Indianapolis has long been known as one of the more affordable big cities in America, but even here housing prices have been creeping up like a pothole-riddled highway repair bill. If you want to live near the city without being trapped in an apartment that looks like it hasn’t been updated since Peyton Manning’s rookie season, you’re going to need to head for the burbs. Fortunately, there are still affordable Indianapolis suburbs that offer decent rent, space to breathe, and at least a few things to do besides pacing your living room.
If you’re ready to escape the rising costs of Indianapolis, here’s where you should be looking.
searching.
Indianapolis’s housing market at a glance
Before we take a closer look at seven of the most affordable Indianapolis suburbs for renters in 2025, here’s a snapshot of Indianapolis’s current housing market.
| Average 1-bedroom rent in Indianapolis | $1,237 |
| Average 2-bedroom rent in Indianapolis | $1,453 |
| Median home price in Indianapolis | $240,000 |
1. Speedway
- Average 1-bedroom rent: $699
- Distance from Indianapolis: 6 miles west
- Drive time to Indianapolis: About 15 minutes
At $699 per month for a 1-bedroom apartment, Speedway is a unique and affordable Indianapolis suburb. Speedway is best known for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, home of the Indy 500, which means you’ll either develop an appreciation for fast cars or start to despise the sound of engines revving. Daredevil Brewing Co. serves up locally-loved craft beer and Main Street is packed with restaurants, shops, and community events that make this suburb feel more like a real town and less like a highway pit stop.
2. Franklin
- Average 1-bedroom rent: $1,005
- Distance from Indianapolis: 25 miles south
- Drive time to Indianapolis: About 30 minutes
At $1,005 per month on average for a 1-bedroom, Franklin is where you go when you want small-town charm without full-on isolation. The Johnson County Museum of History gives you a look at the area’s past and a better appreciation for the local history. Historic Artcraft Theatre screens classic films in a beautifully restored 1920s building and Province Park has trails and disc golf if you need some fresh air. Housing options range from affordable apartments to historic homes full of character.
3. Greenfield
- Average 1-bedroom rent: $1,121
- Distance from Indianapolis: 25 miles east
- Drive time to Indianapolis: About 30 minutes
With an average 1-bedroom rent of $1,121 per month, Greenfield is the kind of suburb where people say “hi” to strangers without it being weird. The James Whitcomb Riley Boyhood Home and Museum honors the great Hoosier poet and the Pennsy Trail is great for biking or pretending you like jogging. Housing here is a mix of apartments, townhomes, and houses that still feel reasonably priced in this economy.
4. Lebanon
- Average 1-bedroom rent: $1,149
- Distance from Indianapolis: 29 miles northwest
- Drive time to Indianapolis: About 35 minutes
At $1,149 per month for a 1-bedroom, Lebanon is great for people who want affordable rent with a side of small-town nostalgia. The Cragun House is a beautifully preserved Victorian home that doubles as a history museum. Lebanon Courthouse Square gives you that old-school town square vibe with shops and restaurants. Housing in Lebanon is a healthy mix of apartments, duplexes, and homes that don’t cost a fortune (yet).
5. Plainfield
- Average 1-bedroom rent: $1,184
- Distance from Indianapolis: 17 miles southwest
- Drive time to Indianapolis: About 25 minutes
At $1,184 per month for a 1-bedroom apartment, Plainfield is where you move when you want suburban convenience in a charming setting close to the city. Hummel Park has trails and open spaces for outdoor activities and Plainfield Historic District offers a glimpse of what life looked like before strip malls took over.
6. Pendleton
- Average 1-bedroom rent: $1,199
- Distance from Indianapolis: 26 miles northeast
- Drive time to Indianapolis: About 30 minutes
Coming in at $1,199 per month for a 1-bedroom apartment, Pendleton is for people who want a quieter lifestyle but still need civilization within reach. Falls Park is one of the most scenic spots in the state, with waterfalls and walking trails that make it a perfect weekend retreat. The Pendleton Historical Museum gives you a dose of local history and a deeper understanding of the people that made the town what it is today.
7. Greenwood
- Average 1-bedroom rent: $1,199
- Distance from Indianapolis: 14 miles south
- Drive time to Indianapolis: About 20 minutes
At $1,199 per month for a 1-bedroom apartment, Greenwood is one of the more developed suburbs on this list, offering plenty to do without driving all the way into Indy. Greenwood Park Mall is a popular place to spend a few bucks. Old City Park is a great spot for families and people who just want a peaceful place to unwind. Housing is a mix of apartments, condos, and suburban homes that don’t require selling off the family heirlooms to make the down payment.
Settle down in an affordable Indianapolis suburb
Finding affordable Indianapolis suburbs isn’t impossible—you just have to know where to look. If you want rock-bottom rent, Speedway is your best bet. If you like small-town vibes with an easy commute, Franklin and Greenfield should be on your list. And if you’re looking for suburban convenience without full-on Carmel pricing, Greenwood and Plainfield are solid choices.
No matter where you land, these suburbs offer cheaper rent, more space, and at least a fighting chance of affording groceries after paying your rent.Affordability is based on whether a suburb’s one-bedroom rent was less than Indianapolis’ average rent and under 30 miles from downtown Indianapolis. Average rental data from Indianapolis rental market trends in February, 2025. Population data sourced from the United States Census Bureau.
