Is Indianapolis, IN cheaper than Rochester, NY?

Based on cost of living data, Indianapolis, IN is 9.6% cheaper than Rochester, NY. This translates to saving $721 per month.

What salary do I need in Indianapolis, IN to live like I do in Rochester, NY?

If you earn $150,000 in Rochester, NY, you'd need approximately $141,346.973 in Indianapolis, IN to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Rochester, NY and Indianapolis, IN?

Housing in Indianapolis, IN is 7.5% cheaper than in Rochester, NY. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,360/month in Indianapolis, IN compared to $1,633/month in Rochester, NY.

How much can I save per month by moving from Rochester, NY to Indianapolis, IN?

Moving from Rochester, NY to Indianapolis, IN could save you approximately $721 per month, or $8653 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Rochester, NY vs Indianapolis, IN: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Rochester, NY — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Pittsburgh, PA area

Current salary in Rochester, NY

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $721/month moving to Indianapolis, IN

$150.0K in your current city equals $141.3K in Indianapolis, IN

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Rochester, NY area

Overall Cost

↓ 9.6%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$721

Savings

Annual Impact

$8.7K

Per year

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

Rochester, NY

Population:207K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$198K

Indianapolis, IN

Population:888K

Cost Index:90

Median Home:$176K

Rochester, NY

The Empire State

207K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in New York, this city has a population of 207K 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: Rochester, NY vs Indianapolis, IN

Category	Rochester, NY	Indianapolis, IN	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,108/mo	$1,949/mo	↓ $159less	7.5%
📦Other	$1,738/mo	$1,590/mo	↓ $148less	8.5%
⚡All Utilities	$631/mo	$503/mo	↓ $128less	20.3%
🚗Transportation	$1,315/mo	$1,188/mo	↓ $126less	9.6%
🛒Groceries	$1,029/mo	$919/mo	↓ $109less	10.6%
🏥Healthcare	$548/mo	$582/mo	↑ $34.72more	6.3%

🏠Housing

↓ 7.5%

Rochester, NY

$2,108

Indianapolis, IN

$1,949

Difference

$159

less

📦Other

↓ 8.5%

Rochester, NY

$1,738

Indianapolis, IN

$1,590

Difference

$148

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 20.3%

Rochester, NY

$631

Indianapolis, IN

$503

Difference

$128

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 9.6%

Rochester, NY

$1,315

Indianapolis, IN

$1,188

Difference

$126

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 10.6%

Rochester, NY

$1,029

Indianapolis, IN

$919

Difference

$109

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 6.3%

Rochester, NY

$548

Indianapolis, IN

$582

Difference

$34.72

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Rochester, NY 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$1,157

To$1,030

↓ $127

1 Bed

From$1,309

To$1,170

↓ $139

2 Bed

From$1,633

To$1,360

↓ $273

3 Bed

From$1,968

To$1,760

↓ $208

Rochester, NYZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,050–$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.

$7,368

Monthly in Rochester, NY

$6,732

Monthly in Indianapolis, IN

$636

Difference

Home Values

Rochester

Indianapolis

$198K

Median Value

$176K

↑ +2.3%

YoY Change

↓ -1.1%

↑ +45.8%

5-Year Change

↑ +26.9%

$90K - $334K

Price Range

$109K - $340K

Homes in Indianapolis are 11% less expensive than Rochester

Calculate payment - Rochester Calculate payment - Indianapolis

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $4.7K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$392

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

3.1%

Rate difference

Rochester, NY

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

New York State Tax

Effective: 6.4%

$9.5K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.0%

$46.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,620/month

$103.4K

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

Rochester, NY Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.8%

Property Tax:1.2%

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.