Cost of Living: Indianapolis vs San Jose (2026)

Indianapolis vs San Jose cost of living compared: rent, home prices, and what your salary is really worth. San Jose is about 15% more expensive than Indianapolis overall — $100,000 in Indianapolis is worth about $115,389 in San Jose.

San Jose is about 15% more expensive than Indianapolis overall — $100,000 in Indianapolis is worth about $115,389 in San Jose.

Indianapolis vs San Jose: the numbers

MetricIndianapolisSan JoseDifference
Cost-of-living index (US=100)96110+15%
Median rent$1,112$2,617+135%
Median home value$207,000$1,187,800+474%
Median household income$62,995$141,565+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 $115,389 in San Jose. Going the other way, $100,000 in San Jose is like $86,663 in Indianapolis.

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

Compare any salary: Indianapolis vs San Jose

What you earn (or want to compare)

Frequently Asked Questions

San Jose is more expensive. Its cost-of-living index is 110 vs 96 — a 15% difference. Your money goes further in Indianapolis.

About $115,389 — that's what you'd need in San Jose to maintain the same purchasing power as $100,000 in Indianapolis.