Moving from Chicago to Indianapolis?
Here's what you'd need to earn to maintain your lifestyle.
To maintain your Chicago lifestyle in Indianapolis, you'd need to earn:
$69,278/year
▼ $5,722 less than you make now
| Category | Chicago | Indianapolis |
|---|---|---|
| Salary | $75,000 | $69,278 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$8,114 | -$6,855 |
| Social Security | -$4,650 | -$4,295 |
| Medicare | -$1,088 | -$1,005 |
| State Tax | -$3,713 | -$2,078 |
| Take-Home Pay | $57,436 | $55,045 |
Why the difference
- Cost of living is -7.6% in Indianapolis
- Housing is -20.6% in Indianapolis
- At the same $75,000 salary, you'd save $1,463/year in taxes in Indianapolis
Estimated Moving Costs
Distance: ~165 miles
DIY Truck
$2,000
Container
$3,500
Full-Service
$5,000
Salary Equivalents: Chicago to Indianapolis
| Your Chicago Salary | Indianapolis Equivalent | Difference | Indianapolis Take-Home |
|---|---|---|---|
| $40,000 | $36,948 | -$3,052 | $30,618 |
| $50,000 | $46,185 | -$3,815 | $37,763 |
| $60,000 | $55,422 | -$4,578 | $44,907 |
| $75,000 | $69,278 | -$5,722 | $55,045 |
| $100,000 | $92,371 | -$7,629 | $70,598 |
| $150,000 | $138,556 | -$11,444 | $101,299 |
Single filer, 2025 tax brackets, standard deduction. Equivalents based on BEA Regional Price Parities.
How Chicago and Indianapolis Compare
Housing (21% cheaper in Indianapolis)
The average 1-bedroom apartment in Indianapolis rents for $1,020/month compared to $1,975/month in Chicago. Median home prices: $224,000 in Indianapolis vs $374,000 in Chicago.
Taxes
Illinois has a flat 5.0% state income tax. Indiana has a flat 3.0% state income tax. On a $75,000 salary, moving to Indianapolis would save you about $1,463/year in taxes alone.
Overall Cost of Living
Indianapolis's overall cost of living is 7.6% lower than Chicago, based on the BEA Regional Price Parity index (where 100 = national average).Chicago: 103.6, Indianapolis: 95.7.
Plan Your Move
Get Free Moving Quotes
Compare rates from licensed movers for your Chicago to Indianapolis move. Average cost: $2,000–$5,000.
Compare Moving Quotes →Find Apartments in Indianapolis
Average 1BR rent in Indianapolis: $1,020/month. Browse available listings.
Search Apartments →High-Yield Savings
Park your moving fund in a 4.5%+ APY savings account while you plan your relocation.
Compare Savings Rates →