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Cost of Living: Nashville, TN 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.

8.1% Indianapolis, IN is cheaper overall
25.9% 25.9% cheaper housing
0.0% 0.0% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 25.9% cheaper
Nashville
108
Indianapolis
80
🛒 Groceries ~Same
Nashville
95
Indianapolis
95
🚗 Transportation ~Same
Nashville
99
Indianapolis
98
🏥 Healthcare 3.2% more
Nashville
93
Indianapolis
96
⚡ Utilities ~Same
Nashville
97
Indianapolis
97

Detailed Breakdown

Category Nashville, TN Indianapolis, IN Difference
Overall Cost Index99918.1% less
Housing1088025.9% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,380$1,05023.9% less
Median Home Price$395,000$230,00041.8% less
Groceries9595~Same
Transportation9998~Same
Healthcare93963.2% more
Utilities9797~Same

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Nashville, TN Indianapolis, IN
State Income TaxNone (0%)3.05%
State Sales Tax7.00%7.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.56%0.75%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Nashville, TN
$72,000
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 Nashville lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Nashville (99) vs Indianapolis (91). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Nashville3.3%
Indianapolis3.9%
Job Growth (YoY)
Nashville3.7%
Indianapolis2.6%
Top Industries
NashvilleHealthcare, Music, Tech
IndianapolisPharma, Logistics, Motorsports

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Nashville26 min
Indianapolis24 min
Walk Score
Nashville29
Indianapolis31
Air Quality (AQI)
Nashville40
Indianapolis42
Avg Temperature
Nashville59°F
Indianapolis53°F
Population
Nashville689,447
Indianapolis887,642

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Planning Your Move?

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🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Nashville 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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Nashville 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 25.9%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Nashville vs Indianapolis?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,380/month in Nashville and $1,050/month in Indianapolis — a difference of about $330 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Nashville or Indianapolis?+
Tennessee has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 7.00%. 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 Nashville to Indianapolis?+
Median household income in Nashville is $72,000 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 Nashville vs Indianapolis?+
The median home price in Nashville is $395,000 versus $230,000 in Indianapolis — a difference of $165,000. Property tax rates also differ: Tennessee averages 0.56% while Indiana averages 0.75%.