Lawrence, IN vs. Greenwood, IN: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
Meet the Johnsons – a family of four debating a move to the Indianapolis suburbs. They’ve narrowed it down to two contenders: Lawrence and Greenwood. But which city offers a lower cost of living to stretch their budget further? Let’s break down the numbers to see if Lawrence or Greenwood is the more affordable choice in 2025.
Housing Costs
Housing is the biggest factor in most families’ budgets. Here’s how typical costs compare for the Johnsons’ preferred home types:
| Housing Type | Lawrence | Greenwood |
|---|---|---|
| 2BR Apartment (Rent) | $1,250 | $1,400 |
| 3BR House (Mortgage) | $1,600 | $1,800 |
🏆 Winner: Lawrence. Renting a 2-bedroom or buying a 3-bedroom home is about $150-200 cheaper per month in Lawrence compared to Greenwood.
Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility bills are a sneaky expense that can add up. In these similar-sized cities, the Johnsons can expect:
- Electricity: $120-150/month, spiking to $180+ in hot summers with A/C
- Gas: $40-80/month, higher in cold winters
- Water/Sewer/Trash: $60-90/month
🏆 Winner: Tie. With comparable climates and energy sources, utility costs are a wash between Lawrence and Greenwood.
Groceries and Daily Expenses
For a family of four, the Johnsons should budget at least $800-1000 per month for groceries in either suburb. Restaurant prices are also similar, averaging $12-15 per person for a basic meal out.
However, Greenwood has slightly lower costs on everyday goods like gas, clothing, and entertainment.
🏆 Winner: Greenwood, but just barely. The Johnsons might save $50-100/month on daily spending in Greenwood vs Lawrence.
Taxes and Fees
Both cities have a fairly typical 1-2% property tax rate. But if the Johnsons buy a home, they’ll likely pay more in Greenwood where median home values are higher.
🏆 Winner: Lawrence. Lower home prices mean a smaller annual property tax bill, even at a similar rate.
Cost Summary Table
| Category | Lawrence | Greenwood |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (3BR Mortgage) | $1,600 | $1,800 |
| Utilities | $250 | $250 |
| Groceries | $900 | $850 |
| Transportation | $500 | $450 |
| Taxes (Property) | $300 | $350 |
| Misc Expenses | $750 | $700 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $4,300 | $4,400 |
Lifestyle Fit
Purely based on cost of living, Lawrence has the edge for the budget-conscious Johnsons. A household moving from Greenwood to Lawrence might save $400/month on housing alone.
However, Greenwood offers perks like a quaint downtown, highly-rated schools, and shorter commutes to major employers in southern Indianapolis. It may be worth the premium for some families.
Lawrence has its own benefits, like more affordable homes with larger lots and yards. And while further from downtown Indy, it provides easier access to outdoor recreation at Fort Harrison State Park.
FAQs
Is Lawrence more affordable than Greenwood?
Yes, Lawrence has a lower overall cost of living, primarily due to cheaper housing. Families can save hundreds per month on rent or mortgage payments in Lawrence compared to Greenwood.
Which city has lower rent?
Lawrence boasts lower rental rates, with a typical 2-bedroom apartment costing around $1,250/month vs $1,400/month in Greenwood.
Where is it cheaper to buy a home?
Lawrence also has lower home prices. A 3-bedroom house mortgage averages $1,600/month in Lawrence compared to $1,800/month in Greenwood.
Conclusion
For the budget-focused Johnsons, Lawrence offers the best bang for their buck in the Indianapolis suburbs. However, Greenwood’s charm and convenience still make it an attractive choice for families prioritizing location over savings.
Ultimately, both cities provide a high quality of life at a reasonable cost compared to major metros. The Johnsons will have to weigh their lifestyle preferences to decide which suburb is the ideal fit.
Want to dig deeper into the details? Check out our full monthly budget breakdown for living in Lawrence or overview of the cost of living in Lawrence for 2025.
And if the Johnsons take the leap, we’ve got tips on choosing between moving pods vs trucks to make the process easier. No matter which city they choose, we wish the Johnson family all the best in their new Indy suburb home!