Cost of Living Comparison

Compare costs between metros for out-of-state investing or relocation decisions. See how housing, taxes, insurance, and operating costs differ — and how they impact your investment returns.

22 MetrosQ1 2026 Data

Indianapolis COL Index

88

100 = national average

+10.2%

Dallas-Fort Worth is more expensive

Dallas-Fort Worth COL Index

97

100 = national average

Detailed Comparison

Indianapolis, IN

Category

Dallas-Fort Worth, TX
$265,000

Median Home Price

+45.3%

Lower = more affordable entry point

$385,000
$1,450

Median Rent

+48.3%

Higher = more rental income potential

$2,150
0.85%

Property Tax Rate

+111.8%

% of assessed value per year

1.80%
3.05%

State Income Tax

-100.0%

Top marginal rate

0.00%
7.00%

Sales Tax

+17.9%

8.25%
$1,680

Avg. Insurance (Annual)

+90.5%

SFH homeowners/landlord policy

$3,200
$185

Avg. Utilities (Monthly)

+13.5%

$210
88

COL Index

+10.2%

100 = national average

97
$62,500

Median Household Income

+15.2%

$72,000
+1.2%

Population Growth

+75.0%

Year-over-year

+2.1%

What Your Salary Is Worth

Enter your income in Indianapolis to see the purchasing-power equivalent in Dallas-Fort Worth, adjusted for cost of living.

$

COL Index: 88

Equivalent in Dallas-Fort Worth

$93,693

You'd need $8,693 more to maintain your lifestyle

Investment Impact: Same Property, Different Costs

Modeled on a $250,000 property with 20% down at 6.75% — rent scaled proportionally to median price.

Indianapolis

-10.7%

CoC Return

Dallas-Fort Worth

-15.3%

CoC Return

Scaled Annual Rent$16,415$16,753
Property Tax$2,125$4,500
Insurance$1,585$2,078
Total Expenses$6,205$9,124
NOI$9,389$6,791
Annual Cash Flow-$6,177-$8,775

Data Sources: Median home prices from Redfin / Zillow ZHVI (Q1 2026). Property tax rates from ATTOM Data. State income tax rates from the Tax Foundation (2026). Insurance estimates from NAIC and state DOI reports. COL Index derived from BLS C2ER data. Utility costs from EIA.

All figures are approximations for metro-level comparison and may vary by specific neighborhood, property type, and individual circumstances. This tool is for informational purposes and does not constitute financial advice.

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