Cost of Living: Indianapolis, IN vs Springfield, MA (2026)

Indianapolis

Indiana
74
VS

Springfield

Massachusetts
79

Indianapolis is 6% cheaper than Springfield.

$1,112/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,114/mo ≈ Same
$62,995/yr ↑ 23%
Median Income
$51,339/yr ↓ 19%
$207,000 ↓ 7%
Home Value
$222,700 ↑ 8%
$1,124/mo ↓ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,276/mo ↑ 14%
882,043
Population
154,751

Tax Comparison

3.05%
Income Tax
9.0%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.83%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Indianapolis, IN and Springfield, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $11,656/year higher in Indianapolis. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Indianapolis is $207,000 compared to $222,700 in Springfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Indianapolis vs Springfield — common questions

Is Indianapolis or Springfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Indianapolis is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 79 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Indianapolis and Springfield?
Median rent in Indianapolis is $1,112/month and in Springfield it's $1,114/month — a difference of $2/month.
Which city has higher income, Indianapolis or Springfield?
Median household income is $62,995 in Indianapolis and $51,339 in Springfield. Median household income is $11,656/year higher in Indianapolis.
How do taxes compare between Indiana and Massachusetts?
Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Indianapolis or Springfield?
It depends on your priorities. Indianapolis has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,112/mo, while Springfield has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,114/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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