State Comparison

Ohio vs Indiana

Side-by-side comparison of 16 financial metrics including taxes, housing costs, cost of living, wages, and insurance — powered by verified government data.

Overall Score

8
Ohio
OH
vs
of 16 metrics
8
Indiana
IN

Cost of Living

Cost of Living Index
OH: 90.8
IN: 90.5
IN

Housing

Median Home Price
OH: $205,000
IN: $225,000
OH
Median 2BR Rent
OH: $900/mo
IN: $925/mo
OH
Closing Costs
OH: 2.70%
IN: 2.50%
IN
Transfer Tax Rate
OH: 0.10%
IN: 0.00%
IN

Taxes

Property Tax Rate
OH: 1.56%
IN: 0.85%
IN
Top Income Tax Rate
OH: 3.50%
IN: 3.05%
IN
Sales Tax Rate
OH: 5.75%
IN: 7.00%
OH
Capital Gains Tax Rate
OH: 3.50%
IN: 3.05%
IN

Income & Employment

Median Household Income
OH: $58,642
IN: $61,944
IN
Minimum Wage
OH: $10.70/hr
IN: $7.25/hr
OH
Max Unemployment Benefit
OH: $480/wk
IN: $390/wk
OH

Business

LLC Filing Fee
OH: $99
IN: $95
IN
LLC Annual Fee
OH: $0
IN: $32
OH

Insurance & Living

Avg Car Insurance
OH: $1,350/yr
IN: $1,420/yr
OH
Avg Home Insurance
OH: $1,470/yr
IN: $1,540/yr
OH

Key Takeaways

  • 1

    Both states are evenly matched, each winning in 8 metrics — your decision should depend on which factors matter most to you.

  • 2

    Housing: Median home prices are $205,000 in Ohio vs $225,000 in Indiana — a $20,000 difference.

  • 3

    Taxes: Ohio has a 3.5% top income tax rate while Indiana has a 3.05% top rate. Property tax rates are 1.56% vs 0.85%.

  • 4

    Cost of Living: Ohio's index is 90.8 and Indiana's is 90.5 (national average = 100).

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ohio or Indiana more affordable?

Indiana has a lower cost of living index (90.5) compared to Ohio (90.8), where 100 is the national average. However, affordability depends on your specific situation — compare housing, taxes, and income together for a complete picture.

Which state has lower taxes — Ohio or Indiana?

Overall, Ohio has a lower combined tax burden. Ohio has a 3.5% top income tax, 5.75% sales tax, and 1.56% property tax. Indiana has a 3.05% top income tax, 7% sales tax, and 0.85% property tax.

What are housing costs in Ohio vs Indiana?

The median home price in Ohio is $205,000 compared to $225,000 in Indiana. For renters, a 2-bedroom apartment averages $900/month in Ohio vs $925/month in Indiana.

Which state is better for starting a business — Ohio or Indiana?

LLC filing costs are $99 in Ohio vs $95 in Indiana, with annual fees of $0 and $32 respectively. Ohio's 3.5% top tax rate compared to Indiana's 3.05% rate may also factor into your decision.

Should I move from Ohio to Indiana?

It depends on your priorities. Indiana wins in 8 of 16 metrics we compared. Use our free calculators to model your specific financial scenario — including salary, property tax, and cost of living for each state.

Comparing Ohio and Indiana

When deciding between living in Ohio or Indiana, the financial picture goes beyond just one metric. This comparison analyzes 16 key financial indicators sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau, Tax Foundation, HUD Fair Market Rent data, and Bureau of Labor Statistics to give you a comprehensive overview.

Ohio (OH) has a median household income of $58,642 with a cost of living index of 90.8. Indiana (IN) has a median household income of $61,944 with a cost of living index of 90.5.

These numbers are estimates. Individual circumstances vary based on location within each state, family size, profession, and lifestyle. Use our free Ohio calculator or Indiana calculator to model your specific financial scenario.

Data sources: Census Bureau ACS, Tax Foundation, HUD FMR, BLS. Last verified January 2026. Calculators provide estimates only — consult a qualified professional for financial advice.