Cost of Living: Columbus, OH vs Indianapolis, IN (2026)

Columbus

Ohio
83
VS

Indianapolis

Indiana
74

Columbus is 12% more expensive than Indianapolis.

$1,224/mo ↑ 10%
Median Rent
$1,112/mo ↓ 9%
$65,327/yr ↑ 4%
Median Income
$62,995/yr ↓ 4%
$234,500 ↑ 13%
Home Value
$207,000 ↓ 12%
$1,243/mo ↑ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,124/mo ↓ 10%
906,480
Population
882,043

Tax Comparison

3.5%
Income Tax
3.05%
5.75%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
1.53%
Property Tax
0.83%

Affordability

22.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Columbus, OH and Indianapolis, IN, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 74 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $112/month cheaper in Indianapolis, saving renters about $1,344/year.

Median household income is $2,332/year higher in Columbus. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Columbus is $234,500 compared to $207,000 in Indianapolis.

Indiana has a lower income tax rate, making Indianapolis slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Columbus vs Indianapolis — common questions

Is Columbus or Indianapolis cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Indianapolis is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 83 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Columbus and Indianapolis?
Median rent in Columbus is $1,224/month and in Indianapolis it's $1,112/month — a difference of $112/month.
Which city has higher income, Columbus or Indianapolis?
Median household income is $65,327 in Columbus and $62,995 in Indianapolis. Median household income is $2,332/year higher in Columbus.
How do taxes compare between Ohio and Indiana?
Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax. Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax.
Should I move to Columbus or Indianapolis?
It depends on your priorities. Columbus has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,224/mo, while Indianapolis has a cost index of 74 with rent of $1,112/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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