Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
28% cheaper
Indianapolis is 28% more affordable than Riverside. A $75,000 salary in Riverside is equivalent to $53,906 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 Riverside sits at 155 (national average = 100). The median home in Indianapolis costs $220,000 compared to $500,000 in Riverside, a difference of $280,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,100 in Indianapolis versus $1,800 in Riverside.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Indianapolis scores 98 while Riverside scores 103. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Indianapolis (96) are lower than Riverside (102). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Indianapolis is $49,968 compared to $67,068 in Riverside. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Indianapolis.
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