Is Indianapolis, IN cheaper than San Francisco, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Indianapolis, IN is 55.8% cheaper than San Francisco, CA. This translates to saving $4188 per month.

What salary do I need in Indianapolis, IN to live like I do in San Francisco, CA?

If you earn $150,000 in San Francisco, CA, you'd need approximately $99,746.193 in Indianapolis, IN to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between San Francisco, CA and Indianapolis, IN?

Housing in Indianapolis, IN is 80.1% cheaper than in San Francisco, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,360/month in Indianapolis, IN compared to $3,570/month in San Francisco, CA.

How much can I save per month by moving from San Francisco, CA to Indianapolis, IN?

Moving from San Francisco, CA to Indianapolis, IN could save you approximately $4188 per month, or $50254 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

MoveNumbers

San Francisco, CA

Tap to swap

Indianapolis, IN

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in San Francisco, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $4.2K/month moving to Indianapolis, IN

$150.0K in your current city equals $99.7K in Indianapolis, IN

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA area

Overall Cost

↓ 55.8%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$4,188

Savings

Annual Impact

$50.3K

Per year

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

San Francisco, CA

Population:874K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$1.25M

Indianapolis, IN

Population:888K

Cost Index:44

Median Home:$176K

San Francisco, CA

The Golden State

874K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Mediterranean

Notable Facts

•Global technology hub
•Historic cable cars
•Major startup ecosystem

Major Industries

TechnologyFinanceTourismBiotechnology

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: San Francisco, CA vs Indianapolis, IN

Category	San Francisco, CA	Indianapolis, IN	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$9,771/mo	$1,949/mo	↓ $7,822less	80.1%
🚗Transportation	$2,158/mo	$1,188/mo	↓ $970less	44.9%
📦Other	$1,875/mo	$1,590/mo	↓ $285less	15.2%
🛒Groceries	$1,159/mo	$919/mo	↓ $240less	20.7%
🏥Healthcare	$706/mo	$582/mo	↓ $124less	17.5%
⚡All Utilities	$448/mo	$503/mo	↑ $54.64more	12.2%

🏠Housing

↓ 80.1%

San Francisco, CA

$9,771

Indianapolis, IN

$1,949

Difference

$7,822

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 44.9%

San Francisco, CA

$2,158

Indianapolis, IN

$1,188

Difference

$970

less

📦Other

↓ 15.2%

San Francisco, CA

$1,875

Indianapolis, IN

$1,590

Difference

$285

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 20.7%

San Francisco, CA

$1,159

Indianapolis, IN

$919

Difference

$240

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 17.5%

San Francisco, CA

$706

Indianapolis, IN

$582

Difference

$124

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 12.2%

San Francisco, CA

$448

Indianapolis, IN

$503

Difference

$54.64

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

San Francisco, CA 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$2,460

To$1,030

↓ $1,430

1 Bed

From$2,950

To$1,170

↓ $1,780

2 Bed

From$3,570

To$1,360

↓ $2,210

3 Bed

From$4,560

To$1,760

↓ $2,800

San Francisco, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,510–$3,910/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.

$16,118

Monthly in San Francisco, CA

$6,732

Monthly in Indianapolis, IN

$9,386

Difference

Home Values

San Francisco

Indianapolis

$1.25M

Median Value

$176K

↑ +3.7%

YoY Change

↓ -1.1%

↓ -7.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +26.9%

$693K - $2.12M

Price Range

$109K - $340K

Homes in Indianapolis are 86% less expensive than San Francisco

Calculate payment - San Francisco Calculate payment - Indianapolis

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $5.8K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$482

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

3.9%

Rate difference

San Francisco, CA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

California State Tax

Effective: 7.1%

$10.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.8%

$47.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,530/month

$102.4K

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

San Francisco, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

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.