Skip to content

Free comparison

Moving from California to Indiana

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Tech, beaches, mountains — and the country's highest housing costs. vs. Affordable, manufacturing & logistics, Indy 500.

CA state flag
Living now

California

Capital: Sacramento

Median household income $91,905 · winter low 45°F · 258 sunny days

Tech, beaches, mountains — and the country's highest housing costs.

IN state flag
Moving to

Indiana

Capital: Indianapolis

Median household income $67,173 · winter low 22°F · 186 sunny days

Affordable, manufacturing & logistics, Indy 500.

Indiana has an overall price level 93.3 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
California
110.7
Indiana
93.3
Indiana has 16% lower overall price level
Housing index
California
154.3
Indiana
73.9
Indiana has 52% lower housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
California
102.7
Indiana
98.3
Indiana has 4.2% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
California
101.6
Indiana
99.0
Indiana has 2.6% lower utilities
Electricity rate
California
33.4 ¢/kWh
Indiana
17.9 ¢/kWh
Indiana has 46% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
California
102.1
Indiana
98.7
Indiana has 3.4% lower transportation
Median home value
California
$759,500
Indiana
$243,500
Indiana is 68% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
California
$1,835/mo
Indiana
$931/mo
Indiana is 49% cheaper to rent

Sources: NOAA Climate Normals · EPA AirNow (live) state-level

Summer high 85°F · Winter low 22°F · 186 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
California
84°F
Indiana
85°F
Indiana is 1.2% more summer highs
Avg winter low
California
45°F
Indiana
22°F
Indiana is 51% less winter lows
Avg annual temperature
California
59°F
Indiana
52°F
Indiana is 12% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
California
258
Indiana
186
Indiana has 28% lower sunny days
Annual precipitation
California
26 in
Indiana
43 in
Indiana is 67% more annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
California
68
Indiana
56
Indiana has 18% lower AQI
Snow / year
California
16 in
Indiana
20 in
Indiana is 25% more annual snowfall

Get the full CaliforniaIndiana report

Schools, healthcare, taxes, transportation, lifestyle, crime, family fit, move logistics, AI assistant, and 90-day timeline.

See the full comparison

Frequently asked

Is it cheaper to live in Indiana than California?

Indiana's overall price level is roughly 90.4 (US avg = 100), vs about 113 for California — based on BEA Regional Price Parities. Housing is the dominant driver of the difference. Run a comparison for the full, current breakdown.

What's the income tax difference?

California tops out at 13.3% income tax. Indiana tops out at 2.95%.

How long do I have to register my vehicle in Indiana?

Most Indiana residents must register a vehicle within 30-60 days of moving. Check the piomover report for state-specific deadlines.

Related comparisons