Cost of Living: Indianapolis, IN vs Durham, NC (2026)

Indianapolis

Indiana
74
VS

Durham

North Carolina
105

Indianapolis is 30% cheaper than Durham.

$1,112/mo ↓ 21%
Median Rent
$1,412/mo ↑ 27%
$62,995/yr ↓ 20%
Median Income
$79,234/yr ↑ 26%
$207,000 ↓ 42%
Home Value
$355,300 ↑ 72%
$1,124/mo ↓ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,434/mo ↑ 28%
882,043
Population
288,465

Tax Comparison

3.05%
Income Tax
4.5%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.83%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Indianapolis, IN and Durham, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $300/month cheaper in Indianapolis, saving renters about $3,600/year.

Median household income is $16,239/year higher in Durham. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Indianapolis is $207,000 compared to $355,300 in Durham.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Indianapolis vs Durham — common questions

Is Indianapolis or Durham cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Indianapolis is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 105 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Indianapolis and Durham?
Median rent in Indianapolis is $1,112/month and in Durham it's $1,412/month — a difference of $300/month.
Which city has higher income, Indianapolis or Durham?
Median household income is $62,995 in Indianapolis and $79,234 in Durham. Median household income is $16,239/year higher in Durham.
How do taxes compare between Indiana and North Carolina?
Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Indianapolis or Durham?
It depends on your priorities. Indianapolis has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,112/mo, while Durham has a cost index of 105 with rent of $1,412/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Indianapolis details → View Durham details →

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