Indianapolis is 15% cheaperBased on official 2024 price levels from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.
I need in San Jose to live the same way.
🏠 Rent per month
$1,465
$3,046
🛏️ 2-bedroom rent
$1,315
$2,897
💵 Families earn per year
$71,417
$157,922
🔑 Buying a house
$224,800
$1,233,200
📊 Overall prices (U.S. = 100)
95.7
110.4
🏛️ Property tax per year
$2,037
$9,393
⚡ Electric bill per month
$141
$168
👥 People living there
885,860
990,138
Commute to work
24.6 min
27.3 min
College degree
34.9%
47.3%
Own their home
56%
55.8%
Below poverty line
15.8%
8.1%
Unemployment
5.1%
5.1%
Bottom line
- Pick Indianapolis for lower rent, cheaper 2-bedroom apartments, cheaper homes and 1 more.
- Pick San Jose for higher incomes, a more educated workforce, less poverty.
Pay for the same job
| Job | Indianapolis | San Jose | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | $84,230 | $216,740 | +157% in San Jose |
| Firefighter | $68,480 | $152,100 | +122% in San Jose |
| Market Research Analyst | $65,200 | $141,960 | +118% in San Jose |
| Software Developer | $106,870 | $213,110 | +99% in San Jose |
| Nurse Practitioner | $130,460 | $231,560 | +77% in San Jose |
| Elementary School Teacher | $60,510 | $102,860 | +70% in San Jose |
| Physician Assistant | $131,950 | $223,640 | +69% in San Jose |
| Police Officer | $83,110 | $136,140 | +64% in San Jose |
Frequently asked questions
Is Indianapolis or San Jose cheaper to live in?
Indianapolis is about 15% cheaper overall. Rent is $1,465 a month there versus $3,046 in San Jose.
What salary do I need in San Jose to match $60,000 in Indianapolis?
About $69,234 a year gives the same standard of living in San Jose.
Where do people earn more, Indianapolis or San Jose?
The typical household earns $71,417 in Indianapolis and $157,922 in San Jose, 55% more in San Jose.