salaryIndianapolis is 5% 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
$1,347
$1,465
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,153
$1,315
💵 Families earn per year
$43,073
$71,417
🔑 Buying a house
$83,900
$224,800
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
100.3
95.7
🏛️ Property tax per year
$1,402
$2,037
⚡ Electric bill per month
$196
$141
👥 People living there
638,530
885,860
Commute to work
24.8 min
24.6 min
College degree
18.1%
34.9%
Own their home
50.3%
56%
Below poverty line
32.7%
15.8%
Unemployment
14%
5.1%
Bottom line
- Pick Detroit for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes.
- Pick Indianapolis for higher incomes, shorter commutes, a more educated workforce and 2 more.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Detroit | Indianapolis | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Server (Waiter/Waitress) | $37,490 | $29,050 | -23% in Indianapolis |
| Electrician | $81,990 | $65,130 | -21% in Indianapolis |
| Medical Assistant | $39,410 | $46,900 | +19% in Indianapolis |
| Software Developer | $130,760 | $106,870 | -18% in Indianapolis |
| Operations Manager | $104,010 | $120,480 | +16% in Indianapolis |
| Market Research Analyst | $77,100 | $65,200 | -15% in Indianapolis |
| Dental Hygienist | $84,480 | $97,470 | +15% in Indianapolis |
| Registered Nurse | $97,280 | $84,230 | -13% in Indianapolis |
Frequently asked questions
Is Detroit or Indianapolis cheaper to live in?
Indianapolis is about 5% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,465 a month there versus $1,347 in Detroit.
What salary do I need in Indianapolis to match $60,000 in Detroit?
About $57,247 a year gives the same standard of living in Indianapolis.
Where do people earn more, Detroit or Indianapolis?
The typical household earns $43,073 in Detroit and $71,417 in Indianapolis, 40% more in Indianapolis.