Cost of Living: Indianapolis, IN vs Scottsdale, AZ (2026)

Indianapolis

Indiana
74
VS

Scottsdale

Arizona
165

Indianapolis is 55% cheaper than Scottsdale.

$1,112/mo ↓ 42%
Median Rent
$1,910/mo ↑ 72%
$62,995/yr ↓ 41%
Median Income
$107,372/yr ↑ 70%
$207,000 ↓ 71%
Home Value
$709,900 ↑ 243%
$1,124/mo ↓ 38%
Owner Costs
$1,824/mo ↑ 62%
882,043
Population
242,169

Tax Comparison

3.05%
Income Tax
2.5%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
0.83%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Indianapolis, IN and Scottsdale, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 165 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $798/month cheaper in Indianapolis, saving renters about $9,576/year.

Median household income is $44,377/year higher in Scottsdale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Indianapolis is $207,000 compared to $709,900 in Scottsdale.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Scottsdale slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Indianapolis vs Scottsdale — common questions

Is Indianapolis or Scottsdale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Indianapolis is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 165 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Indianapolis and Scottsdale?
Median rent in Indianapolis is $1,112/month and in Scottsdale it's $1,910/month — a difference of $798/month.
Which city has higher income, Indianapolis or Scottsdale?
Median household income is $62,995 in Indianapolis and $107,372 in Scottsdale. Median household income is $44,377/year higher in Scottsdale.
How do taxes compare between Indiana and Arizona?
Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Indianapolis or Scottsdale?
It depends on your priorities. Indianapolis has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,112/mo, while Scottsdale has a cost index of 165 with rent of $1,910/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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Indianapolis vs. Charlotte Indianapolis vs. San Francisco Indianapolis vs. Columbus Indianapolis vs. Seattle Indianapolis vs. Fort Worth Indianapolis vs. Denver Scottsdale vs. Garland Scottsdale vs. Boise Scottsdale vs. Glendale Scottsdale vs. Arlington Scottsdale vs. Winston-Salem Scottsdale vs. Norfolk