Is Indianapolis, IN or Cleveland, OH cheaper on a $120,000 salary?

Cleveland, OH leaves you more: $1,585/yr. On $120,000, Indianapolis, IN leaves $72,024/yr in pocket (state tax $3,600, housing $14,796) vs Cleveland, OH's $73,609 (state tax $4,200, housing $12,611).

The gap is driven mostly by state income tax (Indiana: 3% vs Ohio: 3.50%) and housing.

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

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

Cleveland, OH +$1,585/yr On $120,000, Indianapolis, IN leaves $72,024/yr in pocket vs Cleveland, OH's $73,609 — after state income tax and housing.

Where the money goes

On $120,000	Indianapolis, IN	Cleveland, OH
Federal + FICA (est.)	$29,580	$29,580
State income tax	$3,600 (3%)	$4,200 (3.50%)
After-tax income	$86,820	$86,220
− Housing/yr (Zillow)	$14,796	$12,611
Real money in pocket	$72,024	$73,609

Verified 2026-06-23 · 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 Indianapolis, IN or Cleveland, OH cheaper?: On $120,000, Cleveland, OH — by $1,585/yr in real take-home.
What's the biggest driver?: State income tax (Indiana 3% vs Ohio 3.50%) and housing cost.

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