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Cost of Living: Tampa, FL 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.

9.9% Indianapolis, IN is cheaper overall
27.3% 27.3% cheaper housing
5.0% 5.0% cheaper groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 27.3% cheaper
Tampa
110
Indianapolis
80
🛒 Groceries 5.0% cheaper
Tampa
100
Indianapolis
95
🚗 Transportation ~Same
Tampa
100
Indianapolis
98
🏥 Healthcare ~Same
Tampa
95
Indianapolis
96
⚡ Utilities 5.8% cheaper
Tampa
103
Indianapolis
97

Detailed Breakdown

Category Tampa, FL Indianapolis, IN Difference
Overall Cost Index101919.9% less
Housing1108027.3% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,450$1,05027.6% less
Median Home Price$365,000$230,00037.0% less
Groceries100955.0% less
Transportation10098~Same
Healthcare9596~Same
Utilities103975.8% less

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Tampa, FL Indianapolis, IN
State Income TaxNone (0%)3.05%
State Sales Tax6.00%7.00%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.80%0.75%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Tampa, FL
$62,000
Median household income
Indianapolis, IN
$60,000
Median household income
✅ Good news: Income in Indianapolis outpaces the cost difference, so your purchasing power should hold up.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

Find out what you'd need to earn in Indianapolis to maintain your Tampa lifestyle.

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Based on overall cost index: Tampa (101) vs Indianapolis (91). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Tampa3.8%
Indianapolis3.9%
Job Growth (YoY)
Tampa3.2%
Indianapolis2.6%
Top Industries
TampaFinance, Healthcare, Tech
IndianapolisPharma, Logistics, Motorsports

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Tampa27 min
Indianapolis24 min
Walk Score
Tampa49
Indianapolis31
Air Quality (AQI)
Tampa37
Indianapolis42
Avg Temperature
Tampa73°F
Indianapolis53°F
Population
Tampa393,468
Indianapolis887,642

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Planning Your Move?

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Compare Other Cities

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Tampa 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 27.3%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Tampa vs Indianapolis?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,450/month in Tampa and $1,050/month in Indianapolis — a difference of about $400 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Tampa or Indianapolis?+
Florida has a state income tax of None (0%) and sales tax of 6.00%. 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 Tampa to Indianapolis?+
Median household income in Tampa is $62,000 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 Tampa vs Indianapolis?+
The median home price in Tampa is $365,000 versus $230,000 in Indianapolis — a difference of $135,000. Property tax rates also differ: Florida averages 0.80% while Indiana averages 0.75%.