salaryIndianapolis is 8% 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
$1,983
$1,465
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,622
$1,315
💵 Families earn per year
$84,017
$71,417
🔑 Buying a house
$334,100
$224,800
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
103.6
95.7
🏛️ Property tax per year
$4,943
$2,037
⚡ Electric bill per month
$90
$141
👥 People living there
2,711,226
885,860
Commute to work
33.1 min
24.6 min
College degree
44.3%
34.9%
Own their home
46%
56%
Below poverty line
16.8%
15.8%
Unemployment
8%
5.1%
Bottom line
- Pick Chicago 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 | Chicago | Indianapolis | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrician | $102,350 | $65,130 | -36% in Indianapolis |
| Plumber | $103,380 | $76,980 | -26% in Indianapolis |
| Police Officer | $107,810 | $83,110 | -23% in Indianapolis |
| Elementary School Teacher | $78,390 | $60,510 | -23% in Indianapolis |
| Software Developer | $134,380 | $106,870 | -20% in Indianapolis |
| HVAC Technician | $77,960 | $62,160 | -20% in Indianapolis |
| Carpenter | $80,440 | $65,070 | -19% in Indianapolis |
| Market Research Analyst | $80,400 | $65,200 | -19% in Indianapolis |
Frequently asked questions
Is Chicago or Indianapolis cheaper to live in?
Indianapolis is about 8% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,465 a month there versus $1,983 in Chicago.
What salary do I need in Indianapolis to match $60,000 in Chicago?
About $55,425 a year gives the same standard of living in Indianapolis.
Where do people earn more, Chicago or Indianapolis?
The typical household earns $84,017 in Chicago and $71,417 in Indianapolis, 18% more in Chicago.