This is the Salary You Need to Live Comfortably in Indiana

$86,000 to Live “Comfortably” in Indiana?

A new report says a single person now needs to make $86,000 a year to live comfortably in Indiana. That number covers not just rent and ramen, but also vacations, hobbies, saving for retirement, and being ready for the occasional “surprise” root canal.

The formula is based on the 50-30-20 rule – where 50% of your income goes to necessities, 30% to fun stuff, and 20% to future-you. And believe it or not, that $86K puts us as the 10th most affordable state in the country.

Still… $86K feels like a big number. I have several single friends here in Indy who aren’t pulling that in, yet they’re managing—granted, maybe with fewer beach getaways and more Aldi wine nights. So, is $86,000 realistic? Maybe. But in real life, comfort can also mean having great neighbors, a walkable coffee shop, and a job that doesn’t drain your soul.

What do you think—is that number way off, or spot on?

Source: Salary Needed to Live Comfortably by State– 2025 Study