Cost of Living: Indianapolis vs Durham (2026)
Indianapolis has a 13% lower overall cost of living than Durham as of Q1 2026. A one-bedroom apartment runs $1,200/mo in Indianapolis vs $1,750/mo in Durham — a 31% difference. Indianapolis has a lower state income tax rate (3.2% vs 4.5%), which adds up over time.
- Indianapolis is 13% cheaper overall (COL index: 89 vs 102)
- 1BR rent: $1,200/mo in Indianapolis vs $1,750/mo — 31% savings
- Higher median household income: Durham ($72,000/yr vs $55,000/yr)
- Median home price: $260,000 in Indianapolis vs $390,000 — 33% difference
| Category | Indianapolis Indiana | Durham North Carolina |
|---|---|---|
| 🏠 HousingQ1 2026 | ||
| Studio rent/mo | $950Best | $1,400 |
| 1BR rent/mo | $1,200Best | $1,750 |
| 2BR rent/mo | $1,550Best | $2,300 |
| Median home price | $260KBest | $390K |
| 🛒 Food & GroceriesQ1 2026 | ||
| Groceries index (100 = US avg) | 94Best | 98 |
| Budget meal (1 person) | $12Best | $14 |
| Mid-range dinner (2) | $50Best | $58 |
| 🚌 TransportationQ1 2026 | ||
| Monthly transit pass/mo | $60Best | $82 |
| Gas price/gal | $3.05Best | $3.10 |
| Car insurance/mo | $140Best | $148 |
| ⚡ UtilitiesQ1 2026 | ||
| Monthly utilities bundle/mo | $155Best | $155 |
| Internet/mo | $55Best | $62 |
| 💰 Income & TaxesQ1 2026 | ||
| Median household income/yr | $55K | $72KBest |
| State income tax% | 3.2%Best | 4.5% |
| Sales tax (combined)% | 7.0%Best | 7.5% |
| 🎬 LeisureQ1 2026 | ||
| Movie ticket | $14.00Best | $15.00 |
| Gym membership/mo | $33Best | $42 |
| Beer at restaurant | $5.00Best | $6.50 |
| 📊 OverviewQ1 2026 | ||
| Overall COL index (100 = US avg) | 89Best | 102 |
| Walk score / 100 | 28 | 36Best |
Frequently asked questions
Is Indianapolis cheaper than Durham?
Yes. Indianapolis is 13% cheaper than Durham based on overall cost of living indices (89 vs 102, where 100 = US average).
What is the average rent in Indianapolis vs Durham?
As of Q1 2026, the median 1-bedroom rent in Indianapolis is $1,200/month and in Durham is $1,750/month. Indianapolis is cheaper by 31%.
How much do I need to earn in Durham to match a $75,000 salary in Indianapolis?
To maintain a similar lifestyle, you would need approximately $85,955/year in Durham to match a $75,000 salary in Indianapolis. This estimate is based on overall cost of living indices and does not account for individual spending patterns.
Which city has lower taxes — Indianapolis or Durham?
Indianapolis has the lower state income tax rate at 3.2% vs 4.5%. The difference is 1.3 percentage points. Note that sales tax and local taxes also vary — see the full breakdown in the table above.
Is it worth moving from Indianapolis to Durham?
It depends on your priorities. Indianapolis offers lower overall costs, but both cities have different job markets, weather, and lifestyle trade-offs. Use the comparison table above to evaluate rent, groceries, transportation, and income potential side by side based on your specific budget.
Data sourced from Zillow, BLS, Numbeo, Tax Foundation, and US Census ACS · Updated Q1 2026 · For general guidance only
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