Cost of Living: Indianapolis, IN vs Fort Lauderdale, FL (2026)

Indianapolis

Indiana
74
VS

Fort Lauderdale

Florida
132

Indianapolis is 44% cheaper than Fort Lauderdale.

$1,112/mo ↓ 37%
Median Rent
$1,776/mo ↑ 60%
$62,995/yr ↓ 21%
Median Income
$79,935/yr ↑ 27%
$207,000 ↓ 55%
Home Value
$455,600 ↑ 120%
$1,124/mo ↓ 37%
Owner Costs
$1,778/mo ↑ 58%
882,043
Population
183,032

Tax Comparison

3.05%
Income Tax
0%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.83%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Indianapolis, IN and Fort Lauderdale, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 132 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $664/month cheaper in Indianapolis, saving renters about $7,968/year.

Median household income is $16,940/year higher in Fort Lauderdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Indianapolis is $207,000 compared to $455,600 in Fort Lauderdale.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Fort Lauderdale residents a significant tax advantage over Indiana's 3.05% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Indianapolis vs Fort Lauderdale — common questions

Is Indianapolis or Fort Lauderdale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Indianapolis is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Indianapolis and Fort Lauderdale?
Median rent in Indianapolis is $1,112/month and in Fort Lauderdale it's $1,776/month — a difference of $664/month.
Which city has higher income, Indianapolis or Fort Lauderdale?
Median household income is $62,995 in Indianapolis and $79,935 in Fort Lauderdale. Median household income is $16,940/year higher in Fort Lauderdale.
How do taxes compare between Indiana and Florida?
Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Indianapolis or Fort Lauderdale?
It depends on your priorities. Indianapolis has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,112/mo, while Fort Lauderdale has a cost index of 132 with rent of $1,776/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Indianapolis details → View Fort Lauderdale details →

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