Cost of Living: Dallas, TX vs Indianapolis, IN (2026)

Dallas

Texas
97
VS

Indianapolis

Indiana
74

Dallas is 31% more expensive than Indianapolis.

$1,403/mo ↑ 26%
Median Rent
$1,112/mo ↓ 21%
$67,760/yr ↑ 8%
Median Income
$62,995/yr ↓ 7%
$295,300 ↑ 43%
Home Value
$207,000 ↓ 30%
$1,409/mo ↑ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,124/mo ↓ 20%
1,299,553
Population
882,043

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
3.05%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.83%

Affordability

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Dallas, TX and Indianapolis, IN, the overall cost of living indices are 97 and 74 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $291/month cheaper in Indianapolis, saving renters about $3,492/year.

Median household income is $4,765/year higher in Dallas. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Dallas is $295,300 compared to $207,000 in Indianapolis.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Dallas residents a significant tax advantage over Indiana's 3.05% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Dallas vs Indianapolis — common questions

Is Dallas or Indianapolis cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Indianapolis is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 97 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Dallas and Indianapolis?
Median rent in Dallas is $1,403/month and in Indianapolis it's $1,112/month — a difference of $291/month.
Which city has higher income, Dallas or Indianapolis?
Median household income is $67,760 in Dallas and $62,995 in Indianapolis. Median household income is $4,765/year higher in Dallas.
How do taxes compare between Texas and Indiana?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax.
Should I move to Dallas or Indianapolis?
It depends on your priorities. Dallas has a cost index of 97 with median rent of $1,403/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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