Moving from Indianapolis to Columbus?
Here's what you'd need to earn to maintain your lifestyle.
To maintain your Indianapolis lifestyle in Columbus, you'd need to earn:
$73,495/year
▼ $1,505 less than you make now
| Category | Indianapolis | Columbus |
|---|---|---|
| Salary | $75,000 | $73,495 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$8,114 | -$7,783 |
| Social Security | -$4,650 | -$4,557 |
| Medicare | -$1,088 | -$1,066 |
| State Tax | -$2,250 | -$1,305 |
| Take-Home Pay | $58,899 | $58,785 |
Why the difference
- Cost of living is -0.2% in Columbus
- Housing is -1.1% in Columbus
- At the same $75,000 salary, you'd save $904/year in taxes in Columbus
Estimated Moving Costs
Distance: ~168 miles
DIY Truck
$2,000
Container
$3,500
Full-Service
$5,000
Salary Equivalents: Indianapolis to Columbus
| Your Indianapolis Salary | Columbus Equivalent | Difference | Columbus Take-Home |
|---|---|---|---|
| $40,000 | $38,861 | -$1,139 | $32,911 |
| $50,000 | $48,791 | -$1,209 | $40,617 |
| $60,000 | $58,780 | -$1,220 | $48,368 |
| $75,000 | $73,495 | -$1,505 | $58,785 |
| $100,000 | $98,317 | -$1,683 | $75,565 |
| $150,000 | $148,561 | -$1,439 | $108,561 |
Single filer, 2025 tax brackets, standard deduction. Equivalents based on BEA Regional Price Parities.
How Indianapolis and Columbus Compare
Housing (1% cheaper in Columbus)
The average 1-bedroom apartment in Columbus rents for $1,191/month compared to $1,020/month in Indianapolis. Median home prices: $290,000 in Columbus vs $224,000 in Indianapolis.
Taxes
Indiana has a flat 3.0% state income tax. Ohio has a progressive state income tax from 0.0% to 3.5%. On a $75,000 salary, moving to Columbus would save you about $904/year in taxes alone.
Overall Cost of Living
Columbus's overall cost of living is 0.2% lower than Indianapolis, based on the BEA Regional Price Parity index (where 100 = national average).Indianapolis: 95.7, Columbus: 95.5.
Plan Your Move
Get Free Moving Quotes
Compare rates from licensed movers for your Indianapolis to Columbus move. Average cost: $2,000–$5,000.
Compare Moving Quotes →Find Apartments in Columbus
Average 1BR rent in Columbus: $1,191/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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