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

Los Angeles

California
187
VS

Indianapolis

Indiana
74

Los Angeles is 153% more expensive than Indianapolis.

$1,879/mo ↑ 69%
Median Rent
$1,112/mo ↓ 41%
$80,366/yr ↑ 28%
Median Income
$62,995/yr ↓ 22%
$879,500 ↑ 325%
Home Value
$207,000 ↓ 76%
$2,055/mo ↑ 83%
Owner Costs
$1,124/mo ↓ 45%
3,857,897
Population
882,043

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
3.05%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.83%

Affordability

28.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Los Angeles, CA and Indianapolis, IN, the overall cost of living indices are 187 and 74 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $767/month cheaper in Indianapolis, saving renters about $9,204/year.

Median household income is $17,371/year higher in Los Angeles. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Los Angeles is $879,500 compared to $207,000 in Indianapolis.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Los Angeles vs Indianapolis — common questions

Is Los Angeles or Indianapolis cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Indianapolis is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 187 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Los Angeles and Indianapolis?
Median rent in Los Angeles is $1,879/month and in Indianapolis it's $1,112/month — a difference of $767/month.
Which city has higher income, Los Angeles or Indianapolis?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles and $62,995 in Indianapolis. Median household income is $17,371/year higher in Los Angeles.
How do taxes compare between California and Indiana?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax.
Should I move to Los Angeles or Indianapolis?
It depends on your priorities. Los Angeles has a cost index of 187 with median rent of $1,879/mo, while Indianapolis has a cost index of 74 with rent of $1,112/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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More Comparisons

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