Cost of Living: Indianapolis vs New York (2026)

Indianapolis vs New York cost of living compared: rent, home prices, and what your salary is really worth. New York is about 18% more expensive than Indianapolis overall — $100,000 in Indianapolis is worth about $117,626 in New York.

New York is about 18% more expensive than Indianapolis overall — $100,000 in Indianapolis is worth about $117,626 in New York.

Indianapolis vs New York: the numbers

MetricIndianapolisNew YorkDifference
Cost-of-living index (US=100)96113+18%
Median rent$1,112$1,779+60%
Median home value$207,000$751,700+263%
Median household income$62,995$79,713+27%

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 Indianapolis has the same buying power as about $117,626 in New York. Going the other way, $100,000 in New York is like $85,016 in Indianapolis.

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

Compare any salary: Indianapolis vs New York

What you earn (or want to compare)

Frequently Asked Questions

New York is more expensive. Its cost-of-living index is 113 vs 96 — a 18% difference. Your money goes further in Indianapolis.

About $117,626 — that's what you'd need in New York to maintain the same purchasing power as $100,000 in Indianapolis.