Purchasing power
Your $75,000 is worth different amounts in each state
$73,964
in Florida
$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 | Florida | Indiana | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | 103.5 | 75.4 | +37% |
| Groceries | 104.3 | 99.2 | +5% |
| Utilities | 98.1 | 95.0 | +3% |
| Transportation | 99.8 | 101.0 | -1% |
| Healthcare | 92.7 | 96.3 | -4% |
| Dining & Misc | 100.7 | 95.8 | +5% |
| Overall | 101.4 | 90.7 | +12% |
Index values relative to national average (100). Positive difference = more expensive in Florida.
What things actually cost
| Item | Florida | Indiana | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $385,000 | $230,000 | +$155,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $1,449/mo | $1,056/mo | +$393 |
| Gas price | $3.63/gal | $3.49/gal | +$0.14 |
| Electric bill | $111/mo | $101/mo | +$10 |
| Infant childcare | $13,021/yr | $14,471/yr | $1,450 |
Salary equivalent: Florida → Indiana
What a Florida salary buys you in Indiana, adjusted for cost of living.
| Salary in Florida | Equivalent in Indiana | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $44,724 | +$5,276 |
| $75,000 | $67,086 | +$7,914 |
| $100,000 | $89,448 | +$10,552 |
| $150,000 | $134,172 | +$15,828 |
| $200,000 | $178,895 | +$21,105 |
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
Florida is 12% more expensive than Indiana overall. Florida has an index of 101.4 vs 90.7 for Indiana (national average = 100).
FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in Florida or Indiana?
Indiana is cheaper to live in. Florida is 12% more expensive overall. The biggest driver is housing — median home prices are $385,000 in Florida vs $230,000 in Indiana.
Is Indiana cheaper than Florida?
Yes, Indiana is 12% cheaper than Florida overall based on the MERIC/C2ER cost-of-living index. Housing, groceries, and utilities all factor into the difference.
Is Florida more expensive than Indiana?
Yes, Florida is 12% 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 Florida?
To maintain the same purchasing power as a $100,000 salary in Florida, you would need approximately $89,448 in Indiana. This is based on the overall cost-of-living index (101.4 vs 90.7).
How do housing costs compare between Florida and Indiana?
Housing is significantly cheaper in Indiana. Median home prices are $385,000 in Florida vs $230,000 in Indiana — a $155,000 difference. Average 2-bedroom rent is $1,449/mo vs $1,056/mo.
What costs more in Florida vs Indiana?
Housing is 37% higher in Florida (index 103.5 vs 75.4). Groceries is 5% higher in Florida (index 104.3 vs 99.2). Dining & Misc is 5% higher in Florida (index 100.7 vs 95.8).
Is gas cheaper in Florida or Indiana?
Gas averages $3.63/gallon in Florida and $3.49/gallon in Indiana — a $0.14 difference per gallon.
Florida vs Indiana cost of living — how do they compare?
Florida has an overall cost-of-living index of 101.4 and Indiana has 90.7 (national average = 100). Florida is 12% more expensive overall. Use the calculator above to see how this affects your specific salary.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Indiana?
Cost of living is only part of the picture — state income taxes also affect your take-home pay. Use the Florida 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
- Florida Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Indiana Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Florida vs Indiana Paycheck Comparison — Compare take-home pay after taxes
- House Affordability in Florida — How much house can you afford?
- House Affordability in Indiana — How much house can you afford?
- 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.
