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

Indianapolis

Indiana
74
VS

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239

Indianapolis is 69% cheaper than Cambridge.

$1,112/mo ↓ 59%
Median Rent
$2,742/mo ↑ 147%
$62,995/yr ↓ 50%
Median Income
$126,469/yr ↑ 101%
$207,000 ↓ 80%
Home Value
$1,040,500 ↑ 403%
$1,124/mo ↓ 57%
Owner Costs
$2,634/mo ↑ 134%
882,043
Population
117,794

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
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Indianapolis, IN and Cambridge, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 239 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,630/month cheaper in Indianapolis, saving renters about $19,560/year.

Median household income is $63,474/year higher in Cambridge. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Indianapolis is $207,000 compared to $1,040,500 in Cambridge.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Indianapolis vs Cambridge — common questions

Is Indianapolis or Cambridge cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Indianapolis is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 239 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Indianapolis and Cambridge?
Median rent in Indianapolis is $1,112/month and in Cambridge it's $2,742/month — a difference of $1,630/month.
Which city has higher income, Indianapolis or Cambridge?
Median household income is $62,995 in Indianapolis and $126,469 in Cambridge. Median household income is $63,474/year higher in Cambridge.
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 Cambridge?
It depends on your priorities. Indianapolis has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,112/mo, while Cambridge has a cost index of 239 with rent of $2,742/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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