Cost of Living: Indianapolis, IN vs Baltimore, MD (2026)

Indianapolis

Indiana
74
VS

Baltimore

Maryland
84

Indianapolis is 12% cheaper than Baltimore.

$1,112/mo ↓ 14%
Median Rent
$1,290/mo ↑ 16%
$62,995/yr ↑ 6%
Median Income
$59,623/yr ↓ 5%
$207,000 ↓ 6%
Home Value
$219,300 ↑ 6%
$1,124/mo ↓ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,333/mo ↑ 19%
882,043
Population
577,193

Tax Comparison

3.05%
Income Tax
5.75%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.83%
Property Tax
1.07%

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Indianapolis, IN and Baltimore, MD, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 84 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $178/month cheaper in Indianapolis, saving renters about $2,136/year.

Median household income is $3,372/year higher in Indianapolis. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Indianapolis is $207,000 compared to $219,300 in Baltimore.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Indianapolis vs Baltimore — common questions

Is Indianapolis or Baltimore cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Indianapolis is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 84 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Indianapolis and Baltimore?
Median rent in Indianapolis is $1,112/month and in Baltimore it's $1,290/month — a difference of $178/month.
Which city has higher income, Indianapolis or Baltimore?
Median household income is $62,995 in Indianapolis and $59,623 in Baltimore. Median household income is $3,372/year higher in Indianapolis.
How do taxes compare between Indiana and Maryland?
Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Maryland has 5.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.07% property tax.
Should I move to Indianapolis or Baltimore?
It depends on your priorities. Indianapolis has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,112/mo, while Baltimore has a cost index of 84 with rent of $1,290/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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