Avon, IN vs. Greenwood, IN: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
Considering a move to the Indianapolis suburbs of Avon or Greenwood? This cost of living comparison breaks down the key differences in housing, utilities, groceries and more between these two popular communities in 2025. Whether you’re a family relocating for work, a professional comparing job offers, or just curious how far your budget will stretch, read on to discover which city offers the ideal lifestyle fit.
Let’s start with a quick comparison. Imagine Jenna, a marketing manager earning a gross monthly income of $5,500 pre-tax. Here’s how her core monthly expenses might look in each city:
| Expense | Avon | Greenwood |
|---|---|---|
| 2BR Apartment Rent | $1,250 | $1,400 |
| Groceries & Dining Out | $600 | $650 |
| Utilities | $180 | $200 |
| Monthly Total | $2,030 | $2,250 |
At a glance, Jenna would save around $220 per month on these core expenses by choosing Avon over Greenwood. But let’s dig into the details category by category.
1. Housing Costs
For most households, housing is the biggest factor in cost of living. Here’s how typical rent and home prices compare:
| Housing | Avon | Greenwood |
|---|---|---|
| Median 2BR Apartment Rent | $1,250 | $1,400 |
| Median 3BR Home Price | $350,000 | $380,000 |
🏆 Winner: Avon. Renting a 2-bedroom apartment costs around $150 less per month in Avon compared to Greenwood. Buying a home is also more affordable, with the typical 3BR house priced about $30,000 lower.
2. Utilities and Energy Costs
Utility costs are fairly similar between the two cities. The average household in Avon pays around $180 per month for electricity, natural gas, water, and trash service. In Greenwood, expect to pay closer to $200 monthly.
Both areas experience chilly winters and humid summers. Heating bills peak around January, while air conditioning drives up summer electric bills from June through August. You can save by choosing an off-peak plan from your utility provider.
🏆 Winner: Avon, but only by about $20 per month on average.
3. Groceries and Daily Expenses
Groceries and everyday items cost about 5% less in Avon compared to Greenwood. A gallon of milk averages $3.50 in Avon versus $3.70 in Greenwood. Dining out is also a bit cheaper, with a typical meal for two at a mid-range restaurant running about $50 in Avon compared to $55 in Greenwood.
🏆 Winner: Avon takes the prize for more affordable groceries and restaurants.
4. Taxes and Fees
Indiana charges a flat 3.23% income tax rate statewide. However, Hendricks County (home to Avon) has a slightly lower sales tax rate of 7% versus 7.5% in Johnson County (Greenwood’s location).
Property taxes are also lower in Avon, averaging 0.85% versus 1.1% in Greenwood. For a $350,000 home, that’s a difference of $875 per year.
🏆 Winner: Avon has an edge with lower sales and property tax rates.
5. Cost Summary
| Category | Avon | Greenwood |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | 10% cheaper | |
| Utilities | 5% cheaper | |
| Groceries | 5% cheaper | |
| Transportation | Equal | Equal |
| Taxes | 0.5% lower | |
| Misc Expenses | Similar | Similar |
| Est. Monthly Total | $3,800 | $4,100 |
6. Lifestyle Fit
Avon offers a bit more square footage for your dollar, with larger apartments and lot sizes. However, Greenwood is more walkable and closer to downtown Indianapolis amenities. Commuting to the city center takes about 25 minutes from Avon versus 20 minutes from Greenwood.
Both cities have highly-rated schools, low crime rates, and plenty of parks and trails. Avon may appeal more to families seeking space to spread out, while Greenwood suits those who value a quick commute.
7. FAQ
Q: Is Avon more affordable than Greenwood?
A: Yes, Avon has lower housing, grocery, utility, and tax costs than Greenwood. The difference is around $300 per month for a typical household.
Q: Which city has cheaper rent, Avon or Greenwood?
A: Avon. The median rent for a 2BR apartment is $1,250 in Avon compared to $1,400 in Greenwood.
Q: Is it less expensive to buy a home in Avon or Greenwood?
A: Avon has lower home prices, with the median 3BR house costing $350,000 versus $380,000 in Greenwood.
8. The Bottom Line
While both Avon and Greenwood provide an attractive suburban lifestyle, Avon comes out ahead on affordability. Housing costs about 10% less, while groceries, utilities, and taxes are also cheaper. That said, Greenwood’s proximity to Indianapolis may be worth the premium for some commuters.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your household budget, space needs, and lifestyle priorities. We recommend building out a sample monthly budget for Avon or Greenwood to see how the numbers align with your income. You can also check out our full cost of living breakdown for Avon or Greenwood for more details and tips on trimming expenses.
Planning a move between the two cities? Be sure to compare moving company costs to find the best deal and minimize hassle. With careful planning, you can enjoy all that Avon or Greenwood has to offer without breaking the bank.