WhereCanIAfford › Take-home › Columbus, OH vs Indianapolis, IN

Columbus, OH vs Indianapolis, IN: cost of living on $120,000

Indianapolis, IN +$2,481/yr On $120,000, Columbus, OH leaves $69,543/yr in pocket vs Indianapolis, IN's $72,024 — after state income tax and housing.

Where the money goes

On $120,000Columbus, OHIndianapolis, IN
Federal + FICA (est.)$29,580$29,580
State income tax$4,200 (3.50%)$3,600 (3%)
After-tax income$86,220$86,820
− Housing/yr (Zillow)$16,677$14,796
Real money in pocket$69,543$72,024

· State tax: Tax Foundation, “State Individual Income Tax Rates and Brackets, 2025” + state revenue departments. Modeled as an effective planning rate for a typical $80k–$160k filer — not a full bracket engine. · Housing from Zillow ZHVI 2026-05.

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FAQ

Is Columbus, OH or Indianapolis, IN cheaper?
On $120,000, Indianapolis, IN — by $2,481/yr in real take-home.
What's the biggest driver?
State income tax (Ohio 3.50% vs Indiana 3%) and housing cost.

See also: FIRE in Columbus, OH · salary to buy in Columbus, OH · compare other cities →

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