City vs city
Houston, TX vs Indianapolis, IN
- Rent is 18% lower in Indianapolis (median $1,156/mo vs $1,361/mo in Houston).
- Homes cost 24% less in Indianapolis ($225k vs $278k median value).
- On a $75k salary, you'd have about $23 more a month after taxes and rent in Indianapolis.
- Houston has no state income tax on wages; Indianapolis does.
- Schools rate higher in Houston (3.4/10 vs 2.2/10).
- Indianapolis has less violent crime (7.7 vs 8.9 per 1,000 residents; the US rate is 3.6).
- Houston has milder winters (55°F vs 29°F average).
- Houston gets more sun (204 vs 186 sunny days a year).
| Houston | Indianapolis | |
|---|---|---|
| Median rent | $1,361/mo | $1,156/mo |
| Median home value | $278k | $225k |
| Median household income | $65k | $66k |
| Left each month on $75k (after taxes and rent) | $3,772 | $3,795 |
| State income tax on wages | None | Yes |
| School rating | 3.4/10 | 2.2/10 |
| Violent crime | 2.5× the US rate | 2.1× the US rate |
| Summer average | 94°F | 85°F |
| Winter average | 55°F | 29°F |
| Sunny days a year | 204 | 186 |
| Walk score | 49 | 33 |
| Population | 2,328,253 | 885,860 |
Population, income, home value and rent: U.S. Census Bureau ACS. Taxes: single filer, 2026 federal and state rates, before any city income tax. Violent crime per 1,000 residents; US rate 3.6.
Not sure it's either one?
Tell the AI matcher your budget, job and dealbreakers, and get cities that fit, with the real numbers.
Find my city