Cost of Living: Indianapolis, IN vs Richardson, TX (2026)

Indianapolis

Indiana
74
VS

Richardson

Texas
128

Indianapolis is 42% cheaper than Richardson.

$1,112/mo ↓ 39%
Median Rent
$1,825/mo ↑ 64%
$62,995/yr ↓ 35%
Median Income
$96,257/yr ↑ 53%
$207,000 ↓ 49%
Home Value
$405,600 ↑ 96%
$1,124/mo ↓ 37%
Owner Costs
$1,796/mo ↑ 60%
882,043
Population
118,269

Tax Comparison

3.05%
Income Tax
0%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.83%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Indianapolis, IN and Richardson, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $713/month cheaper in Indianapolis, saving renters about $8,556/year.

Median household income is $33,262/year higher in Richardson. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Indianapolis is $207,000 compared to $405,600 in Richardson.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Richardson residents a significant tax advantage over Indiana's 3.05% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Indianapolis vs Richardson — common questions

Is Indianapolis or Richardson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Indianapolis is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 128 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Indianapolis and Richardson?
Median rent in Indianapolis is $1,112/month and in Richardson it's $1,825/month — a difference of $713/month.
Which city has higher income, Indianapolis or Richardson?
Median household income is $62,995 in Indianapolis and $96,257 in Richardson. Median household income is $33,262/year higher in Richardson.
How do taxes compare between Indiana and Texas?
Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Indianapolis or Richardson?
It depends on your priorities. Indianapolis has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,112/mo, while Richardson has a cost index of 128 with rent of $1,825/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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