Arizona vs Indiana Cost of Living
Purchasing power
Your $75,000 is worth different amounts in each state
$67,996
in Arizona
$82,690
in Indiana
Each cell = 1% of purchasing power. Green = value, red = gap.
Spending breakdown
Estimated annual spending on a $75,000 salary
What things actually cost
Real dollar costs side by side
Category breakdown
| Category | Arizona | Indiana | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | 127.3 | 75.4 | +69% |
| Groceries | 101.9 | 99.2 | +3% |
| Utilities | 104.0 | 95.0 | +9% |
| Transportation | 102.1 | 101.0 | +1% |
| Healthcare | 93.4 | 96.3 | -3% |
| Dining & Misc | 105.2 | 95.8 | +10% |
| Overall | 110.3 | 90.7 | +22% |
Index values relative to national average (100). Positive difference = more expensive in Arizona.
What things actually cost
| Item | Arizona | Indiana | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $395,000 | $230,000 | +$165,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $1,782/mo | $1,056/mo | +$726 |
| Gas price | $3.97/gal | $3.49/gal | +$0.48 |
| Electric bill | $113/mo | $101/mo | +$12 |
| Infant childcare | $15,625/yr | $14,471/yr | +$1,154 |
Salary equivalent: Arizona → Indiana
What a Arizona salary buys you in Indiana, adjusted for cost of living.
| Salary in Arizona | Equivalent in Indiana | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $41,115 | +$8,885 |
| $75,000 | $61,673 | +$13,327 |
| $100,000 | $82,230 | +$17,770 |
| $150,000 | $123,345 | +$26,655 |
| $200,000 | $164,461 | +$35,539 |
Positive = your money goes further in Indiana. Based on overall COL index ratio.
Based on MERIC/C2ER 2025 composite indices. Dollar amounts from AAA, EIA, Zillow, and Child Care Aware.
Overview
Arizona is 22% more expensive than Indiana overall. Arizona has an index of 110.3 vs 90.7 for Indiana (national average = 100).
FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in Arizona or Indiana?
Indiana is cheaper to live in. Arizona is 22% more expensive overall. The biggest driver is housing — median home prices are $395,000 in Arizona vs $230,000 in Indiana.
Is Indiana cheaper than Arizona?
Yes, Indiana is 22% cheaper than Arizona overall based on the MERIC/C2ER cost-of-living index. Housing, groceries, and utilities all factor into the difference.
Is Arizona more expensive than Indiana?
Yes, Arizona is 22% more expensive than Indiana based on the MERIC/C2ER composite index. Housing is typically the largest factor in the difference.
What salary in Indiana equals $100,000 in Arizona?
To maintain the same purchasing power as a $100,000 salary in Arizona, you would need approximately $82,230 in Indiana. This is based on the overall cost-of-living index (110.3 vs 90.7).
How do housing costs compare between Arizona and Indiana?
Housing is significantly cheaper in Indiana. Median home prices are $395,000 in Arizona vs $230,000 in Indiana — a $165,000 difference. Average 2-bedroom rent is $1,782/mo vs $1,056/mo.
What costs more in Arizona vs Indiana?
Housing is 69% higher in Arizona (index 127.3 vs 75.4). Dining & Misc is 10% higher in Arizona (index 105.2 vs 95.8). Utilities is 9% higher in Arizona (index 104 vs 95).
Is gas cheaper in Arizona or Indiana?
Gas averages $3.97/gallon in Arizona and $3.49/gallon in Indiana — a $0.48 difference per gallon.
Arizona vs Indiana cost of living — how do they compare?
Arizona has an overall cost-of-living index of 110.3 and Indiana has 90.7 (national average = 100). Arizona is 22% more expensive overall. Use the calculator above to see how this affects your specific salary.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and Indiana?
Cost of living is only part of the picture — state income taxes also affect your take-home pay. Use the Arizona vs Indiana paycheck comparison to see how a specific salary compares after federal and state taxes, FICA, and deductions.
Where does this cost of living data come from?
Cost-of-living indices are from the MERIC/C2ER 2025 Annual Average. Dollar amounts use AAA gas prices (March 2025), EIA electricity rates (2024), Child Care Aware childcare costs (2024), Zillow home values (2024-2025), and BEA Regional Price Parities.
Related tools
- Arizona Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Indiana Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Arizona vs Indiana Paycheck Comparison — Compare take-home pay after taxes
- House Affordability in Arizona — How much house can you afford?
- House Affordability in Indiana — How much house can you afford?
- Arizona Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates
- Indiana Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates
- Arizona Mortgage Calculator — Estimate monthly payments with local rates
- Compare any two states
Based on MERIC/C2ER 2025 composite indices and publicly available price data. Cost of living varies significantly by metro area within a state. These are statewide averages.