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

Indianapolis

Indiana
74
VS

Fresno

California
101

Indianapolis is 27% cheaper than Fresno.

$1,112/mo ↓ 16%
Median Rent
$1,324/mo ↑ 19%
$62,995/yr ↓ 6%
Median Income
$66,804/yr ↑ 6%
$207,000 ↓ 41%
Home Value
$348,500 ↑ 68%
$1,124/mo ↓ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,391/mo ↑ 24%
882,043
Population
543,615

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
23.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Indianapolis, IN and Fresno, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 101 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $212/month cheaper in Indianapolis, saving renters about $2,544/year.

Median household income is $3,809/year higher in Fresno. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Indianapolis is $207,000 compared to $348,500 in Fresno.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Indianapolis vs Fresno — common questions

Is Indianapolis or Fresno cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Indianapolis is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 101 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Indianapolis and Fresno?
Median rent in Indianapolis is $1,112/month and in Fresno it's $1,324/month — a difference of $212/month.
Which city has higher income, Indianapolis or Fresno?
Median household income is $62,995 in Indianapolis and $66,804 in Fresno. Median household income is $3,809/year higher in Fresno.
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 Fresno?
It depends on your priorities. Indianapolis has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,112/mo, while Fresno has a cost index of 101 with rent of $1,324/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Indianapolis details → View Fresno details →

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