Cost of Living: Indianapolis, IN vs Arlington, VA (2026)

Indianapolis

Indiana
74
VS

Arlington

Virginia
203

Indianapolis is 64% cheaper than Arlington.

$1,112/mo ↓ 51%
Median Rent
$2,275/mo ↑ 105%
$62,995/yr ↓ 55%
Median Income
$140,160/yr ↑ 122%
$207,000 ↓ 76%
Home Value
$864,800 ↑ 318%
$1,124/mo ↓ 53%
Owner Costs
$2,414/mo ↑ 115%
882,043
Population
235,463

Tax Comparison

3.05%
Income Tax
5.75%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
0.83%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Indianapolis, IN and Arlington, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 203 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,163/month cheaper in Indianapolis, saving renters about $13,956/year.

Median household income is $77,165/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Indianapolis is $207,000 compared to $864,800 in Arlington.

Indiana has a lower income tax rate, making Indianapolis slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Indianapolis vs Arlington — common questions

Is Indianapolis or Arlington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Indianapolis is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 203 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Indianapolis and Arlington?
Median rent in Indianapolis is $1,112/month and in Arlington it's $2,275/month — a difference of $1,163/month.
Which city has higher income, Indianapolis or Arlington?
Median household income is $62,995 in Indianapolis and $140,160 in Arlington. Median household income is $77,165/year higher in Arlington.
How do taxes compare between Indiana and Virginia?
Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Indianapolis or Arlington?
It depends on your priorities. Indianapolis has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,112/mo, while Arlington has a cost index of 203 with rent of $2,275/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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