Austin vs Indianapolis

Cost of living and salary reality, side by side. At $60-80k, $70,000 in Austin feels like approximately $58,928 in Indianapolis.

Data: 2026-Q2 · BLS · HUD · KFF

Your $60-80k in Austin feels like $58,928 in Indianapolis. Moving would decrease your purchasing power by 16%.

Income
Housing

Austin

Indianapolis

Breathing Room
 
Housing Pressure
moderate
 
low
1BR Rent
$1,562/mo
 
$1,267/mo
State Tax
No income tax
 
IN tax applies
Take-Home /mo
$4,803
 
$4,628
Remote Work Fit
Austin is frequently explored by remote workers leaving coastal metros. The no-state-income-tax advantage is meaningful, though housing costs have risen toward moderate pressure levels.
 
Indianapolis offers strong value for remote workers maintaining above-local-market salaries. Eli Lilly's campus creates an anchor for life sciences remote and hybrid work.
Walk Score
42
 
31
Comfortable
$60-80k · Austin vs Indianapolis
Income Reality Check

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Curious what a raise — or a different path — would change?

THEN — $60-80k
NOW — $60-80k
~$4,803/mo take-home

At $60-80k in Austin, your picture shifts from comfortable toward comfortable.

No city is objectively better. Austin and Indianapolis each fit different priorities — the right one depends on what you're building toward.

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FAQ

Austin vs Indianapolis — FAQ

Is it cheaper to live in Austin or Indianapolis?

HUD FY2026 1BR Fair Market Rent is $1,562/mo in Austin and $1,267/mo in Indianapolis. Indianapolis has lower median housing costs. Source: HUD FY2026 FMR.

How much do I need to earn in Indianapolis to match Austin?

At a $60-80k income, $70,000 in Austin feels like approximately $58,928 in Indianapolis — a reduction of about 16% in purchasing power.

What is the state tax difference between Austin and Indianapolis?

Austin is in TX (no state income tax) and Indianapolis is in IN (IN levies income tax). Source: Tax Foundation 2025.

Which city has more breathing room?

Breathing room depends on your income and housing situation. Use the interactive comparison above to see how each city's picture changes across income bands.

Income Reality Check is an educational tool, not financial advice. Your situation has more dimensions than any tool can capture.