Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
45% cheaper
Indianapolis is 45% more affordable than Los Angeles. A $75,000 salary in Los Angeles is equivalent to $41,566 in Indianapolis.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Indiana salaries · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Indianapolis has a housing index of 80 while Los Angeles sits at 262 (national average = 100). The median home in Indianapolis costs $220,000 compared to $850,000 in Los Angeles, a difference of $630,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,100 in Indianapolis versus $2,700 in Los Angeles.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Indianapolis scores 98 while Los Angeles scores 107.
Healthcare costs in Indianapolis (96) are lower than Los Angeles (103). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Indianapolis is $49,968 compared to $65,290 in Los Angeles. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Indianapolis.
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