Cost of Living: Indianapolis, IN vs Raleigh, NC (2026)

Indianapolis

Indiana
74
VS

Raleigh

North Carolina
110

Indianapolis is 33% cheaper than Raleigh.

$1,112/mo ↓ 24%
Median Rent
$1,468/mo ↑ 32%
$62,995/yr ↓ 24%
Median Income
$82,424/yr ↑ 31%
$207,000 ↓ 45%
Home Value
$377,800 ↑ 83%
$1,124/mo ↓ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,487/mo ↑ 32%
882,043
Population
470,763

Tax Comparison

3.05%
Income Tax
4.5%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.83%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Indianapolis, IN and Raleigh, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 110 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $356/month cheaper in Indianapolis, saving renters about $4,272/year.

Median household income is $19,429/year higher in Raleigh. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Indianapolis is $207,000 compared to $377,800 in Raleigh.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Indianapolis vs Raleigh — common questions

Is Indianapolis or Raleigh cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Indianapolis is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 110 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Indianapolis and Raleigh?
Median rent in Indianapolis is $1,112/month and in Raleigh it's $1,468/month — a difference of $356/month.
Which city has higher income, Indianapolis or Raleigh?
Median household income is $62,995 in Indianapolis and $82,424 in Raleigh. Median household income is $19,429/year higher in Raleigh.
How do taxes compare between Indiana and North Carolina?
Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Indianapolis or Raleigh?
It depends on your priorities. Indianapolis has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,112/mo, while Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with rent of $1,468/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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