Indianapolis vs Riverside: cost of living compared
Riverside is 39% more expensive than Indianapolis overall. State income tax tops out around 3.15% in IN vs 9.3% in CA.
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
Moving between Indianapolis and Riverside presents a substantial shift in living costs. Indianapolis offers a significantly more affordable overall cost of living, driven primarily by its much lower housing expenses. While other categories like transportation, food, and healthcare also contribute to the difference, housing stands out as the most impactful factor in the overall budget disparity between these two metropolitan areas.
Housing
Housing in Riverside is dramatically more expensive than in Indianapolis, whether you're looking to buy or rent. Median home prices in Riverside are considerably higher, and typical one-bedroom rents follow a similar pattern. Indianapolis generally features a mix of traditional Midwestern housing stock, while Riverside offers a variety of suburban and exurban homes. Property taxes and insurance costs will also vary, typically reflecting the difference in home values.
Taxes and everyday costs
Daily expenses are generally higher in Riverside across most categories. Transportation costs are noticeably greater in Riverside, and food expenses are also more elevated. Healthcare and utility costs similarly trend higher in Riverside. Additionally, California has a state income tax that is substantially higher than Indiana's, impacting take-home pay and overall daily spending power for residents in Riverside.
Lifestyle trade-offs
The lifestyle differences extend beyond cost. Indianapolis experiences four distinct seasons, including cold winters, while Riverside enjoys a Mediterranean climate with mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. Getting around in Indianapolis often relies on personal vehicles, with a generally flatter landscape. Riverside, part of a larger Southern California region, also relies heavily on driving, often with longer commute times and more traffic congestion, reflecting its denser, sprawling urban environment.
Bottom line
A move from Indianapolis to Riverside would entail a significant increase in household expenses, primarily due to much higher housing costs and a more impactful state income tax. Conversely, moving from Riverside to Indianapolis would free up a substantial portion of a household budget. While Riverside offers a distinct climate and access to Southern California amenities, Indianapolis provides a considerably more budget-friendly environment for everyday living and homeownership.
| Measure | Indianapolis, IN | Riverside, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 85 | 118 |
| Housing index | 63 | 134 |
| Transportation index | 89 | 121 |
| Food index | 88 | 105 |
| Healthcare index | 92 | 108 |
| Utilities index | 95 | 122 |
| Misc index | 82 | 102 |
| Median home price | $218,000 | $498,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $1,000/mo | $1,850/mo |
| Average commute | 25 min | 34 min |
Compare any two metros with the free cost of living tool, or see the true monthly cost of a specific Riverside home with the True Cost Calculator.