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Cost of Living: Austin, TX vs Indianapolis, IN

A data-driven comparison of housing, groceries, transportation, taxes, job market and more. See which city gives you more for your money.

11.7% Indianapolis, IN is cheaper overall
32.2% 32.2% cheaper housing
1.0% 1.0% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 32.2% cheaper
Austin
118
Indianapolis
80
🛒 Groceries ~Same
Austin
96
Indianapolis
95
🚗 Transportation ~Same
Austin
98
Indianapolis
98
🏥 Healthcare ~Same
Austin
97
Indianapolis
96
⚡ Utilities ~Same
Austin
99
Indianapolis
97

Detailed Breakdown

Category Austin, TX Indianapolis, IN Difference
Overall Cost Index1039111.7% less
Housing1188032.2% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,450$1,05027.6% less
Median Home Price$425,000$230,00045.9% less
Groceries9695~Same
Transportation9898~Same
Healthcare9796~Same
Utilities9997~Same

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Austin, TX Indianapolis, IN
State Income TaxNone (0%)3.05%
State Sales Tax6.25%7.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.60%0.75%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Austin, TX
$85,000
Median household income
Indianapolis, IN
$60,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: Indianapolis costs more but median income is lower. You may need to earn more to maintain the same standard of living.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

Find out what you'd need to earn in Indianapolis to maintain your Austin lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Austin (103) vs Indianapolis (91). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Austin3.2%
Indianapolis3.9%
Job Growth (YoY)
Austin4.1%
Indianapolis2.6%
Top Industries
AustinTech, Government, Healthcare
IndianapolisPharma, Logistics, Motorsports

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Austin28 min
Indianapolis24 min
Walk Score
Austin41
Indianapolis31
Air Quality (AQI)
Austin38
Indianapolis42
Avg Temperature
Austin68°F
Indianapolis53°F
Population
Austin979,882
Indianapolis887,642

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Planning Your Move?

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🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Austin and Indianapolis → 🚚 Get Moving QuotesCompare prices from top movers → 📈 Check Home ValuesSee real estate trends in both cities → 💼 Search JobsFind open positions in Indianapolis →

Compare Other Cities

Austin vs Denver → Austin vs Nashville → Austin vs Raleigh → Indianapolis vs Portland → Indianapolis vs Phoenix → Indianapolis vs Chicago →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Austin or Indianapolis cheaper to live in?+
Indianapolis is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 32.2%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Austin vs Indianapolis?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,450/month in Austin and $1,050/month in Indianapolis — a difference of about $400 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Austin or Indianapolis?+
Texas has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 6.25%. Indiana has a state income tax of 3.05% and sales tax of 7.00%. Consider all tax types together when evaluating total tax burden, as states with no income tax often compensate with higher sales or property taxes.
Can I afford to move from Austin to Indianapolis?+
Median household income in Austin is $85,000 compared to $60,000 in Indianapolis. Use the salary calculator above to see what you'd need to earn to maintain your current standard of living.
What about buying a home in Austin vs Indianapolis?+
The median home price in Austin is $425,000 versus $230,000 in Indianapolis — a difference of $195,000. Property tax rates also differ: Texas averages 1.60% while Indiana averages 0.75%.