salaryIndianapolis is 21% cheaperBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
I need in San Francisco to live the same way.
🏠 Rent per month
$1,465
$3,201
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,315
$3,312
💵 Families earn per year
$71,417
$152,036
🔑 Buying a house
$224,800
$1,394,500
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
95.7
115.6
🏛️ Property tax per year
$2,037
$9,862
⚡ Electric bill per month
$141
$104
👥 People living there
885,860
830,235
Commute to work
24.6 min
30.4 min
College degree
34.9%
60.3%
Own their home
56%
38.2%
Below poverty line
15.8%
11.2%
Unemployment
5.1%
6.1%
Bottom line
- Pick Indianapolis for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes and 2 more.
- Pick San Francisco for higher incomes, a more educated workforce, less poverty.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Indianapolis | San Francisco | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | $84,230 | $186,610 | +122% in San Francisco |
| Market Research Analyst | $65,200 | $123,250 | +89% in San Francisco |
| Software Developer | $106,870 | $186,640 | +75% in San Francisco |
| Elementary School Teacher | $60,510 | $101,860 | +68% in San Francisco |
| Nurse Practitioner | $130,460 | $219,080 | +68% in San Francisco |
| Firefighter | $68,480 | $113,700 | +66% in San Francisco |
| Police Officer | $83,110 | $132,000 | +59% in San Francisco |
| Dental Hygienist | $97,470 | $146,760 | +51% in San Francisco |
Frequently asked questions
Is Indianapolis or San Francisco cheaper to live in?
Indianapolis is about 21% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,465 a month there versus $3,201 in San Francisco.
What salary do I need in San Francisco to match $60,000 in Indianapolis?
About $72,488 a year gives the same standard of living in San Francisco.
Where do people earn more, Indianapolis or San Francisco?
The typical household earns $71,417 in Indianapolis and $152,036 in San Francisco, 53% more in San Francisco.
More comparisons
All Indianapolis comparisons → · All San Francisco comparisons →
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