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

Indianapolis

Indiana
74
VS

Pasadena

California
220

Indianapolis is 66% cheaper than Pasadena.

$1,112/mo ↓ 50%
Median Rent
$2,218/mo ↑ 99%
$62,995/yr ↓ 39%
Median Income
$103,778/yr ↑ 65%
$207,000 ↓ 80%
Home Value
$1,045,000 ↑ 405%
$1,124/mo ↓ 52%
Owner Costs
$2,340/mo ↑ 108%
882,043
Population
136,462

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
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Indianapolis, IN and Pasadena, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 220 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,106/month cheaper in Indianapolis, saving renters about $13,272/year.

Median household income is $40,783/year higher in Pasadena. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Indianapolis is $207,000 compared to $1,045,000 in Pasadena.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Indianapolis vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Indianapolis or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Indianapolis is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 220 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Indianapolis and Pasadena?
Median rent in Indianapolis is $1,112/month and in Pasadena it's $2,218/month — a difference of $1,106/month.
Which city has higher income, Indianapolis or Pasadena?
Median household income is $62,995 in Indianapolis and $103,778 in Pasadena. Median household income is $40,783/year higher in Pasadena.
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 Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. Indianapolis has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,112/mo, while Pasadena has a cost index of 220 with rent of $2,218/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Indianapolis details → View Pasadena details →

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