Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $963 in Indiana versus $1,705 in New York. Overall, Indiana runs roughly 44% cheaper on rent than New York, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $62,995 in Indiana and $79,713 in New York — about 21% higher in 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.
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
$963
$1,705
+77% in New York
Median Home Value
$207,000
$751,700
+263% in New York
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$62,995
$79,713
+27% in New York
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
53.2°F
55.0°F
+1.8°F in New York
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 $963 runs about 44% below New York's $1,705, 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 $39,000 a year in Indiana versus $68,000 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 1/1 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.