Home › Compare › Houston, TX vs Indianapolis, IN

Cost of Living: Houston, 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.

5.2% Indianapolis, IN is cheaper overall
13.0% 13.0% cheaper housing
1.1% 1.1% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 13.0% cheaper
Houston
92
Indianapolis
80
🛒 Groceries ~Same
Houston
94
Indianapolis
95
🚗 Transportation ~Same
Houston
100
Indianapolis
98
🏥 Healthcare ~Same
Houston
95
Indianapolis
96
⚡ Utilities 8.5% cheaper
Houston
106
Indianapolis
97

Detailed Breakdown

Category Houston, TX Indianapolis, IN Difference
Overall Cost Index96915.2% less
Housing928013.0% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,200$1,05012.5% less
Median Home Price$295,000$230,00022.0% less
Groceries9495~Same
Transportation10098~Same
Healthcare9596~Same
Utilities106978.5% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Houston, 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

Houston, TX
$67,000
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 Houston lifestyle.

→
$—

Based on overall cost index: Houston (96) vs Indianapolis (91). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Houston4.5%
Indianapolis3.9%
Job Growth (YoY)
Houston3.1%
Indianapolis2.6%
Top Industries
HoustonEnergy, Healthcare, Aerospace
IndianapolisPharma, Logistics, Motorsports

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Houston30 min
Indianapolis24 min
Walk Score
Houston33
Indianapolis31
Air Quality (AQI)
Houston52
Indianapolis42
Avg Temperature
Houston70°F
Indianapolis53°F
Population
Houston2,304,580
Indianapolis887,642

Moving from Houston to Indianapolis?

Get free, no-obligation moving quotes from top-rated movers. Compare prices and save up to 40% on your move.

Get My Free Moving Estimate →
✓ 500+ vetted movers ✓ Free quotes in 24hrs ✓ No obligation

Planning Your Move?

Here are some helpful resources if you're considering relocating.

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Houston 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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Houston 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 13.0%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Houston vs Indianapolis?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,200/month in Houston and $1,050/month in Indianapolis — a difference of about $150 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Houston 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 Houston to Indianapolis?+
Median household income in Houston is $67,000 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 Houston vs Indianapolis?+
The median home price in Houston is $295,000 versus $230,000 in Indianapolis — a difference of $65,000. Property tax rates also differ: Texas averages 1.60% while Indiana averages 0.75%.