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Cost of Living: Boston, MA 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.

32.6% Indianapolis, IN is cheaper overall
53.5% 53.5% cheaper housing
13.6% 13.6% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 53.5% cheaper
Boston
172
Indianapolis
80
🛒 Groceries 13.6% cheaper
Boston
110
Indianapolis
95
🚗 Transportation 16.9% cheaper
Boston
118
Indianapolis
98
🏥 Healthcare 16.5% cheaper
Boston
115
Indianapolis
96
⚡ Utilities 13.4% cheaper
Boston
112
Indianapolis
97

Detailed Breakdown

Category Boston, MA Indianapolis, IN Difference
Overall Cost Index1359132.6% less
Housing1728053.5% less
Median 1BR Rent$2,600$1,05059.6% less
Median Home Price$700,000$230,00067.1% less
Groceries1109513.6% less
Transportation1189816.9% less
Healthcare1159616.5% less
Utilities1129713.4% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Boston, MA Indianapolis, IN
State Income Tax9.00% (top)3.05%
State Sales Tax6.25%7.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate1.14%0.75%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Boston, MA
$98,000
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 Boston lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Boston (135) vs Indianapolis (91). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Boston3.6%
Indianapolis3.9%
Job Growth (YoY)
Boston2.9%
Indianapolis2.6%
Top Industries
BostonBiotech, Education, Finance
IndianapolisPharma, Logistics, Motorsports

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Boston31 min
Indianapolis24 min
Walk Score
Boston82
Indianapolis31
Air Quality (AQI)
Boston38
Indianapolis42
Avg Temperature
Boston51°F
Indianapolis53°F
Population
Boston675,647
Indianapolis887,642

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Planning Your Move?

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🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Boston 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

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Boston 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 53.5%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Boston vs Indianapolis?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $2,600/month in Boston and $1,050/month in Indianapolis — a difference of about $1,550 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Boston or Indianapolis?+
Massachusetts has a state income tax of 9.00% (top) 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 Boston to Indianapolis?+
Median household income in Boston is $98,000 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 Boston vs Indianapolis?+
The median home price in Boston is $700,000 versus $230,000 in Indianapolis — a difference of $470,000. Property tax rates also differ: Massachusetts averages 1.14% while Indiana averages 0.75%.