Is Indianapolis, IN cheaper than Raleigh, NC?

Based on cost of living data, Indianapolis, IN is 10.3% cheaper than Raleigh, NC. This translates to saving $773 per month.

What salary do I need in Indianapolis, IN to live like I do in Raleigh, NC?

If you earn $150,000 in Raleigh, NC, you'd need approximately $140,721.649 in Indianapolis, IN to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Raleigh, NC and Indianapolis, IN?

Housing in Indianapolis, IN is 21.1% cheaper than in Raleigh, NC. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,360/month in Indianapolis, IN compared to $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC.

How much can I save per month by moving from Raleigh, NC to Indianapolis, IN?

Moving from Raleigh, NC to Indianapolis, IN could save you approximately $773 per month, or $9278 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Raleigh, NC vs Indianapolis, IN: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Raleigh, NC

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $773/month moving to Indianapolis, IN

$150.0K in your current city equals $140.7K in Indianapolis, IN

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Raleigh-Cary, NC area

Overall Cost

↓ 10.3%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$773

Savings

Annual Impact

$9.3K

Per year

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

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$512K

Indianapolis, IN

Population:888K

Cost Index:90

Median Home:$176K

Raleigh, NC

The Tar Heel State

474K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Research Triangle
•State capital
•Major university town

Major Industries

TechnologyResearchEducationGovernment

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: Raleigh, NC vs Indianapolis, IN

Category	Raleigh, NC	Indianapolis, IN	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,469/mo	$1,949/mo	↓ $520less	21.1%
📦Other	$1,707/mo	$1,590/mo	↓ $117less	6.9%
🚗Transportation	$1,284/mo	$1,188/mo	↓ $95.62less	7.4%
⚡All Utilities	$546/mo	$503/mo	↓ $43.71less	8.0%
🛒Groceries	$959/mo	$919/mo	↓ $39.97less	4.2%
🏥Healthcare	$601/mo	$582/mo	↓ $18.59less	3.1%

🏠Housing

↓ 21.1%

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Indianapolis, IN

$1,949

Difference

$520

less

📦Other

↓ 6.9%

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Indianapolis, IN

$1,590

Difference

$117

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 7.4%

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Indianapolis, IN

$1,188

Difference

$95.62

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 8.0%

Raleigh, NC

$546

Indianapolis, IN

$503

Difference

$43.71

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 4.2%

Raleigh, NC

$959

Indianapolis, IN

$919

Difference

$39.97

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 3.1%

Raleigh, NC

$601

Indianapolis, IN

$582

Difference

$18.59

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Raleigh, NC 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$1,570

To$1,030

↓ $540

1 Bed

From$1,640

To$1,170

↓ $470

2 Bed

From$1,800

To$1,360

↓ $440

3 Bed

From$2,255

To$1,760

↓ $495

Raleigh, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,400–$1,880/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.

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$6,732

Monthly in Indianapolis, IN

$835

Difference

Home Values

Raleigh

Indianapolis

$512K

Median Value

$176K

↓ -0.5%

YoY Change

↓ -1.1%

↑ +38.2%

5-Year Change

↑ +26.9%

$314K - $992K

Price Range

$109K - $340K

Homes in Indianapolis are 66% less expensive than Raleigh

Calculate payment - Raleigh Calculate payment - Indianapolis

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $2.3K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$190

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

1.5%

Rate difference

Raleigh, NC

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

North Carolina State Tax

Effective: 4.8%

$7.1K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.4%

$44.1K

Take-Home Pay

$8,822/month

$105.9K

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

Raleigh, NC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.1%

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.