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Cost of Living: Portland, OR 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.

20.2% Indianapolis, IN is cheaper overall
42.0% 42.0% cheaper housing
7.8% 7.8% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 42.0% cheaper
Portland
138
Indianapolis
80
🛒 Groceries 7.8% cheaper
Portland
103
Indianapolis
95
🚗 Transportation 9.3% cheaper
Portland
108
Indianapolis
98
🏥 Healthcare 10.3% cheaper
Portland
107
Indianapolis
96
⚡ Utilities 10.2% more
Portland
88
Indianapolis
97

Detailed Breakdown

Category Portland, OR Indianapolis, IN Difference
Overall Cost Index1149120.2% less
Housing1388042.0% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,550$1,05032.3% less
Median Home Price$485,000$230,00052.6% less
Groceries103957.8% less
Transportation108989.3% less
Healthcare1079610.3% less
Utilities889710.2% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Portland, OR Indianapolis, IN
State Income Tax8.75% (top)3.05%
State Sales TaxNone (0%)7.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.82%0.75%
Estate / Inheritance TaxYesNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Portland, OR
$79,000
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 Portland lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Portland (114) vs Indianapolis (91). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Portland4.3%
Indianapolis3.9%
Job Growth (YoY)
Portland2.2%
Indianapolis2.6%
Top Industries
PortlandTech, Manufacturing, Creative
IndianapolisPharma, Logistics, Motorsports

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Portland27 min
Indianapolis24 min
Walk Score
Portland65
Indianapolis31
Air Quality (AQI)
Portland42
Indianapolis42
Avg Temperature
Portland54°F
Indianapolis53°F
Population
Portland652,503
Indianapolis887,642

Moving from Portland to Indianapolis?

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Planning Your Move?

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🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Portland 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 Portland 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 42.0%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Portland vs Indianapolis?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,550/month in Portland and $1,050/month in Indianapolis — a difference of about $500 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Portland or Indianapolis?+
Oregon has a state income tax of 8.75% (top) and sales tax of None (0%). 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 Portland to Indianapolis?+
Median household income in Portland is $79,000 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 Portland vs Indianapolis?+
The median home price in Portland is $485,000 versus $230,000 in Indianapolis — a difference of $255,000. Property tax rates also differ: Oregon averages 0.82% while Indiana averages 0.75%.