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

Indianapolis

Indiana
74
VS

Ontario

California
152

Indianapolis is 51% cheaper than Ontario.

$1,112/mo ↓ 42%
Median Rent
$1,916/mo ↑ 72%
$62,995/yr ↓ 24%
Median Income
$82,806/yr ↑ 31%
$207,000 ↓ 64%
Home Value
$568,000 ↑ 174%
$1,124/mo ↓ 43%
Owner Costs
$1,967/mo ↑ 75%
882,043
Population
178,347

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
27.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Indianapolis, IN and Ontario, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 152 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $804/month cheaper in Indianapolis, saving renters about $9,648/year.

Median household income is $19,811/year higher in Ontario. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Indianapolis is $207,000 compared to $568,000 in Ontario.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Indianapolis vs Ontario — common questions

Is Indianapolis or Ontario cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Indianapolis is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Indianapolis and Ontario?
Median rent in Indianapolis is $1,112/month and in Ontario it's $1,916/month — a difference of $804/month.
Which city has higher income, Indianapolis or Ontario?
Median household income is $62,995 in Indianapolis and $82,806 in Ontario. Median household income is $19,811/year higher in Ontario.
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 Ontario?
It depends on your priorities. Indianapolis has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,112/mo, while Ontario has a cost index of 152 with rent of $1,916/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Indianapolis details → View Ontario details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Indianapolis and Ontario

Indianapolis vs. Charlotte Indianapolis vs. San Francisco Indianapolis vs. Columbus Indianapolis vs. Seattle Indianapolis vs. Fort Worth Indianapolis vs. Denver Ontario vs. Aurora Ontario vs. Eugene Ontario vs. Chattanooga Ontario vs. Elk Grove Ontario vs. Fort Lauderdale Ontario vs. Santa Rosa