Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $782 in Indiana versus $857 in New York. Overall, Indiana runs roughly 9% cheaper on rent than New York, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $60,293 in Indiana and $48,050 in New York — about 20% higher in Indiana. Indiana has a top state income tax rate of 2.95% and a 7% state sales tax; New York has a top state income tax rate of 10.90% and a 4% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
7%
4%
+3.0 pp in Indiana
Income Tax (top rate)
2.95%
10.90%
+8.0 pp in New York
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$782
$857
+10% in New York
Median Home Value
$169,700
$152,300
+10% in Indiana
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$60,293
$48,050
+20% in Indiana
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
53.2°F
48.3°F
+4.9°F in Indiana
Indiana vs New York — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Indiana or New York?
- Indiana is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $782 runs about 9% below New York's $857, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Indiana than in New York?
- To keep rent near the recommended 30% of gross income, based on median rent across tracked cities, you'd want to earn roughly $31,000 a year in Indiana versus $34,000 in New York.
- Which has lower taxes, Indiana or New York?
- Indiana has a top state income tax rate of 2.95% and a 7% state sales tax. New York has a top state income tax rate of 10.90% and a 4% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 3/3 cities we track in Indiana/New York — not population-weighted statewide figures. Taxes are exact state-level rates. Sources: US Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year; NOAA Climate Normals 1981–2010; Tax Foundation 2026.