Cost of Living: Indianapolis vs Phoenix (2026)

Indianapolis vs Phoenix cost of living compared: rent, home prices, and what your salary is really worth. Phoenix is about 8% more expensive than Indianapolis overall — $100,000 in Indianapolis is worth about $107,963 in Phoenix.

Phoenix is about 8% more expensive than Indianapolis overall — $100,000 in Indianapolis is worth about $107,963 in Phoenix.

Indianapolis vs Phoenix: the numbers

MetricIndianapolisPhoenixDifference
Cost-of-living index (US=100)96103+8%
Median rent$1,112$1,458+31%
Median home value$207,000$381,900+84%
Median household income$62,995$77,041+22%

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 $107,963 in Phoenix. Going the other way, $100,000 in Phoenix is like $92,625 in Indianapolis.

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

Compare any salary: Indianapolis vs Phoenix

What you earn (or want to compare)

Frequently Asked Questions

Phoenix is more expensive. Its cost-of-living index is 103 vs 96 — a 8% difference. Your money goes further in Indianapolis.

About $107,963 — that's what you'd need in Phoenix to maintain the same purchasing power as $100,000 in Indianapolis.