Cost of Living: Philadelphia, PA vs Indianapolis, IN (2026)

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania
85
VS

Indianapolis

Indiana
74

Philadelphia is 15% more expensive than Indianapolis.

$1,323/mo ↑ 19%
Median Rent
$1,112/mo ↓ 16%
$60,698/yr ↓ 4%
Median Income
$62,995/yr ↑ 4%
$232,400 ↑ 12%
Home Value
$207,000 ↓ 11%
$1,233/mo ↑ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,124/mo ↓ 9%
1,582,432
Population
882,043

Tax Comparison

3.07%
Income Tax
3.05%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
1.49%
Property Tax
0.83%

Affordability

26.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Philadelphia, PA and Indianapolis, IN, the overall cost of living indices are 85 and 74 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $211/month cheaper in Indianapolis, saving renters about $2,532/year.

Median household income is $2,297/year higher in Indianapolis. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Philadelphia is $232,400 compared to $207,000 in Indianapolis.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Philadelphia vs Indianapolis — common questions

Is Philadelphia or Indianapolis cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Indianapolis is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 85 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Philadelphia and Indianapolis?
Median rent in Philadelphia is $1,323/month and in Indianapolis it's $1,112/month — a difference of $211/month.
Which city has higher income, Philadelphia or Indianapolis?
Median household income is $60,698 in Philadelphia and $62,995 in Indianapolis. Median household income is $2,297/year higher in Indianapolis.
How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and Indiana?
Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax.
Should I move to Philadelphia or Indianapolis?
It depends on your priorities. Philadelphia has a cost index of 85 with median rent of $1,323/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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