Is Indianapolis, IN cheaper than Salem, MA?

Based on cost of living data, Indianapolis, IN is 37.9% cheaper than Salem, MA. This translates to saving $2845 per month.

What salary do I need in Indianapolis, IN to live like I do in Salem, MA?

If you earn $150,000 in Salem, MA, you'd need approximately $115,860.089 in Indianapolis, IN to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Salem, MA and Indianapolis, IN?

Housing in Indianapolis, IN is 56.4% cheaper than in Salem, MA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,360/month in Indianapolis, IN compared to $2,047/month in Salem, MA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Salem, MA to Indianapolis, IN?

Moving from Salem, MA to Indianapolis, IN could save you approximately $2845 per month, or $34140 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Salem, MA vs Indianapolis, IN: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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

Current salary in Salem, MA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $2.8K/month moving to Indianapolis, IN

$150.0K in your current city equals $115.9K in Indianapolis, IN

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH area

Overall Cost

↓ 37.9%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,845

Savings

Annual Impact

$34.1K

Per year

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

Salem, MA

Population:45K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$590K

Indianapolis, IN

Population:888K

Cost Index:62

Median Home:$176K

Salem, MA

The Bay State

45K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Massachusetts, this city has a population of 45K 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: Salem, MA vs Indianapolis, IN

Category	Salem, MA	Indianapolis, IN	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$4,467/mo	$1,949/mo	↓ $2,518less	56.4%
🚗Transportation	$1,722/mo	$1,188/mo	↓ $534less	31.0%
⚡All Utilities	$694/mo	$503/mo	↓ $192less	27.6%
🏥Healthcare	$721/mo	$582/mo	↓ $139less	19.2%
🛒Groceries	$1,047/mo	$919/mo	↓ $127less	12.2%
📦Other	$1,717/mo	$1,590/mo	↓ $126less	7.4%

🏠Housing

↓ 56.4%

Salem, MA

$4,467

Indianapolis, IN

$1,949

Difference

$2,518

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 31.0%

Salem, MA

$1,722

Indianapolis, IN

$1,188

Difference

$534

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 27.6%

Salem, MA

$694

Indianapolis, IN

$503

Difference

$192

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 19.2%

Salem, MA

$721

Indianapolis, IN

$582

Difference

$139

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 12.2%

Salem, MA

$1,047

Indianapolis, IN

$919

Difference

$127

less

📦Other

↓ 7.4%

Salem, MA

$1,717

Indianapolis, IN

$1,590

Difference

$126

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Salem, MA 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$1,631

To$1,030

↓ $601

1 Bed

From$1,727

To$1,170

↓ $557

2 Bed

From$2,047

To$1,360

↓ $687

3 Bed

From$2,463

To$1,760

↓ $703

Salem, MAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,160–$2,160/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.

$10,367

Monthly in Salem, MA

$6,732

Monthly in Indianapolis, IN

$3,635

Difference

Home Values

Salem

Indianapolis

$590K

Median Value

$176K

↑ +1.1%

YoY Change

↓ -1.1%

↑ +30.8%

5-Year Change

↑ +26.9%

$590K

Price Range

$109K - $340K

Homes in Indianapolis are 70% less expensive than Salem

Calculate payment - Salem Calculate payment - Indianapolis

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $2.7K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$221

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

1.8%

Rate difference

Salem, MA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Massachusetts State Tax

Effective: 5.0%

$7.5K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.7%

$44.5K

Take-Home Pay

$8,791/month

$105.5K

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

Salem, MA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.3%

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.