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

Indianapolis

Indiana
74
VS

Long Beach

California
169

Indianapolis is 56% cheaper than Long Beach.

$1,112/mo ↓ 38%
Median Rent
$1,803/mo ↑ 62%
$62,995/yr ↓ 25%
Median Income
$83,969/yr ↑ 33%
$207,000 ↓ 73%
Home Value
$762,200 ↑ 268%
$1,124/mo ↓ 41%
Owner Costs
$1,890/mo ↑ 68%
882,043
Population
458,491

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
25.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Indianapolis, IN and Long Beach, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $691/month cheaper in Indianapolis, saving renters about $8,292/year.

Median household income is $20,974/year higher in Long Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Indianapolis is $207,000 compared to $762,200 in Long Beach.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Indianapolis vs Long Beach — common questions

Is Indianapolis or Long Beach cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Indianapolis is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Indianapolis and Long Beach?
Median rent in Indianapolis is $1,112/month and in Long Beach it's $1,803/month — a difference of $691/month.
Which city has higher income, Indianapolis or Long Beach?
Median household income is $62,995 in Indianapolis and $83,969 in Long Beach. Median household income is $20,974/year higher in Long Beach.
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 Long Beach?
It depends on your priorities. Indianapolis has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,112/mo, while Long Beach has a cost index of 169 with rent of $1,803/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Indianapolis details → View Long Beach details →

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