Is Indianapolis, IN cheaper than Scottsdale, AZ?

Based on cost of living data, Indianapolis, IN is 15.7% cheaper than Scottsdale, AZ. This translates to saving $1177 per month.

What salary do I need in Indianapolis, IN to live like I do in Scottsdale, AZ?

If you earn $150,000 in Scottsdale, AZ, you'd need approximately $135,872.093 in Indianapolis, IN to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Scottsdale, AZ and Indianapolis, IN?

Housing in Indianapolis, IN is 30.1% cheaper than in Scottsdale, AZ. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,360/month in Indianapolis, IN compared to $2,295/month in Scottsdale, AZ.

How much can I save per month by moving from Scottsdale, AZ to Indianapolis, IN?

Moving from Scottsdale, AZ to Indianapolis, IN could save you approximately $1177 per month, or $14128 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Scottsdale, AZ vs Indianapolis, IN: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Scottsdale, AZ

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $1.2K/month moving to Indianapolis, IN

$150.0K in your current city equals $135.9K in Indianapolis, IN

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ area

Overall Cost

↓ 15.7%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,177

Savings

Annual Impact

$14.1K

Per year

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

Scottsdale, AZ

Population:241K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$842K

Indianapolis, IN

Population:888K

Cost Index:84

Median Home:$176K

Scottsdale, AZ

The Grand Canyon State

241K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Arizona, this city has a population of 241K 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: Scottsdale, AZ vs Indianapolis, IN

Category	Scottsdale, AZ	Indianapolis, IN	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,788/mo	$1,949/mo	↓ $839less	30.1%
🚗Transportation	$1,489/mo	$1,188/mo	↓ $301less	20.2%
📦Other	$1,677/mo	$1,590/mo	↓ $87.05less	5.2%
⚡All Utilities	$561/mo	$503/mo	↓ $58.47less	10.4%
🛒Groceries	$963/mo	$919/mo	↓ $43.97less	4.6%
🏥Healthcare	$589/mo	$582/mo	↓ $6.20less	1.1%

🏠Housing

↓ 30.1%

Scottsdale, AZ

$2,788

Indianapolis, IN

$1,949

Difference

$839

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 20.2%

Scottsdale, AZ

$1,489

Indianapolis, IN

$1,188

Difference

$301

less

📦Other

↓ 5.2%

Scottsdale, AZ

$1,677

Indianapolis, IN

$1,590

Difference

$87.05

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 10.4%

Scottsdale, AZ

$561

Indianapolis, IN

$503

Difference

$58.47

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 4.6%

Scottsdale, AZ

$963

Indianapolis, IN

$919

Difference

$43.97

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 1.1%

Scottsdale, AZ

$589

Indianapolis, IN

$582

Difference

$6.20

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Scottsdale, AZ 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$1,815

To$1,030

↓ $785

1 Bed

From$1,975

To$1,170

↓ $805

2 Bed

From$2,295

To$1,360

↓ $935

3 Bed

From$3,060

To$1,760

↓ $1,300

Scottsdale, AZZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,300–$2,380/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.

$8,068

Monthly in Scottsdale, AZ

$6,732

Monthly in Indianapolis, IN

$1,336

Difference

Home Values

Scottsdale

Indianapolis

$842K

Median Value

$176K

↑ +1.5%

YoY Change

↓ -1.1%

↑ +46.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +26.9%

$522K - $1.51M

Price Range

$109K - $340K

Homes in Indianapolis are 79% less expensive than Scottsdale

Calculate payment - Scottsdale Calculate payment - Indianapolis

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $388

Per year

Monthly Difference

$32.32

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.3%

Rate difference

Scottsdale, AZ

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Arizona State Tax

Effective: 3.5%

$5.2K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 28.2%

$42.2K

Take-Home Pay

$8,979/month

$107.8K

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

Scottsdale, AZ Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.5%

Property Tax:0.6%

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.