Indianapolis vs Pittsburgh: cost of living compared
Pittsburgh is 4% more expensive than Indianapolis overall. State income tax tops out around 3.07% in PA vs 3.15% in IN.
Indexes use a US average of 100: below 100 is cheaper than the national average. Housing and transportation are derived from median home prices, rents and commute times; figures come from BLS, Census ACS, Numbeo and the MIT Living Wage Calculator.
The big picture
Overall, Indianapolis presents a slightly more affordable cost of living compared to Pittsburgh. This difference is largely driven by lower transportation and miscellaneous expenses in Indianapolis, while housing costs are remarkably similar between the two cities. Other categories like food, healthcare, and utilities also show Indianapolis as generally more budget-friendly, contributing to its overall lower cost index.
Housing
Housing costs for both buying and renting are quite comparable, with median home prices being roughly the same in Indianapolis and Pittsburgh. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment is just a little higher in Pittsburgh. Both metros offer a mix of housing styles, from historic homes to newer developments, reflecting their Midwestern and Rust Belt heritage. Property taxes and insurance costs will vary by specific location within each metro.
Taxes and everyday costs
Daily expenses show some variation. State income tax is slightly lower in Pittsburgh. However, Indianapolis generally offers more affordable transportation, food, healthcare, and utilities. This means that while your paycheck might see a tiny bit more taken out for state taxes in Indianapolis, your everyday spending on essentials will likely be noticeably less compared to Pittsburgh.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Indianapolis, situated in a flatter region, typically experiences more consistent seasonal weather with hot summers and cold winters. Pittsburgh, with its hilly terrain, often sees more varied weather patterns, including more snowfall and cloud cover, due to its Appalachian foothills location. Both cities offer cultural amenities and sports, but Pittsburgh's public transit system is generally more extensive, while Indianapolis relies more on personal vehicles for getting around.
Bottom line
For households considering a move, Indianapolis generally offers a more economical lifestyle across most spending categories, particularly in transportation and everyday necessities. While housing costs are nearly identical, the cumulative effect of lower expenses elsewhere means a household budget will likely stretch further in Indianapolis. Pittsburgh's slightly higher costs are balanced by its unique topography and more developed public transit options.
| Measure | Indianapolis, IN | Pittsburgh, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 85 | 88 |
| Housing index | 63 | 64 |
| Transportation index | 89 | 98 |
| Food index | 88 | 95 |
| Healthcare index | 92 | 98 |
| Utilities index | 95 | 102 |
| Misc index | 82 | 88 |
| Median home price | $218,000 | $218,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $1,000/mo | $1,050/mo |
| Average commute | 25 min | 28 min |
Compare any two metros with the free cost of living tool, or see the true monthly cost of a specific Pittsburgh home with the True Cost Calculator.