Cost of Living: Indianapolis, IN vs Pittsburgh, PA (2026)

Indianapolis

Indiana
74
VS

Pittsburgh

Pennsylvania
76

Indianapolis and Pittsburgh have a similar cost of living.

$1,112/mo ↓ 9%
Median Rent
$1,221/mo ↑ 10%
$62,995/yr ↓ 2%
Median Income
$64,137/yr ↑ 2%
$207,000 ↑ 7%
Home Value
$193,200 ↓ 7%
$1,124/mo ↓ 1%
Owner Costs
$1,136/mo ↑ 1%
882,043
Population
303,620

Tax Comparison

3.05%
Income Tax
3.07%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.83%
Property Tax
1.49%

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Indianapolis, IN and Pittsburgh, PA, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $109/month cheaper in Indianapolis, saving renters about $1,308/year.

Median household income is $1,142/year higher in Pittsburgh. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Indianapolis is $207,000 compared to $193,200 in Pittsburgh.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Indianapolis vs Pittsburgh — common questions

Is Indianapolis or Pittsburgh cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Indianapolis is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 76 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Indianapolis and Pittsburgh?
Median rent in Indianapolis is $1,112/month and in Pittsburgh it's $1,221/month — a difference of $109/month.
Which city has higher income, Indianapolis or Pittsburgh?
Median household income is $62,995 in Indianapolis and $64,137 in Pittsburgh. Median household income is $1,142/year higher in Pittsburgh.
How do taxes compare between Indiana and Pennsylvania?
Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax.
Should I move to Indianapolis or Pittsburgh?
It depends on your priorities. Indianapolis has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,112/mo, while Pittsburgh has a cost index of 76 with rent of $1,221/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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