Cost of Living: Indianapolis, IN vs Mesa, AZ (2026)

Indianapolis

Indiana
74
VS

Mesa

Arizona
107

Indianapolis is 31% cheaper than Mesa.

$1,112/mo ↓ 25%
Median Rent
$1,478/mo ↑ 33%
$62,995/yr ↓ 20%
Median Income
$78,779/yr ↑ 25%
$207,000 ↓ 43%
Home Value
$364,300 ↑ 76%
$1,124/mo ↓ 20%
Owner Costs
$1,404/mo ↑ 25%
882,043
Population
507,478

Tax Comparison

3.05%
Income Tax
2.5%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
0.83%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Indianapolis, IN and Mesa, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 107 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $366/month cheaper in Indianapolis, saving renters about $4,392/year.

Median household income is $15,784/year higher in Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Indianapolis is $207,000 compared to $364,300 in Mesa.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Mesa slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Indianapolis vs Mesa — common questions

Is Indianapolis or Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Indianapolis is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 107 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Indianapolis and Mesa?
Median rent in Indianapolis is $1,112/month and in Mesa it's $1,478/month — a difference of $366/month.
Which city has higher income, Indianapolis or Mesa?
Median household income is $62,995 in Indianapolis and $78,779 in Mesa. Median household income is $15,784/year higher in Mesa.
How do taxes compare between Indiana and Arizona?
Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Indianapolis or Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Indianapolis has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,112/mo, while Mesa has a cost index of 107 with rent of $1,478/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Indianapolis details → View Mesa details →

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