Cost of Living: Indianapolis, IN vs Portland, OR (2026)

Indianapolis

Indiana
74
VS

Portland

Oregon
138

Indianapolis is 46% cheaper than Portland.

$1,112/mo ↓ 30%
Median Rent
$1,596/mo ↑ 44%
$62,995/yr ↓ 29%
Median Income
$88,792/yr ↑ 41%
$207,000 ↓ 63%
Home Value
$557,600 ↑ 169%
$1,124/mo ↓ 37%
Owner Costs
$1,771/mo ↑ 58%
882,043
Population
642,715

Tax Comparison

3.05%
Income Tax
9.9%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
0%
0.83%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Indianapolis, IN and Portland, OR, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 138 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $484/month cheaper in Indianapolis, saving renters about $5,808/year.

Median household income is $25,797/year higher in Portland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Indianapolis is $207,000 compared to $557,600 in Portland.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Indianapolis vs Portland — common questions

Is Indianapolis or Portland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Indianapolis is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Indianapolis and Portland?
Median rent in Indianapolis is $1,112/month and in Portland it's $1,596/month — a difference of $484/month.
Which city has higher income, Indianapolis or Portland?
Median household income is $62,995 in Indianapolis and $88,792 in Portland. Median household income is $25,797/year higher in Portland.
How do taxes compare between Indiana and Oregon?
Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Indianapolis or Portland?
It depends on your priorities. Indianapolis has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,112/mo, while Portland has a cost index of 138 with rent of $1,596/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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