Noblesville, IN vs. Greenwood, IN: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
This article provides a cost of living comparison: Noblesville vs Greenwood. It is perfect for families relocating, professionals choosing between job offers, or anyone comparing the real-life cost of Noblesville vs Greenwood in 2025.
1. Housing Costs
Housing is often the biggest factor in cost of living differences. Here’s how Noblesville and Greenwood compare for typical options:
| Housing Type | Noblesville | Greenwood |
|---|---|---|
| 2BR Apartment (Monthly Rent) | $1,250 | $1,400 |
| 3BR House (Median Price) | $325,000 | $350,000 |
🏆 Winner: Noblesville. Rent and home prices tend to be 5-10% lower in Noblesville compared to similar properties in Greenwood.
2. Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility costs are fairly similar between the two cities. Expect to pay around $150-200 per month for a 2BR apartment, with costs rising in the summer if you use air conditioning frequently. Both cities offer “budget billing” programs to even out seasonal spikes.
🏆 Winner: Tie. Utility costs are comparable in Noblesville and Greenwood.
3. Groceries and Daily Expenses
Grocery prices are nearly identical in the two cities, with Noblesville coming in about 2% cheaper on average according to cost of living indexes. Restaurant prices are also comparable, though Greenwood has slightly more chain options which can mean better deals.
🏆 Winner: Noblesville, but only by a slim margin. Average monthly expenses in Noblesville for groceries and dining out are very similar to Greenwood.
4. Taxes and Fees
Indiana charges a flat 3.23% income tax rate statewide. However, Noblesville’s property taxes are about 0.2% lower than Greenwood’s. For a $300,000 home, that’s a savings of $600 per year. Both cities charge similar rates for utilities and service fees.
🏆 Winner: Noblesville. The lower property tax rate can add up to substantial savings for homeowners.
5. Cost Summary Table
| Category | Noblesville | Greenwood |
|---|---|---|
| Housing (Monthly, 2BR Apt) | $1,250 | $1,400 |
| Utilities | $180 | $180 |
| Groceries | $350 | $360 |
| Transportation | $60 | $60 |
| Taxes (Property, 1.2% vs 1.4%) | $325 | $380 |
| Miscellaneous | $250 | $250 |
| Estimated Monthly Total (Pre-Tax) | $2,415 | $2,630 |
6. Lifestyle Fit
While the costs are fairly similar, Noblesville and Greenwood do have some lifestyle differences to consider:
- Noblesville has a quaint, historic downtown square with local shops and restaurants. Greenwood is more suburban with easy access to big box stores.
- Noblesville averages about 10 minutes longer for commutes to Indianapolis. Greenwood is closer to I-65 for an easier drive.
- Greenwood has more apartments and rental options, while Noblesville has a higher percentage of single-family homes.
7. Frequently Asked Questions
Is Noblesville more affordable than Greenwood?
Yes, Noblesville comes out slightly ahead on housing and tax costs, making it more affordable overall. However, the difference is minor.
Which city has lower rent?
Noblesville has lower rent on average, with a typical 2BR apartment costing about $150 less per month than in Greenwood.
Where is it cheaper to buy a home?
Noblesville has lower median home prices and property taxes, making it more affordable for buyers. Use our Noblesville cost of living calculator to estimate your specific housing costs.
8. Conclusion
While Noblesville comes out ahead in this cost of living comparison, both cities offer a relatively affordable lifestyle for Indiana. Noblesville may appeal more to families looking to buy a home, while Greenwood can be a great fit for renters who want easy access to Indianapolis.
Ultimately, the right choice depends on your specific budget, housing needs, and lifestyle preferences. Be sure to compare key factors like moving company costs as you make your decision. You can also check out our other cost of living breakdowns for popular cities in Indiana.