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

Indianapolis

Indiana
74
VS

Glendale

California
214

Indianapolis is 65% cheaper than Glendale.

$1,112/mo ↓ 47%
Median Rent
$2,095/mo ↑ 88%
$62,995/yr ↓ 25%
Median Income
$84,262/yr ↑ 34%
$207,000 ↓ 80%
Home Value
$1,043,900 ↑ 404%
$1,124/mo ↓ 49%
Owner Costs
$2,212/mo ↑ 97%
882,043
Population
192,270

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
29.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Indianapolis, IN and Glendale, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 214 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $983/month cheaper in Indianapolis, saving renters about $11,796/year.

Median household income is $21,267/year higher in Glendale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Indianapolis is $207,000 compared to $1,043,900 in Glendale.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Indianapolis vs Glendale — common questions

Is Indianapolis or Glendale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Indianapolis is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 214 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Indianapolis and Glendale?
Median rent in Indianapolis is $1,112/month and in Glendale it's $2,095/month — a difference of $983/month.
Which city has higher income, Indianapolis or Glendale?
Median household income is $62,995 in Indianapolis and $84,262 in Glendale. Median household income is $21,267/year higher in Glendale.
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 Glendale?
It depends on your priorities. Indianapolis has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,112/mo, while Glendale has a cost index of 214 with rent of $2,095/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Indianapolis details → View Glendale details →

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