Moving from Columbus to Indianapolis?
Here's what you'd need to earn to maintain your lifestyle.
To maintain your Columbus lifestyle in Indianapolis, you'd need to earn:
$76,545/year
▲ $1,545 more than you make now
| Category | Columbus | Indianapolis |
|---|---|---|
| Salary | $75,000 | $76,545 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$8,114 | -$8,454 |
| Social Security | -$4,650 | -$4,746 |
| Medicare | -$1,088 | -$1,110 |
| State Tax | -$1,346 | -$2,296 |
| Take-Home Pay | $59,802 | $59,939 |
Why the difference
- Cost of living is +0.2% in Indianapolis
- Housing is +1.1% in Indianapolis
- At the same $75,000 salary, you'd pay $904/year in taxes in Indianapolis
Estimated Moving Costs
Distance: ~168 miles
DIY Truck
$2,000
Container
$3,500
Full-Service
$5,000
Salary Equivalents: Columbus to Indianapolis
| Your Columbus Salary | Indianapolis Equivalent | Difference | Indianapolis Take-Home |
|---|---|---|---|
| $40,000 | $41,134 | +$1,134 | $33,856 |
| $50,000 | $51,183 | +$1,183 | $41,629 |
| $60,000 | $61,232 | +$1,232 | $49,401 |
| $75,000 | $76,545 | +$1,545 | $59,939 |
| $100,000 | $101,666 | +$1,666 | $76,858 |
| $150,000 | $151,432 | +$1,432 | $109,714 |
Single filer, 2025 tax brackets, standard deduction. Equivalents based on BEA Regional Price Parities.
How Columbus and Indianapolis Compare
Housing (1% more expensive in Indianapolis)
The average 1-bedroom apartment in Indianapolis rents for $1,020/month compared to $1,191/month in Columbus. Median home prices: $224,000 in Indianapolis vs $290,000 in Columbus.
Taxes
Ohio has a progressive state income tax from 0.0% to 3.5%. Indiana has a flat 3.0% state income tax. On a $75,000 salary, moving to Indianapolis would cost you about $904/year in taxes alone.
Overall Cost of Living
Indianapolis's overall cost of living is 0.2% higher than Columbus, based on the BEA Regional Price Parity index (where 100 = national average).Columbus: 95.5, Indianapolis: 95.7.
Plan Your Move
Get Free Moving Quotes
Compare rates from licensed movers for your Columbus to Indianapolis move. Average cost: $2,000–$5,000.
Compare Moving Quotes →Find Apartments in Indianapolis
Average 1BR rent in Indianapolis: $1,020/month. Browse available listings.
Search Apartments →High-Yield Savings
Park your moving fund in a 4.5%+ APY savings account while you plan your relocation.
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