Duluth vs Indianapolis
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026 Data
Duluth
Indianapolis
💡 The Verdict
Indianapolis is 15% cheaper than Duluth overall. A $75,000 salary in Duluth is equivalent to $63,889 in Indianapolis.
Category-by-Category Breakdown
Index values for Duluth (left) vs Indianapolis (right). National average = 100.
Detailed Price Comparison
Estimated item-level prices in Duluth versus Indianapolis. Differences shown from Duluth perspective.
| Item | Duluth | Indianapolis | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-Bed Rent | $1,030/mo | $770/mo | +$260.00 |
| 2-Bed Rent | $1,310/mo | $1,100/mo | +$210.00 |
| 3-Bed Rent | $1,650/mo | $1,470/mo | +$180.00 |
| Bread (loaf) | $3.00 | $2.80 | +$0.20 |
| Milk (gallon) | $3.94 | $3.31 | +$0.63 |
| Eggs (dozen) | $3.46 | $3.18 | +$0.28 |
| Coffee (latte) | $6.36 | $5.90 | +$0.46 |
| Gas (gallon) | $3.83 | $3.30 | +$0.53 |
| Restaurant Meal | $16.00 | $14.28 | +$1.72 |
💰 Salary Equivalence
A $75,000 salary in Duluth has the same purchasing power as $63,889 in Indianapolis.
Conversely, $75,000 in Indianapolis equals $88,043 in Duluth.
💼 Take-Home Pay Comparison
Estimated annual take-home pay on a $75,000 salary after federal, FICA, and state income taxes.
The $2700 difference is driven by Minnesota having a higher state income tax rate. Minnesota details → · Indiana details →
Reading These Numbers: Duluth (108) vs Indianapolis (92)
Duluth at 108 is 8% above the US average, while Indianapolis at 92 is 8% below average. There is a meaningful cost gap between these two cities that affects day-to-day budgeting.
In Duluth, the composite index of 108 reflects a weighted calculation where housing carries the most influence at 101, followed by groceries (109), utilities (101), transportation (110), and healthcare (112). Costs are fairly balanced across categories.
For renters: With median rents of $1,310/mo in Duluth and $1,100/mo in Indianapolis, the annual rent difference is approximately $2,520.0. Over a 5-year period, that compounds to $12,600.0 in savings by choosing the more affordable city.
For homebuyers: The $149,000.0 difference in median home prices between Duluth and Indianapolis translates to meaningful differences in mortgage payments at current rates. Factor this into your budget alongside property taxes and insurance, which also vary by location.
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Making Your Decision: Duluth vs Indianapolis
Choosing between Duluth and Indianapolis involves more than just comparing index numbers. Consider how each category aligns with your personal spending patterns. If you work from home, transportation costs matter less than housing and utilities. If you eat out frequently, the groceries index may understate your actual food spending — look at the restaurant meal prices in the detailed comparison table above instead.
Beyond the numbers shown above, quality of life differences between Duluth and Indianapolis can meaningfully affect your financial picture in ways the index does not capture. Commute time translates to fuel costs and vehicle depreciation. Climate affects utility bills seasonally. Access to public parks and free cultural venues reduces entertainment spending. Consider these secondary financial effects alongside the direct cost comparisons when making your final decision.