salaryColumbus is 7% 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
$1,314
$1,465
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,116
$1,315
💵 Families earn per year
$62,632
$71,417
🔑 Buying a house
$193,900
$224,800
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
89.3
95.7
🏛️ Property tax per year
$1,660
$2,037
⚡ Electric bill per month
$173
$141
👥 People living there
203,711
885,860
Commute to work
20.9 min
24.6 min
College degree
30.5%
34.9%
Own their home
50.8%
56%
Below poverty line
19%
15.8%
Unemployment
6.3%
5.1%
Bottom line
- Pick Columbus for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes and 1 more.
- Pick Indianapolis for higher incomes, a more educated workforce, less poverty and 1 more.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Columbus | Indianapolis | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Police Officer | $49,990 | $83,110 | +66% in Indianapolis |
| Plumber | $47,410 | $76,980 | +62% in Indianapolis |
| Operations Manager | $82,330 | $120,480 | +46% in Indianapolis |
| Carpenter | $45,070 | $65,070 | +44% in Indianapolis |
| Firefighter | $48,770 | $68,480 | +40% in Indianapolis |
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $20,800 | $29,050 | +40% in Indianapolis |
| HVAC Technician | $46,780 | $62,160 | +33% in Indianapolis |
| Civil Engineer | $77,600 | $101,830 | +31% in Indianapolis |
Frequently asked questions
Is Columbus or Indianapolis cheaper to live in?
Columbus is about 7% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,314 a month there versus $1,465 in Indianapolis.
What salary do I need in Indianapolis to match $60,000 in Columbus?
About $64,300 a year gives the same standard of living in Indianapolis.
Where do people earn more, Columbus or Indianapolis?
The typical household earns $62,632 in Columbus and $71,417 in Indianapolis, 12% more in Indianapolis.