Last updated 2026-06-12 ยท MovePlan Editorial Team
Well below the national average, with some of the cheapest housing among big metros.
Cost of living index (US avg = 100): 91
Median 2BR rent: $1,400/mo
Housing: 84 vs 100
Groceries: 94 vs 100
Utilities: 101 vs 100
Transportation: 96 vs 100
Healthcare: 94 vs 100
Indianapolis is a low-cost, friendly, central city where a coastal salary goes a long way. Affordable housing is the headline, and the main seasonal cost is winter heating.