Cost of Living: Indianapolis vs San Francisco (2026)

Indianapolis vs San Francisco cost of living compared: rent, home prices, and what your salary is really worth. San Francisco is about 21% more expensive than Indianapolis overall — $100,000 in Indianapolis is worth about $120,813 in San Francisco.

San Francisco is about 21% more expensive than Indianapolis overall — $100,000 in Indianapolis is worth about $120,813 in San Francisco.

Indianapolis vs San Francisco: the numbers

MetricIndianapolisSan FranciscoDifference
Cost-of-living index (US=100)96116+21%
Median rent$1,112$2,419+118%
Median home value$207,000$1,380,500+567%
Median household income$62,995$141,446+125%

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 $120,813 in San Francisco. Going the other way, $100,000 in San Francisco is like $82,773 in Indianapolis.

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

Compare any salary: Indianapolis vs San Francisco

What you earn (or want to compare)

Frequently Asked Questions

San Francisco is more expensive. Its cost-of-living index is 116 vs 96 — a 21% difference. Your money goes further in Indianapolis.

About $120,813 — that's what you'd need in San Francisco to maintain the same purchasing power as $100,000 in Indianapolis.