Cost of Living: Columbus vs Indianapolis (2026)

Columbus vs Indianapolis cost of living compared: rent, home prices, and what your salary is really worth. Indianapolis is about 0% more expensive than Columbus overall — $100,000 in Columbus is worth about $100,238 in Indianapolis.

Indianapolis is about 0% more expensive than Columbus overall — $100,000 in Columbus is worth about $100,238 in Indianapolis.

Columbus vs Indianapolis: the numbers

MetricColumbusIndianapolisDifference
Cost-of-living index (US=100)9596+0%
Median rent$1,224$1,112-9%
Median home value$234,500$207,000-12%
Median household income$65,327$62,995-4%

Cost of living = BEA Regional Price Parities (US average = 100). Rent, home value, and income from the U.S. Census ACS. See our methodology.

What your salary is worth

A $100,000 salary in Columbus has the same buying power as about $100,238 in Indianapolis. Going the other way, $100,000 in Indianapolis is like $99,763 in Columbus.

Use the calculator below to compare any salary between Columbus and Indianapolis.

Compare any salary: Columbus vs Indianapolis

What you earn (or want to compare)

Frequently Asked Questions

Indianapolis is more expensive. Its cost-of-living index is 96 vs 95 — a 0% difference. Your money goes further in Columbus.

About $100,238 — that's what you'd need in Indianapolis to maintain the same purchasing power as $100,000 in Columbus.