salaryIndianapolis is 12% cheaperBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
I need in Indianapolis to live the same way.
🏠 Rent per month
$3,112
$1,465
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$2,480
$1,315
💵 Families earn per year
$104,986
$71,417
🔑 Buying a house
$731,700
$224,800
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
108.3
95.7
🏛️ Property tax per year
$4,456
$2,037
⚡ Electric bill per month
$113
$141
👥 People living there
666,442
885,860
Commute to work
30.3 min
24.6 min
College degree
54.9%
34.9%
Own their home
35.7%
56%
Below poverty line
16.6%
15.8%
Unemployment
6.1%
5.1%
Bottom line
- Pick Boston for higher incomes, a more educated workforce.
- Pick Indianapolis for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes and 3 more.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Boston | Indianapolis | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elementary School Teacher | $98,060 | $60,510 | -38% in Indianapolis |
| Market Research Analyst | $102,390 | $65,200 | -36% in Indianapolis |
| Software Developer | $166,090 | $106,870 | -36% in Indianapolis |
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $39,270 | $29,050 | -26% in Indianapolis |
| Computer Systems Analyst | $129,180 | $101,890 | -21% in Indianapolis |
| HVAC Technician | $78,530 | $62,160 | -21% in Indianapolis |
| Accountant | $100,150 | $79,290 | -21% in Indianapolis |
| Registered Nurse | $106,180 | $84,230 | -21% in Indianapolis |
Frequently asked questions
Is Boston or Indianapolis cheaper to live in?
Indianapolis is about 12% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,465 a month there versus $3,112 in Boston.
What salary do I need in Indianapolis to match $60,000 in Boston?
About $53,034 a year gives the same standard of living in Indianapolis.
Where do people earn more, Boston or Indianapolis?
The typical household earns $104,986 in Boston and $71,417 in Indianapolis, 47% more in Boston.