Cost of Living: Indianapolis, IN vs Fremont, CA (2026)

Indianapolis

Indiana
74
VS

Fremont

California
278

Indianapolis is 73% cheaper than Fremont.

$1,112/mo ↓ 62%
Median Rent
$2,905/mo ↑ 161%
$62,995/yr ↓ 64%
Median Income
$176,350/yr ↑ 180%
$207,000 ↓ 84%
Home Value
$1,289,400 ↑ 523%
$1,124/mo ↓ 63%
Owner Costs
$3,000/mo ↑ 167%
882,043
Population
228,518

Tax Comparison

3.05%
Income Tax
13.3%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.83%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Indianapolis, IN and Fremont, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 278 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,793/month cheaper in Indianapolis, saving renters about $21,516/year.

Median household income is $113,355/year higher in Fremont. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Indianapolis is $207,000 compared to $1,289,400 in Fremont.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Indianapolis vs Fremont — common questions

Is Indianapolis or Fremont cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Indianapolis is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 278 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Indianapolis and Fremont?
Median rent in Indianapolis is $1,112/month and in Fremont it's $2,905/month — a difference of $1,793/month.
Which city has higher income, Indianapolis or Fremont?
Median household income is $62,995 in Indianapolis and $176,350 in Fremont. Median household income is $113,355/year higher in Fremont.
How do taxes compare between Indiana and California?
Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Indianapolis or Fremont?
It depends on your priorities. Indianapolis has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,112/mo, while Fremont has a cost index of 278 with rent of $2,905/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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