Zionsville, IN vs. Greenwood, IN: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
Which Indiana city gives you more for your money – Zionsville or Greenwood? This article provides a detailed cost of living comparison between Zionsville and Greenwood. It’s perfect for families relocating, professionals choosing between job offers, or anyone comparing the real costs of living in these two cities in 2025.
Housing Costs
Housing is often the biggest factor in cost of living. Here’s how typical housing expenses compare in Zionsville vs Greenwood:
| Housing Type | Zionsville | Greenwood |
|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $450,000 | $350,000 |
| Mortgage Payment (20% down) | $2,200/month | $1,700/month |
| 2BR Apartment Rent | $1,600/month | $1,300/month |
🏆 Winner: Greenwood. Housing costs are about 20-25% lower in Greenwood compared to Zionsville.
Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility bills are a significant monthly expense. Expect to pay around $200-250/month for electricity, gas, water, and trash in both cities. Costs may be slightly higher in the summer due to air conditioning.
🏆 Winner: Tie. Utility costs are very similar between Zionsville and Greenwood.
Groceries and Daily Expenses
Groceries, dining out, and everyday purchases are comparable in both cities. Expect to budget around $400-500/month per person for food and incidentals.
🏆 Winner: Tie. There are no major differences in grocery and daily living costs.
Taxes and Fees
Indiana has a flat 3.23% income tax rate statewide. Property taxes are slightly higher in Zionsville at 0.97% vs 0.89% in Greenwood. HOA fees tend to be around $100-300/month in both cities if applicable.
🏆 Winner: Greenwood. The lower property tax rate gives Greenwood a slight edge.
Cost of Living Summary
| Category | Zionsville | Greenwood |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | $2,200 | $1,700 |
| Utilities | $225 | $225 |
| Groceries | $450 | $450 |
| Transportation | $200 | $200 |
| Taxes | 0.97% | 0.89% |
| Misc | $400 | $400 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $3,475 | $2,975 |
Lifestyle Fit
While Greenwood is more affordable, Zionsville offers larger homes and lots, top-rated schools, and a quaint downtown area. Zionsville averages about 10% more green space than Greenwood. However, Greenwood provides easier access to Indianapolis and slightly shorter commute times.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Zionsville more affordable than Greenwood?
No, Greenwood has a lower overall cost of living, primarily due to more affordable housing. A household moving from Zionsville to Greenwood might save $500/month on housing alone.
Which city has lower rent?
Greenwood has lower average rent prices. A typical 2BR apartment costs about $1,300/month in Greenwood compared to $1,600/month in Zionsville.
Where is it cheaper to buy a home?
The median home price in Greenwood is around $350,000 vs $450,000 in Zionsville, making Greenwood more affordable for homebuyers. See [sample monthly budgets for Zionsville](/zionsville-in/monthly-budget/) to estimate homeownership costs.
Conclusion
Greenwood offers a meaningfully lower cost of living than Zionsville, especially for housing. It may be the better choice for budget-conscious families or those wanting to live near Indianapolis. However, Zionsville’s higher prices come with benefits like spacious homes, great schools, and a charming town center. Compare the full [cost of living in Zionsville](/zionsville-in/cost-overview/) to see which fits your lifestyle and budget. If you’re moving to either city, consider if [pods or trucks](https://indexyard.com/best-moving-companies-guide/) are best for your relocation.