Cost of Living: Houston vs Indianapolis (2026)

Houston vs Indianapolis cost of living compared: rent, home prices, and what your salary is really worth. Indianapolis is about 3% less expensive than Houston overall — $100,000 in Houston is worth about $97,026 in Indianapolis.

Indianapolis is about 3% less expensive than Houston overall — $100,000 in Houston is worth about $97,026 in Indianapolis.

Houston vs Indianapolis: the numbers

MetricHoustonIndianapolisDifference
Cost-of-living index (US=100)9996-3%
Median rent$1,313$1,112-15%
Median home value$253,400$207,000-18%
Median household income$62,894$62,995+0%

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 Houston has the same buying power as about $97,026 in Indianapolis. Going the other way, $100,000 in Indianapolis is like $103,065 in Houston.

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

Compare any salary: Houston vs Indianapolis

What you earn (or want to compare)

Frequently Asked Questions

Houston is more expensive. Its cost-of-living index is 99 vs 96 — a 3% difference. Your money goes further in Indianapolis.

About $97,026 — that's what you'd need in Indianapolis to maintain the same purchasing power as $100,000 in Houston.