Is Indianapolis, IN cheaper than South Pasadena, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Indianapolis, IN is 43.6% cheaper than South Pasadena, CA. This translates to saving $3274 per month.

What salary do I need in Indianapolis, IN to live like I do in South Pasadena, CA?

If you earn $150,000 in South Pasadena, CA, you'd need approximately $110,715.584 in Indianapolis, IN to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between South Pasadena, CA and Indianapolis, IN?

Housing in Indianapolis, IN is 68.6% cheaper than in South Pasadena, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,360/month in Indianapolis, IN compared to $2,332/month in South Pasadena, CA.

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

Moving from South Pasadena, CA to Indianapolis, IN could save you approximately $3274 per month, or $39284 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

South Pasadena, CA vs Indianapolis, IN: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 South Pasadena, CA — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Los Angeles, CA area

Current salary in South Pasadena, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $3.3K/month moving to Indianapolis, IN

$150.0K in your current city equals $110.7K in Indianapolis, IN

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA area

Overall Cost

↓ 43.6%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$3,274

Savings

Annual Impact

$39.3K

Per year

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

South Pasadena, CA

Population:26K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$1.62M

Indianapolis, IN

Population:888K

Cost Index:56

Median Home:$176K

South Pasadena, CA

The Golden State

26K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 26K 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: South Pasadena, CA vs Indianapolis, IN

Category	South Pasadena, CA	Indianapolis, IN	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$6,213/mo	$1,949/mo	↓ $4,264less	68.6%
🚗Transportation	$1,923/mo	$1,188/mo	↓ $734less	38.2%
🛒Groceries	$982/mo	$919/mo	↓ $62.52less	6.4%
🏥Healthcare	$523/mo	$582/mo	↑ $59.59more	11.4%
📦Other	$1,542/mo	$1,590/mo	↑ $48.25more	3.1%
⚡All Utilities	$526/mo	$503/mo	↓ $23.36less	4.4%

🏠Housing

↓ 68.6%

South Pasadena, CA

$6,213

Indianapolis, IN

$1,949

Difference

$4,264

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 38.2%

South Pasadena, CA

$1,923

Indianapolis, IN

$1,188

Difference

$734

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 6.4%

South Pasadena, CA

$982

Indianapolis, IN

$919

Difference

$62.52

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 11.4%

South Pasadena, CA

$523

Indianapolis, IN

$582

Difference

$59.59

📦Other

↑ 3.1%

South Pasadena, CA

$1,542

Indianapolis, IN

$1,590

Difference

$48.25

⚡All Utilities

↓ 4.4%

South Pasadena, CA

$526

Indianapolis, IN

$503

Difference

$23.36

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

South Pasadena, 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$1,674

To$1,030

↓ $644

1 Bed

From$1,870

To$1,170

↓ $700

2 Bed

From$2,332

To$1,360

↓ $972

3 Bed

From$2,953

To$1,760

↓ $1,193

South Pasadena, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,470–$2,470/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.

$11,709

Monthly in South Pasadena, CA

$6,732

Monthly in Indianapolis, IN

$4,977

Difference

Home Values

South Pasadena

Indianapolis

$1.62M

Median Value

$176K

↑ +3.3%

YoY Change

↓ -1.1%

↑ +36.3%

5-Year Change

↑ +26.9%

$1.62M

Price Range

$109K - $340K

Homes in Indianapolis are 89% less expensive than South Pasadena

Calculate payment - South Pasadena 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

South Pasadena, 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

South Pasadena, 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.