Performance
Score Breakdown
Indianapolis
Toledo
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Toledo is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
48% higher compared to Indianapolis.
Housing costs are a major driver: Indianapolis's average rent is
18% higher than Toledo's.
| Metric | Indianapolis | Toledo | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,123 | $950 | +18% |
| Groceries | $450 | $342 | +32% |
| Utilities | $327 | $295 | +11% |
| Transport | $120 | $180 | -33% |
| Healthcare | $900 | $200 | +350% |
| Monthly Total | $2,920 | $1,967 | +48% |
| Cost Index | 90 | 95 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Indianapolis offers 7% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Indianapolis delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Indianapolis is estimated at
$55,000 vs $52,000 in Toledo.
| Metric | Indianapolis | Toledo |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $76,000 | $71,000 |
| Salary Needed | $55,000 | $52,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 84,444 idx | 74,737 idx |
| Household Income | $66,219 | $49,724 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Indianapolis | Toledo |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 73.00% | 70.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Toledo has the shorter commute — saving residents roughly
2,500 minutes (42 hours) per year compared to Indianapolis.
Toledo scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Toledo leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Indianapolis | Toledo |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 25 min | 20 min |
| Transit Score | 0.0/10 | 45.0/10 |
| Walkability | 31.0/10 | 46.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 29.36 | 50.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Indianapolis is the larger city
— approximately 3.4x the population of Toledo.
From a growth perspective, Indianapolis is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Indianapolis has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Indianapolis | Toledo |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 910,638 | 267,463 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.33% | % |
| Median Age | 34.3 | 35.8 |
| Unemployment | 3.40% | 4.40% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Indianapolis
Advantages
The cost of living in Indianapolis is approximately 10.3% lower than the national average, making it a highly affordable city.
Indianapolis boasts a diverse and growing job market, particularly in Healthcare & Life Sciences, Logistics, and Advanced Manufacturing.
The average commute time in Central Indiana is relatively short at 24.6 minutes, contributing to a better work-life balance.
The city has a thriving sports and hospitality sector, attracting major events and offering numerous entertainment options.
Housing inventory is increasing, providing more options for buyers, and median home prices remain competitive.
Drawbacks
Indianapolis has a higher crime rate compared to many U.S. cities, with a BaseScore of 44/100 and a safety index indicating it's safer than only 3% of American cities.
The city is largely car-dependent, with limited walkability and public transit options outside of the downtown core.
The average salary in Indianapolis, at $76,000 annually, is lower than the national average.
Rental prices have experienced rapid growth in recent years, impacting affordability for some residents.
Traffic congestion is increasing, leading to more time lost in traffic for commuters.
Toledo
Advantages
Toledo offers a significantly affordable cost of living, approximately 5% lower than the national average.
The city boasts a thriving arts and cultural scene, highlighted by the world-class Toledo Museum of Art.
Residents have excellent access to nature and outdoor recreation through the extensive Metroparks system, the Maumee River, and Lake Erie.
Toledo has seen significant economic development and business investment, ranking among the top 10 nationally in 2024.
The average commute time in Toledo is relatively short at 19.8 minutes, easing daily travel for residents.
Drawbacks
Toledo has a high violent crime rate, which is significantly above the national average.
The city experiences harsh winters with cold temperatures and notable snowfall.
Toledo's infrastructure, particularly its roads, is often cited as being in poor condition.
Job opportunities in some high-growth sectors may be limited compared to larger metropolitan areas.
Public transportation options in Toledo are considered limited, leading to high car dependency for most errands.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Indianapolis
#64Indiana, USA
68.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,123
Avg Salary
$76,000
Cost Index
90
Commute
25 min
Transit Score
0.0/10
Walkability
31.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.33%
Unemployment
3.40%
Livability
74
Business
70
Toledo
#64Ohio, USA
68.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$950
Avg Salary
$71,000
Cost Index
95
Commute
20 min
Transit Score
45.0/10
Walkability
46.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
%
Unemployment
4.40%
Livability
68
Business
75
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