Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
13% cheaper
Indianapolis is 13% more affordable than Tempe. A $75,000 salary in Tempe is equivalent to $65,094 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 · Arizona salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Indianapolis has a housing index of 80 while Tempe sits at 114 (national average = 100). The median home in Indianapolis costs $220,000 compared to $400,000 in Tempe, a difference of $180,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,100 in Indianapolis versus $1,600 in Tempe.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Indianapolis scores 98 while Tempe scores 100. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Indianapolis (96) are higher than Tempe (95). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Indianapolis is $49,968 compared to $56,068 in Tempe. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Indianapolis.
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