Home › Compare › Los Angeles, CA vs Indianapolis, IN

Cost of Living: Los Angeles, CA 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.

33.1% Indianapolis, IN is cheaper overall
55.1% 55.1% 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 55.1% cheaper
Los Angeles
178
Indianapolis
80
🛒 Groceries 13.6% cheaper
Los Angeles
110
Indianapolis
95
🚗 Transportation 21.6% cheaper
Los Angeles
125
Indianapolis
98
🏥 Healthcare 14.3% cheaper
Los Angeles
112
Indianapolis
96
⚡ Utilities 7.6% cheaper
Los Angeles
105
Indianapolis
97

Detailed Breakdown

Category Los Angeles, CA Indianapolis, IN Difference
Overall Cost Index1369133.1% less
Housing1788055.1% less
Median 1BR Rent$2,500$1,05058.0% less
Median Home Price$880,000$230,00073.9% less
Groceries1109513.6% less
Transportation1259821.6% less
Healthcare1129614.3% less
Utilities105977.6% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Los Angeles, CA Indianapolis, IN
State Income Tax13.30% (top)3.05%
State Sales Tax7.25%7.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.71%0.75%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Los Angeles, CA
$95,000
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 Los Angeles lifestyle.

→
$—

Based on overall cost index: Los Angeles (136) vs Indianapolis (91). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Los Angeles5.4%
Indianapolis3.9%
Job Growth (YoY)
Los Angeles2.5%
Indianapolis2.6%
Top Industries
Los AngelesEntertainment, Tech, Healthcare
IndianapolisPharma, Logistics, Motorsports

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Los Angeles33 min
Indianapolis24 min
Walk Score
Los Angeles67
Indianapolis31
Air Quality (AQI)
Los Angeles62
Indianapolis42
Avg Temperature
Los Angeles66°F
Indianapolis53°F
Population
Los Angeles3,898,747
Indianapolis887,642

Moving from Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles 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

Los Angeles vs Austin → Los Angeles vs Denver → Los Angeles vs Nashville → Indianapolis vs Raleigh → Indianapolis vs Portland → Indianapolis vs Phoenix →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Los Angeles 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 55.1%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Los Angeles vs Indianapolis?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $2,500/month in Los Angeles and $1,050/month in Indianapolis — a difference of about $1,450 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Los Angeles or Indianapolis?+
California has a state income tax of 13.30% (top) and sales tax of 7.25%. 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 Los Angeles to Indianapolis?+
Median household income in Los Angeles is $95,000 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 Los Angeles vs Indianapolis?+
The median home price in Los Angeles is $880,000 versus $230,000 in Indianapolis — a difference of $650,000. Property tax rates also differ: California averages 0.71% while Indiana averages 0.75%.