Median rent is 23% lower in Indianapolis ($1,156/mo vs $1,509/mo). Buying is cheaper in Indianapolis, where the median home runs $224,800 versus $303,000. Households earn more in Fort Worth ($79,507 vs $66,219 a year). Taken together, Indianapolis is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 94.7 against 102.5 — about 8% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Fort Worth, TX.
Cost of living verdict
Indianapolis is 8% cheaper overall
Cost of Living Index: 94.7 in Indianapolis vs 102.5 in Fort Worth (US national average = 100)
City A
Fort Worth, TX
City B
Indianapolis, IN
How much would you need to earn in Indianapolis, IN to maintain your standard of living from Fort Worth, TX?
Equivalent salary in Indianapolis, IN
$69,263
You could earn $5,737 less (8% lower) and break even.
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each metro area. This estimates overall purchasing power; it does not account for taxes or take-home pay differences.
Metric
Fort Worth
Texas
Indianapolis
Indiana
Population
Median Household Income
Annual
Median Gross Rent
Per month
Median Home Value
Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: Census ACS, BEA, HUD Fair Market Rents, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Indianapolis — median rent of $1,156/mo versus $1,509/mo in Fort Worth, a 23% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Fort Worth: the median home is $303,000 versus $224,800 in Indianapolis — 26% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
State tax data is not yet available for these cities.
Fort Worth
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Indianapolis
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Air quality data is available for Indianapolis (avg AQI 48.0) but not yet for Fort Worth.
Pick Indianapolis if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 94.7 vs 102.5).
Pick Fort Worth if you prioritize higher median household income ($79,507/yr).
Pick Indianapolis if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,156/mo median).
Is Fort Worth cheaper than Indianapolis?
Indianapolis is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 94.7 versus 102.5 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 8% lower in Indianapolis.
How much is rent in Fort Worth vs Indianapolis?
Median rent is $1,509/mo in Fort Worth, TX and $1,156/mo in Indianapolis, IN. Indianapolis, IN has the lower rent by about 23%.
Which has higher salaries — Fort Worth or Indianapolis?
Median household income is $79,507 in Fort Worth, TX and $66,219 in Indianapolis, IN. Fort Worth, TX has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Air quality data is not yet available for one or both cities.
Which has lower taxes — Fort Worth or Indianapolis?
State tax data is not yet available for one or both cities.
What salary do I need in Indianapolis to match my Fort Worth income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Fort Worth, TX is equivalent to roughly $92,350 in Indianapolis, IN (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2026 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology
