Is Indianapolis, IN cheaper than San Marcos, TX?

Based on cost of living data, Indianapolis, IN is 9.7% cheaper than San Marcos, TX. This translates to saving $727 per month.

What salary do I need in Indianapolis, IN to live like I do in San Marcos, TX?

If you earn $150,000 in San Marcos, TX, you'd need approximately $141,275.747 in Indianapolis, IN to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between San Marcos, TX and Indianapolis, IN?

Housing in Indianapolis, IN is 19.7% cheaper than in San Marcos, TX. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,360/month in Indianapolis, IN compared to $1,177/month in San Marcos, TX.

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

Moving from San Marcos, TX to Indianapolis, IN could save you approximately $727 per month, or $8724 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

San Marcos, TX vs Indianapolis, IN: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 San Marcos, TX — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Austin, TX area

Current salary in San Marcos, TX

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $727/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 Austin-Round Rock-Georgetown, TX area

Overall Cost

↓ 9.7%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$727

Savings

Annual Impact

$8.7K

Per year

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

San Marcos, TX

Population:72K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$311K

Indianapolis, IN

Population:888K

Cost Index:90

Median Home:$176K

San Marcos, TX

The Lone Star State

72K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Located in Texas, this city has a population of 72K residents.

💡 Advantage: Texas has no state income tax!

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 Marcos, TX vs Indianapolis, IN

Category	San Marcos, TX	Indianapolis, IN	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,428/mo	$1,949/mo	↓ $479less	19.7%
📦Other	$1,628/mo	$1,590/mo	↓ $38.07less	2.3%
⚡All Utilities	$523/mo	$503/mo	↓ $20.46less	3.9%
🏥Healthcare	$569/mo	$582/mo	↑ $13.16more	2.3%
🚗Transportation	$1,201/mo	$1,188/mo	↓ $12.58less	1.0%
🛒Groceries	$928/mo	$919/mo	↓ $8.43less	0.9%

🏠Housing

↓ 19.7%

San Marcos, TX

$2,428

Indianapolis, IN

$1,949

Difference

$479

less

📦Other

↓ 2.3%

San Marcos, TX

$1,628

Indianapolis, IN

$1,590

Difference

$38.07

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 3.9%

San Marcos, TX

$523

Indianapolis, IN

$503

Difference

$20.46

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 2.3%

San Marcos, TX

$569

Indianapolis, IN

$582

Difference

$13.16

🚗Transportation

↓ 1.0%

San Marcos, TX

$1,201

Indianapolis, IN

$1,188

Difference

$12.58

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 0.9%

San Marcos, TX

$928

Indianapolis, IN

$919

Difference

$8.43

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

San Marcos, TX 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$930

To$1,030

↑ $100

1 Bed

From$994

To$1,170

↑ $176

2 Bed

From$1,177

To$1,360

↑ $183

3 Bed

From$1,495

To$1,760

↑ $265

San Marcos, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,250–$1,250/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.

$7,278

Monthly in San Marcos, TX

$6,732

Monthly in Indianapolis, IN

$546

Difference

Home Values

San Marcos

Indianapolis

$311K

Median Value

$176K

↓ -4.3%

YoY Change

↓ -1.1%

↑ +15.8%

5-Year Change

↑ +26.9%

$311K

Price Range

$109K - $340K

Homes in Indianapolis are 43% less expensive than San Marcos

Calculate payment - San Marcos Calculate payment - Indianapolis

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $4.8K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$404

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

3.2%

Rate difference

San Marcos, TX

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Texas State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

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 Marcos, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%

Property Tax:1.8%

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.