Cost of living in Indianapolis

Young professionals seem to be flocking to Indiana’s cosmopolitan capital, and for good reason. Indianapolis offers an exceptional quality of life – especially to professionals just starting out or young families – as the cost of living is remarkably low compared to other nearby cities, particularly big coastal metros such as New York.

Accommodation, in particular, can be rented for a relative steal. Prospective residents of Indy will be happy to know that the average housing expenses in the city are a whopping 18 percent lower than the national average. In fact, most everyday expenses are cheaper in Indianapolis than in other big US cities, while salaries are only fractionally lower than the national average.

Below, we list some of the costs that expats or new arrivals in Indy will have to consider before negotiating their salary and moving to the Circle City.

Cost of accommodation in Indianapolis

Of course, different areas will charge different prices. Downtown Indianapolis, with its shiny high rises and plush apartment living, is naturally more expensive than living slightly further away from the centre of town. Even so, living in downtown Indy is miles more affordable than living in downtown Washington DC, for instance – sometimes as much as 50 percent cheaper.

Most newcomers relocating to Indy from other parts of the country opt to rent rather than buy, at least at first. Downtown has a booming rental market where young professionals and new families rent – furnished or unfurnished – small-to-large luxury apartments, duplexes, condos and lofts. Neighbourhoods surrounding downtown offer a variety of more affordable single-family bungalows and houses, as well as bigger properties and mansions, with a vast price range.

Cost of education in Indianapolis

Americans relocating from other cities will want to take some time to research the schools in Indianapolis to make sure their kids continue getting the standard of education that they’re used to, and at a comparable price.

The city has a wide array of excellent public schools, which come at little to no cost – including several charter and magnet schools – that new arrivals may find suitable. The city also has myriad private schools that provide superior education, sports programmes and a raft of extracurriculars that public schools don’t, but these schools are often associated with high tuition costs.

Expats who would like for their children to continue the curricula they started in their home countries will want to check out the International School of Indiana, which offers students access to certified full-continuum International Baccalaureate (IB) programmes and immersion programmes. But again, the school’s fees are costly, and expats will need to think carefully and budget accordingly before enrolling their children.

Cost of healthcare in Indianapolis

Indianapolis is known as a bit of a healthcare hub in the Midwest, with a range of superb hospitals. The city is divided into four rough quadrants, each quadrant dominated by one of the four healthcare systems operating in Indianapolis, the biggest of which is Clarian with three hospitals. Indy is also home to the state’s only medical school.

Although healthcare in Indianapolis is said to be cheaper than the American average, it is still fairly expensive and health plans would have to be considered carefully before expats move to the city. Insurance schemes are vast and varied, and require some research, but are ultimately a necessity to ensure the health of one’s family.

It’s worth negotiating with prospective employers to include medical insurance, or at least a contribution thereof, into one’s employment contract, as this will represent a considerable savings in monthly expenses.

Cost of transport in Indianapolis

Indianapolis’s public transport system is not only efficient, but it's quite affordable too. Standard buses and the relatively recent transit electric buses are most popular with commuters. Short and long-term bus passes, or a tap-and-go MyKey app that is easily reloadable, are the most cost-effective. Indy's residents also make regular use of grab-and-go bicycles – these are also exceptionally reasonably priced, and long-term passes are available.

Newcomers to Indianapolis may feel like they’ll be more comfortable exploring the city with their own set of wheels, particularly if they have long-distance commutes or for those eager to venture a bit further afield. Petrol (gas) isn’t expensive, especially when compared to bigger East Coast cities, and second-hand vehicles can be acquired at little cost.

Cost of entertainment and eating out in Indianapolis

New arrivals who like to treat themselves to the odd night out will find that Indianapolis caters to most tastes when it comes to fine eateries, fun bars and ritzy clubs. The cost of a night out will largely depend on a person’s inclination and preference, but budget-conscious newcomers will still be able to have fun in the Circle City. The month of January, in particular, is an optimal time to explore the city’s culinary offerings, during Devour Indy, when hundreds of restaurants design special three-course menus at discounted prices for residents to enjoy.

A lot of the city’s attractions are free of charge. Museums, parks, canal walks, monuments, memorials, galleries and more can be visited at no or very little cost, and bars regularly have enticing specials for the thrifty at heart.

During the month of May, the city comes alive with the Indy 500 motor race, when restaurants, bars and other attractions have special rates for the weeks leading up to race day.