Cost of Living: Indianapolis, IN vs Jersey City, NJ (2026)

Indianapolis

Indiana
74
VS

Jersey City

New Jersey
148

Indianapolis is 50% cheaper than Jersey City.

$1,112/mo ↓ 42%
Median Rent
$1,902/mo ↑ 71%
$62,995/yr ↓ 34%
Median Income
$94,813/yr ↑ 51%
$207,000 ↓ 61%
Home Value
$534,500 ↑ 158%
$1,124/mo ↓ 44%
Owner Costs
$2,006/mo ↑ 78%
882,043
Population
289,691

Tax Comparison

3.05%
Income Tax
10.75%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
0.83%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Indianapolis, IN and Jersey City, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 148 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $790/month cheaper in Indianapolis, saving renters about $9,480/year.

Median household income is $31,818/year higher in Jersey City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Indianapolis is $207,000 compared to $534,500 in Jersey City.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Indianapolis vs Jersey City — common questions

Is Indianapolis or Jersey City cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Indianapolis is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 148 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Indianapolis and Jersey City?
Median rent in Indianapolis is $1,112/month and in Jersey City it's $1,902/month — a difference of $790/month.
Which city has higher income, Indianapolis or Jersey City?
Median household income is $62,995 in Indianapolis and $94,813 in Jersey City. Median household income is $31,818/year higher in Jersey City.
How do taxes compare between Indiana and New Jersey?
Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Indianapolis or Jersey City?
It depends on your priorities. Indianapolis has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,112/mo, while Jersey City has a cost index of 148 with rent of $1,902/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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