Is Indianapolis, IN cheaper than Salem, OR?

Based on cost of living data, Indianapolis, IN is 26.4% cheaper than Salem, OR. This translates to saving $1982 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Salem, OR, you'd need approximately $126,211.25 in Indianapolis, IN to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Indianapolis, IN is 49.4% cheaper than in Salem, OR. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,360/month in Indianapolis, IN compared to $1,218/month in Salem, OR.

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

Moving from Salem, OR to Indianapolis, IN could save you approximately $1982 per month, or $23789 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Salem, OR — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Portland, OR area

Current salary in Salem, OR

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $2.0K/month moving to Indianapolis, IN

$150.0K in your current city equals $126.2K in Indianapolis, IN

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

Overall Cost

↓ 26.4%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,982

Savings

Annual Impact

$23.8K

Per year

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

Salem, OR

Population:177K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$471K

Indianapolis, IN

Population:888K

Cost Index:74

Median Home:$176K

Salem, OR

The Beaver State

177K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Oregon, this city has a population of 177K 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, OR vs Indianapolis, IN

Category	Salem, OR	Indianapolis, IN	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$3,851/mo	$1,949/mo	↓ $1,902less	49.4%
🚗Transportation	$1,566/mo	$1,188/mo	↓ $377less	24.1%
📦Other	$1,751/mo	$1,590/mo	↓ $161less	9.2%
🛒Groceries	$1,020/mo	$919/mo	↓ $100less	9.9%
🏥Healthcare	$632/mo	$582/mo	↓ $49.90less	7.9%
⚡All Utilities	$453/mo	$503/mo	↑ $49.30more	10.9%

🏠Housing

↓ 49.4%

Salem, OR

$3,851

Indianapolis, IN

$1,949

Difference

$1,902

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 24.1%

Salem, OR

$1,566

Indianapolis, IN

$1,188

Difference

$377

less

📦Other

↓ 9.2%

Salem, OR

$1,751

Indianapolis, IN

$1,590

Difference

$161

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 9.9%

Salem, OR

$1,020

Indianapolis, IN

$919

Difference

$100

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 7.9%

Salem, OR

$632

Indianapolis, IN

$582

Difference

$49.90

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 10.9%

Salem, OR

$453

Indianapolis, IN

$503

Difference

$49.30

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Salem, OR 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$924

To$1,030

↑ $106

1 Bed

From$936

To$1,170

↑ $234

2 Bed

From$1,218

To$1,360

↑ $142

3 Bed

From$1,686

To$1,760

↑ $74.00

Salem, ORZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,150–$1,580/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.

$9,273

Monthly in Salem, OR

$6,732

Monthly in Indianapolis, IN

$2,541

Difference

Home Values

Salem

Indianapolis

$471K

Median Value

$176K

↑ +0.3%

YoY Change

↓ -1.1%

↑ +26.3%

5-Year Change

↑ +26.9%

$364K - $488K

Price Range

$109K - $340K

Homes in Indianapolis are 63% 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

↑ $10.7K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$889

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

7.1%

Rate difference

Salem, OR

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Oregon State Tax

Effective: 10.3%

$15.5K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 35.0%

$52.5K

Take-Home Pay

$8,123/month

$97.5K

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, OR Tax Rates

Sales Tax:0.0%

Property Tax:0.9%

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.