Cost of Living: Indianapolis, IN vs Salt Lake City, UT (2026)

Indianapolis

Indiana
74
VS

Salt Lake City

Utah
117

Indianapolis is 37% cheaper than Salt Lake City.

$1,112/mo ↓ 17%
Median Rent
$1,343/mo ↑ 21%
$62,995/yr ↓ 16%
Median Income
$74,925/yr ↑ 19%
$207,000 ↓ 58%
Home Value
$495,700 ↑ 139%
$1,124/mo ↓ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,394/mo ↑ 24%
882,043
Population
203,888

Tax Comparison

3.05%
Income Tax
4.65%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.1%
0.83%
Property Tax
0.58%

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Indianapolis, IN and Salt Lake City, UT, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 117 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $231/month cheaper in Indianapolis, saving renters about $2,772/year.

Median household income is $11,930/year higher in Salt Lake City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Indianapolis is $207,000 compared to $495,700 in Salt Lake City.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Indianapolis vs Salt Lake City — common questions

Is Indianapolis or Salt Lake City cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Indianapolis is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 117 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Indianapolis and Salt Lake City?
Median rent in Indianapolis is $1,112/month and in Salt Lake City it's $1,343/month — a difference of $231/month.
Which city has higher income, Indianapolis or Salt Lake City?
Median household income is $62,995 in Indianapolis and $74,925 in Salt Lake City. Median household income is $11,930/year higher in Salt Lake City.
How do taxes compare between Indiana and Utah?
Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax.
Should I move to Indianapolis or Salt Lake City?
It depends on your priorities. Indianapolis has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,112/mo, while Salt Lake City has a cost index of 117 with rent of $1,343/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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