Is Indianapolis, IN cheaper than West Chicago, IL?

Based on cost of living data, Indianapolis, IN is 10.1% cheaper than West Chicago, IL. This translates to saving $761 per month.

What salary do I need in Indianapolis, IN to live like I do in West Chicago, IL?

If you earn $150,000 in West Chicago, IL, you'd need approximately $140,871.848 in Indianapolis, IN to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between West Chicago, IL and Indianapolis, IN?

Housing in Indianapolis, IN is 21.2% cheaper than in West Chicago, IL. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,360/month in Indianapolis, IN compared to $1,332/month in West Chicago, IL.

How much can I save per month by moving from West Chicago, IL to Indianapolis, IN?

Moving from West Chicago, IL to Indianapolis, IN could save you approximately $761 per month, or $9128 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

West Chicago, IL vs Indianapolis, IN: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 West Chicago, IL — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Chicago, IL area

Current salary in West Chicago, IL

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $761/month moving to Indianapolis, IN

$150.0K in your current city equals $140.9K in Indianapolis, IN

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI area

Overall Cost

↓ 10.1%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$761

Savings

Annual Impact

$9.1K

Per year

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

West Chicago, IL

Population:25K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$371K

Indianapolis, IN

Population:888K

Cost Index:90

Median Home:$176K

West Chicago, IL

The Prairie State

25K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Illinois, this city has a population of 25K 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: West Chicago, IL vs Indianapolis, IN

Category	West Chicago, IL	Indianapolis, IN	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,472/mo	$1,949/mo	↓ $523less	21.2%
🚗Transportation	$1,505/mo	$1,188/mo	↓ $316less	21.0%
🛒Groceries	$974/mo	$919/mo	↓ $54.74less	5.6%
🏥Healthcare	$563/mo	$582/mo	↑ $19.50more	3.5%
📦Other	$1,574/mo	$1,590/mo	↑ $16.01more	1.0%
⚡All Utilities	$491/mo	$503/mo	↑ $11.44more	2.3%

🏠Housing

↓ 21.2%

West Chicago, IL

$2,472

Indianapolis, IN

$1,949

Difference

$523

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 21.0%

West Chicago, IL

$1,505

Indianapolis, IN

$1,188

Difference

$316

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 5.6%

West Chicago, IL

$974

Indianapolis, IN

$919

Difference

$54.74

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 3.5%

West Chicago, IL

$563

Indianapolis, IN

$582

Difference

$19.50

📦Other

↑ 1.0%

West Chicago, IL

$1,574

Indianapolis, IN

$1,590

Difference

$16.01

⚡All Utilities

↑ 2.3%

West Chicago, IL

$491

Indianapolis, IN

$503

Difference

$11.44

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

West Chicago, IL 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$1,104

To$1,030

↓ $74.00

1 Bed

From$1,180

To$1,170

↓ $10.00

2 Bed

From$1,332

To$1,360

↑ $28.00

3 Bed

From$1,713

To$1,760

↑ $47.00

West Chicago, ILZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,550–$1,550/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.

$7,579

Monthly in West Chicago, IL

$6,732

Monthly in Indianapolis, IN

$847

Difference

Home Values

West Chicago

Indianapolis

$371K

Median Value

$176K

↑ +5.2%

YoY Change

↓ -1.1%

↑ +26.3%

5-Year Change

↑ +26.9%

$371K

Price Range

$109K - $340K

Homes in Indianapolis are 53% less expensive than West Chicago

Calculate payment - West Chicago Calculate payment - Indianapolis

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $2.6K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$215

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

1.7%

Rate difference

West Chicago, IL

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Illinois State Tax

Effective: 5.0%

$7.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.6%

$44.4K

Take-Home Pay

$8,797/month

$105.6K

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

West Chicago, IL Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.8%

Property Tax:2.2%

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.