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

Indianapolis

Indiana
74
VS

Arlington

Texas
95

Indianapolis is 22% cheaper than Arlington.

$1,112/mo ↓ 20%
Median Rent
$1,389/mo ↑ 25%
$62,995/yr ↓ 14%
Median Income
$73,519/yr ↑ 17%
$207,000 ↓ 25%
Home Value
$276,400 ↑ 34%
$1,124/mo ↓ 21%
Owner Costs
$1,420/mo ↑ 26%
882,043
Population
394,769

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Indianapolis, IN and Arlington, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 95 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $277/month cheaper in Indianapolis, saving renters about $3,324/year.

Median household income is $10,524/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Indianapolis is $207,000 compared to $276,400 in Arlington.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Indianapolis vs Arlington — common questions

Is Indianapolis or Arlington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Indianapolis is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 95 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Indianapolis and Arlington?
Median rent in Indianapolis is $1,112/month and in Arlington it's $1,389/month — a difference of $277/month.
Which city has higher income, Indianapolis or Arlington?
Median household income is $62,995 in Indianapolis and $73,519 in Arlington. Median household income is $10,524/year higher in Arlington.
How do taxes compare between Indiana and Texas?
Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Indianapolis or Arlington?
It depends on your priorities. Indianapolis has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,112/mo, while Arlington has a cost index of 95 with rent of $1,389/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Indianapolis details → View Arlington details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Indianapolis and Arlington

Indianapolis vs. Charlotte Indianapolis vs. San Francisco Indianapolis vs. Columbus Indianapolis vs. Seattle Indianapolis vs. Fort Worth Indianapolis vs. Denver Arlington vs. Wichita Arlington vs. Tampa Arlington vs. Bakersfield Arlington vs. Aurora Arlington vs. Tulsa Arlington vs. New Orleans