Cost of Living: Indianapolis, IN vs Boston, MA (2026)

Indianapolis

Indiana
74
VS

Boston

Massachusetts
176

Indianapolis is 58% cheaper than Boston.

$1,112/mo ↓ 47%
Median Rent
$2,093/mo ↑ 88%
$62,995/yr ↓ 34%
Median Income
$94,755/yr ↑ 50%
$207,000 ↓ 71%
Home Value
$710,400 ↑ 243%
$1,124/mo ↓ 48%
Owner Costs
$2,176/mo ↑ 94%
882,043
Population
663,972

Tax Comparison

3.05%
Income Tax
9.0%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.83%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Indianapolis, IN and Boston, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 176 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $981/month cheaper in Indianapolis, saving renters about $11,772/year.

Median household income is $31,760/year higher in Boston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Indianapolis is $207,000 compared to $710,400 in Boston.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Indianapolis vs Boston — common questions

Is Indianapolis or Boston cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Indianapolis is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Indianapolis and Boston?
Median rent in Indianapolis is $1,112/month and in Boston it's $2,093/month — a difference of $981/month.
Which city has higher income, Indianapolis or Boston?
Median household income is $62,995 in Indianapolis and $94,755 in Boston. Median household income is $31,760/year higher in Boston.
How do taxes compare between Indiana and Massachusetts?
Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Indianapolis or Boston?
It depends on your priorities. Indianapolis has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,112/mo, while Boston has a cost index of 176 with rent of $2,093/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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