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

Indianapolis

Indiana
74
VS

Sacramento

California
132

Indianapolis is 44% cheaper than Sacramento.

$1,112/mo ↓ 34%
Median Rent
$1,694/mo ↑ 52%
$62,995/yr ↓ 25%
Median Income
$83,753/yr ↑ 33%
$207,000 ↓ 57%
Home Value
$484,600 ↑ 134%
$1,124/mo ↓ 36%
Owner Costs
$1,752/mo ↑ 56%
882,043
Population
524,802

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
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Indianapolis, IN and Sacramento, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 132 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $582/month cheaper in Indianapolis, saving renters about $6,984/year.

Median household income is $20,758/year higher in Sacramento. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Indianapolis is $207,000 compared to $484,600 in Sacramento.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Indianapolis vs Sacramento — common questions

Is Indianapolis or Sacramento cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Indianapolis is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Indianapolis and Sacramento?
Median rent in Indianapolis is $1,112/month and in Sacramento it's $1,694/month — a difference of $582/month.
Which city has higher income, Indianapolis or Sacramento?
Median household income is $62,995 in Indianapolis and $83,753 in Sacramento. Median household income is $20,758/year higher in Sacramento.
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 Sacramento?
It depends on your priorities. Indianapolis has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,112/mo, while Sacramento has a cost index of 132 with rent of $1,694/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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