Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
5% cheaper
Cleveland is 5% more affordable than Indianapolis. A $75,000 salary in Indianapolis is equivalent to $70,924 in Cleveland.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Ohio salaries · Indiana salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Cleveland has a housing index of 59 while Indianapolis sits at 80 (national average = 100). The median home in Cleveland costs $100,000 compared to $220,000 in Indianapolis, a difference of $120,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $900 in Cleveland versus $1,100 in Indianapolis.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Cleveland scores 99 while Indianapolis scores 98. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Cleveland (96) match Indianapolis (96). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Cleveland is $32,053 compared to $49,968 in Indianapolis. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Cleveland.
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