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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

$
Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $34.81/month moving to Indianapolis, IN

$150.0K in your current city equals $149.6K in Indianapolis, IN

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area
Overall Cost
0.5%
Less expensive
Monthly Impact
$34.81
Savings
Annual Impact
$418
Per year

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

Terre Haute, IN

Population:59K
Cost Index:
100
100 = national average
Median Home:$134K

Indianapolis, IN

Population:888K
Cost Index:
100
(0% below avg)
Median Home:$176K

Terre Haute, IN

The Hoosier State

59K
Population
State Tax
Yes

Located in Indiana, this city has a population of 59K 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: Terre Haute, IN vs Indianapolis, IN

Housing
0.5%
Terre Haute, IN
$1,958
Indianapolis, IN
$1,949
Difference
$9.09
less
Other
0.5%
Terre Haute, IN
$1,598
Indianapolis, IN
$1,590
Difference
$7.41
less
Transportation
0.5%
Terre Haute, IN
$1,194
Indianapolis, IN
$1,188
Difference
$5.54
less
Groceries
0.2%
Terre Haute, IN
$921
Indianapolis, IN
$919
Difference
$2.14
less
Healthcare
0.2%
Terre Haute, IN
$584
Indianapolis, IN
$582
Difference
$1.36
less
All Utilities
0.2%
Terre Haute, IN
$504
Indianapolis, IN
$503
Difference
$1.17
less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Terre Haute, IN: Vigo County Income Tax$2,550/yr (1.7%)
Indianapolis, IN: Marion County Income Tax$3,030/yr (2.0%)
Net difference+$480/yr

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

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio
From$894
To$1,030
$136
1 Bed
From$894
To$1,170
$276
2 Bed
From$1,135
To$1,360
$225
3 Bed
From$1,356
To$1,760
$404
Terre Haute, INZIP-level data

1BR range: $880$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.

$6,759
Monthly in Terre Haute, IN
$6,732
Monthly in Indianapolis, IN
$26.71
Difference

Home Values

Terre Haute
Indianapolis
$134K
Median Value
$176K
↓ -1.7%
YoY Change
↓ -1.1%
↑ +33.1%
5-Year Change
↑ +26.9%
$71K - $187K
Price Range
$109K - $340K

Homes in Indianapolis are 31% more expensive than Terre Haute

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings
$0
Same taxes
Monthly Difference
$0
Same take-home
Effective Rate Diff
0.0%
Rate difference

Terre Haute, 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

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

Terre Haute, IN Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.0%
Property Tax:0.9%

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.

Environment

Terre Haute
Indianapolis
54 Moderate
Air Quality
54 Moderate
36.6%
Good Air Days
36.6%
97 High
Climate Risk
97 High
🌊🌡🌪
Top Hazards
🌊🌡🌪
+3.1°F
2050 Outlook
+3.1°F
18 days
Heat Days >95°F
18 days
+3.1°F
2050 Outlook
+3.1°F
18 days
Heat Days >95°F
18 days

What to Consider When Moving from Terre Haute, IN to Indianapolis, IN

Relocating from Terre Haute, IN to Indianapolis, IN involves more than just comparing rent prices. While the overall cost of living is about 0% lower in Indianapolis, IN, your actual experience will depend on your lifestyle, job situation, and priorities. Here are the key factors to weigh before making the move.

Housing & Rent

Housing is typically the largest line item in any budget, and it’s where the biggest differences show up between cities. In this comparison, housing in Indianapolis, IN is 0% cheaper than in Terre Haute, IN. Keep in mind that neighborhood choice within a city can swing rent by 30–50%, so research specific areas — not just city averages — before signing a lease. If you’re buying, factor in property tax rates, which vary significantly by county and state.

Job Market & Salary Adjustments

A lower cost of living doesn’t help if your salary drops proportionally. Before committing to a move, research whether employers in Indianapolis, IN pay comparable wages for your role. Remote workers may keep their current salary, but some companies adjust pay based on location. Use the salary calculator above to see what you’d need to earn in Indianapolis, IN to match your current standard of living in Terre Haute, IN.

Taxes & Take-Home Pay

State income tax, property tax, and sales tax all affect how far your paycheck stretches. Some states have no income tax but make up for it with higher property or sales taxes. The tax comparison section above breaks down how your take-home pay would change. Don’t forget about vehicle registration fees, tolls, and other state-specific costs that add up over a year.

Quality of Life & Lifestyle Fit

Numbers only tell part of the story. Consider climate preferences, commute times, proximity to family, school quality if you have children, healthcare access, and the general “feel” of a city. A place that’s 15% cheaper might not be worth it if it means a longer commute or fewer amenities you value. If possible, visit Indianapolis, IN for a week before making a final decision — experiencing the day-to-day rhythm matters more than any spreadsheet.

Frequently Asked Questions: Terre Haute, IN vs Indianapolis, IN

Is Indianapolis, IN cheaper than Terre Haute, IN?

Terre Haute, IN and Indianapolis, IN have very similar costs of living, with less than 1% difference overall. Your monthly expenses would be roughly the same in either city.

What salary do I need in Indianapolis, IN to match my lifestyle in Terre Haute, IN?

If you currently earn $150,000 in Terre Haute, IN, you would need approximately $149,582 in Indianapolis, IN to maintain the same standard of living. This accounts for differences in housing, groceries, transportation, utilities, healthcare, and other typical expenses. Use the salary input above to adjust this based on your actual income.

How does rent compare between Terre Haute, IN and Indianapolis, IN?

A two-bedroom apartment averages $1,135/month in Terre Haute, IN compared to $1,360/month in Indianapolis, IN. One-bedroom apartments are $894/month in Terre Haute, IN vs $1,170/month in Indianapolis, IN. These are area-wide medians — specific neighborhoods can vary significantly. Check the ZIP-level rent breakdown above for more granular data.

Are groceries more expensive in Terre Haute, IN or Indianapolis, IN?

Grocery prices are very similar between Terre Haute, IN and Indianapolis, IN, with less than 1% difference. Your food budget would stay about the same.

What is the best time to move from Terre Haute, IN to Indianapolis, IN?

Most people find that moving during the off-season (October through March) results in lower moving costs, since demand for movers and rental trucks drops. If you're renting, you may also find more negotiable lease terms during winter months. However, if you have school-age children, summer moves allow for a smoother school transition. For the best combination of availability and price, consider moving in early fall or late spring.

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