Carmel, IN vs Indianapolis, IN: Cost of Living Comparison
Indianapolis has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Carmel | Indianapolis | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 130 | 77 | Indianapolis |
| Housing | 131 ($1,125) | 59 ($778) | Indianapolis |
| Transportation | 98 ($3.50) | 103 ($3.50) | Carmel |
| Food & groceries | 180 ($738) | 84 ($344) | Indianapolis |
| Utilities | 116 ($236) | 80 ($106) | Indianapolis |
| Healthcare | 116 ($170) | 80 ($77) | Indianapolis |
| Median annual wage | 99 ($47,860) | 99 ($47,860) | Tie |
Index 100 = US national average. Lower = cheaper. For wage, higher = better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Carmel, IN or Indianapolis, IN cheaper to live in?
Indianapolis, IN is cheaper overall by about 53 index points (Carmel, IN: 130, Indianapolis, IN: 77; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Carmel, IN vs Indianapolis, IN?
A single adult needs roughly $45,500/year in Carmel, IN and $26,950/year in Indianapolis, IN to cover basic living costs.