Side-by-side comparison

Houston vs Indianapolis

Cost of living comparison for Houston, Texas and Indianapolis, Indiana.

Bottom line

Houston is approximately 4% more expensive than Indianapolis. A single person needs about $3,185/mo in Houston versus $3,076/mo in Indianapolis.

Rent in Houston vs Indianapolis

HUD Fair Market Rents by bedroom count.

Houston · Studio

$1,226

Indianapolis · Studio

$955

Houston is $271 (28%) higher than Indianapolis

Houston · 1 bedroom

$1,279

Indianapolis · 1 bedroom

$1,097

Houston is $182 (17%) higher than Indianapolis

Houston · 2 bedroom

$1,529

Indianapolis · 2 bedroom

$1,283

Houston is $246 (19%) higher than Indianapolis

Houston · 3 bedroom

$2,038

Indianapolis · 3 bedroom

$1,669

Houston is $369 (22%) higher than Indianapolis

Income & earnings in Houston vs Indianapolis

Annual figures from Census ACS.

Houston · Household income

$73,104

Indianapolis · Household income

$63,450

Houston is $9,654 (15%) higher than Indianapolis

Houston · Individual earnings

$41,738

Indianapolis · Individual earnings

$41,112

Houston is $626 (2%) higher than Indianapolis

Houston · Per capita

$39,978

Indianapolis · Per capita

$36,355

Houston is $3,623 (10%) higher than Indianapolis

Home values in Houston vs Indianapolis

Average values and property tax.

Houston · Average home value

$255,000

Indianapolis · Average home value

$207,000

Houston is $48,000 (23%) higher than Indianapolis

Houston · Annual property tax

$4,382

Indianapolis · Annual property tax

$1,923

Houston is $2,459 (128%) higher than Indianapolis

Energy in Houston vs Indianapolis

Estimated monthly electricity and gas.

Houston · Monthly electricity

$167

Indianapolis · Monthly electricity

$142

Houston is $25 (18%) higher than Indianapolis

Houston · Monthly gas

$32

Indianapolis · Monthly gas

$57

Indianapolis is $25 (78%) higher than Houston

Houston · Annual total

$2,388

Indianapolis · Annual total

$2,388

Houston and Indianapolis are about the same

Healthcare in Houston vs Indianapolis

Marketplace premium estimates and coverage rate.

Houston · Individual premium

$480

Indianapolis · Individual premium

$480

Houston and Indianapolis are about the same

Houston · Family premium

$1,350

Indianapolis · Family premium

$1,350

Houston and Indianapolis are about the same

Houston · Uninsured rate

21.2%

Indianapolis · Uninsured rate

9.0%

Houston is 12.2% (136%) higher than Indianapolis

Taxes in Houston vs Indianapolis

State income and sales tax.

Houston · State income tax

0.0%

Indianapolis · State income tax

3.0%

Indianapolis is 3.0% higher than Houston

Houston · State sales tax

6.3%

Indianapolis · State sales tax

7.0%

Indianapolis is 0.8% (12%) higher than Houston

Houston · Combined sales tax

8.2%

Indianapolis · Combined sales tax

7.0%

Houston is 1.2% (17%) higher than Indianapolis

Transportation in Houston vs Indianapolis

Commute time and travel modes.

Houston · Average commute

29.0 min

Indianapolis · Average commute

24.2 min

Houston is 4.8 min (20%) higher than Indianapolis

Houston · Drive alone

72.4%

Indianapolis · Drive alone

73.8%

Indianapolis is 1.4% (2%) higher than Houston

Houston · Public transit

2.1%

Indianapolis · Public transit

1.3%

Houston is 0.8% (62%) higher than Indianapolis

Monthly cost estimates in Houston vs Indianapolis

All categories combined.

Houston · Single person

$3,185

Indianapolis · Single person

$3,076

Houston is $109 (4%) higher than Indianapolis

Houston · Couple

$4,536

Indianapolis · Couple

$4,262

Houston is $274 (6%) higher than Indianapolis

Houston · Family

$7,187

Indianapolis · Family

$6,776

Houston is $411 (6%) higher than Indianapolis

Frequently asked questions

Common questions comparing Houston and Indianapolis.

Is Houston or Indianapolis more expensive?

Houston is more expensive overall. A single person needs approximately $3,185/mo in Houston, Texas and $3,076/mo in Indianapolis, Indiana, a difference of about 4%.

What is the rent difference between Houston and Indianapolis?

Average one-bedroom rent in Houston, Texas is $1,279/mo versus $1,097/mo in Indianapolis, Indiana. Houston is approximately $182 (17%) more expensive for a one-bedroom apartment.

Which has higher income, Houston or Indianapolis?

Houston has the higher average household income. Houston households earn approximately $73,104 per year; Indianapolis households earn approximately $63,450 per year.

More on Houston and Indianapolis

Read full profiles for either area, or pick a different pair to compare.

Houston profile Indianapolis profile Compare different areas

About this data

Figures come from official U.S. government sources including the Census Bureau (ACS), HUD Fair Market Rents, and the Energy Information Administration. See our methodology for details.