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

Indianapolis

Indiana
74
VS

Modesto

California
120

Indianapolis is 38% cheaper than Modesto.

$1,112/mo ↓ 31%
Median Rent
$1,609/mo ↑ 45%
$62,995/yr ↓ 19%
Median Income
$77,899/yr ↑ 24%
$207,000 ↓ 50%
Home Value
$415,600 ↑ 101%
$1,124/mo ↓ 30%
Owner Costs
$1,613/mo ↑ 44%
882,043
Population
218,614

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
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Indianapolis, IN and Modesto, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 120 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $497/month cheaper in Indianapolis, saving renters about $5,964/year.

Median household income is $14,904/year higher in Modesto. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Indianapolis is $207,000 compared to $415,600 in Modesto.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Indianapolis vs Modesto — common questions

Is Indianapolis or Modesto cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Indianapolis is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Indianapolis and Modesto?
Median rent in Indianapolis is $1,112/month and in Modesto it's $1,609/month — a difference of $497/month.
Which city has higher income, Indianapolis or Modesto?
Median household income is $62,995 in Indianapolis and $77,899 in Modesto. Median household income is $14,904/year higher in Modesto.
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 Modesto?
It depends on your priorities. Indianapolis has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,112/mo, while Modesto has a cost index of 120 with rent of $1,609/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Indianapolis details → View Modesto details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Indianapolis and Modesto

Indianapolis vs. Charlotte Indianapolis vs. San Francisco Indianapolis vs. Columbus Indianapolis vs. Seattle Indianapolis vs. Fort Worth Indianapolis vs. Denver Modesto vs. Huntsville Modesto vs. Des Moines Modesto vs. Spring Valley Modesto vs. Fontana Modesto vs. Port St. Lucie Modesto vs. Moreno Valley