Indiana Cost of Living Calculator
Indiana scores 89.7 on the C2ER cost of living index (housing 77.5, Q2 2026): $75,000 at the U.S. average equals about $67,275 here; its highest part is groceries at 98.2.
| Index | Indiana |
|---|---|
| Composite (sets the equivalent salary) | 89.7 |
| Housing (sets the equivalent rent) | 77.5 |
| Groceries | 98.2 |
| Utilities | 92.7 |
| Transportation | 98.1 |
| Health care | 89.7 |
| Other goods and services | 93.7 |
Source: MERIC Cost of Living Data Series, C2ER (https://meric.mo.gov/data/cost-living-data-series).
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Pre-filled: MERIC (C2ER Cost of Living Index)
Additional Details
Pre-filled: MERIC (C2ER Cost of Living Index, Housing component)
Equivalent Salary Needed
Estimated • Based on your inputs
Salary Difference
-$7,725.00
Detailed Breakdown
Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates for informational purposes only. Results should not be considered financial, tax, or legal advice. Consult a qualified professional for your specific situation.
How This Calculator Works
Calculation methodology and assumptions
Indiana's figures fill the destination side: composite 89.7 for the salary, housing 77.5 for the rent, and 2.95% flat for the tax line.
How the salary, rent and tax lines are worked out (the same for every state)
Key State Information
Indiana ranks 9th lowest of the 50 states on the composite index (89.7). Median household income: $71,959 (U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2024 1-year, table B19013). Statewide two-bedroom Fair Market Rent (HUD FY2027): $1,320 a month.
What Indiana's index does to a salary and a rent
| Salary at the U.S. average | Same buying power in Indiana | Rent at the U.S. average → in Indiana | Indiana income tax on that salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $44,850 | $1,000 → $775 | $1,294 (2.9%) |
| $75,000 | $67,275 | $1,500 → $1,163 | $1,955 (2.9%) |
| $100,000 | $89,700 | $2,000 → $1,550 | $2,617 (2.9%) |
| $150,000 | $134,550 | $2,500 → $1,938 | $3,940 (2.9%) |
Indiana 2026 single-filer rates, after Indiana Department of Revenue — 2025 Schedule 3 (Form IT-40), line 1 (tax year 2025).
Indiana and the states it borders
| State | Its composite / housing | $75,000 there = in Indiana | $1,500 rent there = in Indiana | $75,000 in Indiana = there | Income tax there → here |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 94.5 / 83.3 | $71,190 | $1,396 | $79,013 | 4.95% flat → 2.95% flat |
| Kentucky | 94.0 / 79.4 | $71,569 | $1,464 | $78,595 | 3.5% flat → 2.95% flat |
| Michigan | 92.1 / 82.9 | $73,046 | $1,402 | $77,007 | 4.25% flat → 2.95% flat |
| Ohio | 93.0 / 85.8 | $72,339 | $1,355 | $77,759 | 2.75% top rate → 2.95% flat |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Indiana?
Indiana's composite index is 89.7 for Q2 2026, the 9th lowest of the 50 states, tied with Tennessee. A $75,000 salary at the national average buys what about $67,275 buys in Indiana.
Which prices are highest and lowest in Indiana?
Against a U.S. average of 100, Indiana's highest part is groceries (98.2) and its lowest is housing (77.5); none of the six parts is above the national average (C2ER, Q2 2026).
What salary keeps a two-bedroom rent in Indiana at 30% of income?
About $52,800 a year: Indiana's FY2027 statewide two-bedroom Fair Market Rent is $1,320 a month, and $15,840 a year is 30% of that salary.