median Value

$176K

↑ +2%

YoY Change

↓ -1.1%

↑ +49.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +26.9%

$403K - $769K

Price Range

$109K - $340K

Homes in Indianapolis are 59% less expensive than Providence

Calculate payment - Providence Calculate payment - Indianapolis

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $1.6K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$133

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

1.1%

Rate difference

Providence, RI

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Rhode Island State Tax

Effective: 4.3%

$6.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.0%

$43.5K

Take-Home Pay

$8,879/month

$106.5K

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

Providence, RI Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.0%

Property Tax:1.4%

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.