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City Report · IN

Indianapolis

Pop. 885,860·32nd most expensive in Indiana·Indianapolis rents are up 5.2% over the past year
Median rent (all units)
$1,416/mo
Year-over-Year
+5.2%
Month-over-Month
+0.3%
vs US Median
-$546
Stable (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Indianapolis · $1,416
More affordable than 80% of US cities · National median $1,962/mo
Rent Reality Score
55/100
Fairly priced
OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are 3% below what Indianapolis's 10-year trend predicts — a better deal than its own history suggests.

Actual rent
$1,416/mo
Expected by trend
$1,455/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Indianapolis's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$1,003
1 BR
$1,159
2 BR
$1,358
3 BR
$1,768
4 BR+
$2,143
Fair Market Rent (HUD)
$1,358/mo

These are HUD Fair Market Rents, the payment standard for a Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8). They often differ from the $1,416 market median above, and that is expected: FMR is the 40th percentile of standard-quality units and counts gross rent, so it includes essential utilities such as electricity, water, gas, sewer, and trash. The market median is asking rent, which usually excludes utilities. HUD sets FMR once a year; market rent here updates monthly.

Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents. Read the methodology →

Rent trends

12-month history

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Last updated: August 17, 2026

Annual cost
$16,992/yr
At $1,416/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are climbing (5.2% YoY), so leverage tilts toward landlords. Act sooner rather than later.
Based on rent-price momentum (+5.2% YoY, +0.3% MoM), not inventory.
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Demographics

Who lives here

Indianapolis, IN is majority owner-occupied, 34.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
885,860
Median age
34.3
Renters
44%
Age distribution
24.8%
26.4%
24.5%
13.1%
Under 1824.8%
18–3426.4%
35–5424.5%
55–6411.2%
65+13.1%
Gender
48.6%
51.4%
Male48.6%
Female51.4%
Race & ethnicity
51.3%
27.9%
13.8%
White51.3%
Black27.9%
Hispanic13.8%
Asian4.2%
Other2.8%
Education (25+)
12.1%
26.7%
26.4%
34.9%
No HS diploma12.1%
HS diploma26.7%
Some college26.4%
Bachelor's+34.9%
Housing tenure
56%
44%
Owner56%
Renter44%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau · ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates

2021 vs 2026

How Indianapolis, IN has changed in 5 years

Rent
$1,022 → $1,416
up 38.6%
Population
864,447 → 885,860
up 2.5%
Renter share
46.9% → 44%
-2.9 pts
Bachelor's+
30.9% → 34.9%
+4.0 pts

Five years ago, renters in Indianapolis, IN paid around $1,022 a month. That figure now sits near $1,416, up 38.6% from the 2021 baseline. Census counts show Indianapolis, IN adding about 21,413 residents over the five-year window, up 2.5% on net. The renter share has eased from 46.9% to 44%, with owner-occupied housing accounting for the remainder. Bachelor's-degree-or-higher attainment moved from 30.9% to 34.9% across the same window. These shifts give renters and would-be renters a longer baseline for sizing up today's listings against the Indianapolis, IN market of 2021.

Community

Discussions about Indianapolis

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View Indianapolis rent history (2015–2026) →
Salary vs rent

Can you afford rent in Indianapolis on your salary?

At $1,416/mo, how Indianapolis rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Indianapolis rent by bedroom count

Median rent for each apartment size in Indianapolis. Click any size for full breakdown.

Local insights

Tips for renters in Indianapolis

About renting in Indianapolis, IN

Last updated: August 17, 2026

The median rent in Indianapolis is $1,416/mo as of August 2026. A studio apartment averages $1,003/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $1,358/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $1,159/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $1,768/mo.

At 24% of estimated US median household income ($72,000/yr), Indianapolis ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 5.2% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Indianapolis an affordable city for renters?

Indianapolis is considered very affordable for renters. At $1,416/mo, rent takes approximately 24% of the US median household income ($72,000/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Indianapolis falls comfortably within that range.

How much income do you need to rent in Indianapolis?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $57,000/year (~$27/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $1,416/mo in Indianapolis.

Is rent going up or down in Indianapolis?

Rent in Indianapolis has increased 5.2% over the past year as of August 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

Which Indianapolis neighborhoods have the lowest rent?

The most affordable ZIP codes in Indianapolis are 46219 ($1,049/mo), 46201 ($1,225/mo), and 46226 ($1,228/mo). Citywide, the median rent in Indianapolis is $1,416/mo.

How does Indianapolis rent compare to other cities in Indiana?

Indianapolis is middle-of-the-pack for Indiana for rent, ranking #32 out of 62 tracked cities at $1,416/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than Indianapolis?

Beech Grove is nearby and more affordable at $1,258/mo, which is $158 less than Indianapolis.

What percentage of Indianapolis residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 44% of Indianapolis households are renters, while 56% are owner-occupied. Indianapolis leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does Indianapolis rent compare to the national average?

Indianapolis's median rent of $1,416/mo is $546 (28%) below the US national median of $1,962/mo. Within Indiana, it ranks #32 out of 62 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
24%
VERY AFFORDABLE

At $1,416/mo, rent takes ~24% of US median household income ($72,000/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Indianapolis 24%Benchmark 30%
State income tax3.05%
Run the Indianapolis affordability calculator →
Lowest-rent ZIP codes in Indianapolis
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Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Indianapolis, IN

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