Is Indianapolis, IN cheaper than Scranton, PA?

Based on cost of living data, Indianapolis, IN is 8.1% cheaper than Scranton, PA. This translates to saving $608 per month.

What salary do I need in Indianapolis, IN to live like I do in Scranton, PA?

If you earn $150,000 in Scranton, PA, you'd need approximately $142,703.521 in Indianapolis, IN to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Scranton, PA and Indianapolis, IN?

Housing in Indianapolis, IN is 9.3% more expensive than in Scranton, PA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,360/month in Indianapolis, IN compared to $954/month in Scranton, PA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Scranton, PA to Indianapolis, IN?

Moving from Scranton, PA to Indianapolis, IN could save you approximately $608 per month, or $7296 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Scranton, PA vs Indianapolis, IN: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Scranton, PA — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Newark, NJ area

Current salary in Scranton, PA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $608/month moving to Indianapolis, IN

$150.0K in your current city equals $142.7K in Indianapolis, IN

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

Overall Cost

↓ 8.1%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$608

Savings

Annual Impact

$7.3K

Per year

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

Scranton, PA

Population:76K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$192K

Indianapolis, IN

Population:888K

Cost Index:92

Median Home:$176K

Scranton, PA

The Keystone State

76K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Pennsylvania, this city has a population of 76K 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: Scranton, PA vs Indianapolis, IN

Category	Scranton, PA	Indianapolis, IN	Difference	Change
🚗Transportation	$1,401/mo	$1,188/mo	↓ $213less	15.2%
📦Other	$1,776/mo	$1,590/mo	↓ $185less	10.4%
🏠Housing	$1,784/mo	$1,949/mo	↑ $165more	9.3%
🛒Groceries	$1,029/mo	$919/mo	↓ $110less	10.7%
🏥Healthcare	$644/mo	$582/mo	↓ $61.51less	9.6%
⚡All Utilities	$558/mo	$503/mo	↓ $54.94less	9.9%

🚗Transportation

↓ 15.2%

Scranton, PA

$1,401

Indianapolis, IN

$1,188

Difference

$213

less

📦Other

↓ 10.4%

Scranton, PA

$1,776

Indianapolis, IN

$1,590

Difference

$185

less

🏠Housing

↑ 9.3%

Scranton, PA

$1,784

Indianapolis, IN

$1,949

Difference

$165

🛒Groceries

↓ 10.7%

Scranton, PA

$1,029

Indianapolis, IN

$919

Difference

$110

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 9.6%

Scranton, PA

$644

Indianapolis, IN

$582

Difference

$61.51

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 9.9%

Scranton, PA

$558

Indianapolis, IN

$503

Difference

$54.94

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Scranton, PA: Scranton Earned Income Tax$5,100/yr (3.4%)

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

Net difference-$2,070/yr

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$659

To$1,030

↑ $371

1 Bed

From$782

To$1,170

↑ $388

2 Bed

From$954

To$1,360

↑ $406

3 Bed

From$1,241

To$1,760

↑ $519

Scranton, PAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,000–$1,090/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.

$7,191

Monthly in Scranton, PA

$6,732

Monthly in Indianapolis, IN

$459

Difference

Home Values

Scranton

Indianapolis

$192K

Median Value

$176K

↑ +5.7%

YoY Change

↓ -1.1%

↑ +59.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +26.9%

$165K - $208K

Price Range

$109K - $340K

Homes in Indianapolis are 8% less expensive than Scranton

Calculate payment - Scranton Calculate payment - Indianapolis

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $240

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$20.00

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.2%

Rate difference

Scranton, PA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Pennsylvania State Tax

Effective: 3.1%

$4.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 27.7%

$41.6K

Take-Home Pay

$9,032/month

$108.4K

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

Scranton, PA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:6.5%

Property Tax:1.4%

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.