Quick answer
Overall prices in the San Francisco, CA metro were 115.6 vs 95.7 in Indianapolis, IN in 2024 (US = 100), so San Francisco is 20.8% more expensive than Indianapolis; housing rents differ by 119% (194.7 vs 88.9). A $75,000 income in San Francisco buys about what $62,080 buys in Indianapolis, per BEA.
Data as of 2024. Source: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities 2024
| Price index (US = 100) | San Francisco | Indianapolis | San Francisco vs Indianapolis |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items | 115.6 | 95.7 | +20.8% |
| Goods | 108.5 | 94.3 | +15.0% |
| Housing (rents) | 194.7 | 88.9 | +119.0% |
| Utilities | 172.6 | 86.4 | +99.8% |
| Other services | 106.2 | 99.1 | +7.1% |
| All items, 2008 | 119.1 | 96.7 | +23.1% |
| $50,000 in San Francisco equals in Indianapolis | $41,386 | ||
| $100,000 in San Francisco equals in Indianapolis | $82,773 | ||
| $150,000 in San Francisco equals in Indianapolis | $124,159 |
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Last updated 2026-10-16. Data only, not financial or tax advice.