Cost of Living: Indianapolis, IN vs Cleveland, OH (2026)

Indianapolis

Indiana
74
VS

Cleveland

Ohio
51

Indianapolis is 45% more expensive than Cleveland.

$1,112/mo ↑ 24%
Median Rent
$894/mo ↓ 20%
$62,995/yr ↑ 61%
Median Income
$39,187/yr ↓ 38%
$207,000 ↑ 120%
Home Value
$94,100 ↓ 55%
$1,124/mo ↑ 30%
Owner Costs
$866/mo ↓ 23%
882,043
Population
367,523

Tax Comparison

3.05%
Income Tax
3.5%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
5.75%
0.83%
Property Tax
1.53%

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Indianapolis, IN and Cleveland, OH, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 51 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $218/month cheaper in Cleveland, saving renters about $2,616/year.

Median household income is $23,808/year higher in Indianapolis. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Indianapolis is $207,000 compared to $94,100 in Cleveland.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Indianapolis vs Cleveland — common questions

Is Indianapolis or Cleveland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cleveland is cheaper to live in with an index of 51 compared to 74 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Indianapolis and Cleveland?
Median rent in Indianapolis is $1,112/month and in Cleveland it's $894/month — a difference of $218/month.
Which city has higher income, Indianapolis or Cleveland?
Median household income is $62,995 in Indianapolis and $39,187 in Cleveland. Median household income is $23,808/year higher in Indianapolis.
How do taxes compare between Indiana and Ohio?
Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Ohio has 3.5% income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.53% property tax.
Should I move to Indianapolis or Cleveland?
It depends on your priorities. Indianapolis has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,112/mo, while Cleveland has a cost index of 51 with rent of $894/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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