Cost of Living: Indianapolis, IN vs Arvada, CO (2026)

Indianapolis

Indiana
74
VS

Arvada

Colorado
152

Indianapolis is 51% cheaper than Arvada.

$1,112/mo ↓ 38%
Median Rent
$1,802/mo ↑ 62%
$62,995/yr ↓ 44%
Median Income
$113,396/yr ↑ 80%
$207,000 ↓ 66%
Home Value
$600,800 ↑ 190%
$1,124/mo ↓ 42%
Owner Costs
$1,948/mo ↑ 73%
882,043
Population
122,835

Tax Comparison

3.05%
Income Tax
4.4%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.83%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Indianapolis, IN and Arvada, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 152 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $690/month cheaper in Indianapolis, saving renters about $8,280/year.

Median household income is $50,401/year higher in Arvada. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Indianapolis is $207,000 compared to $600,800 in Arvada.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Indianapolis vs Arvada — common questions

Is Indianapolis or Arvada cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Indianapolis is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Indianapolis and Arvada?
Median rent in Indianapolis is $1,112/month and in Arvada it's $1,802/month — a difference of $690/month.
Which city has higher income, Indianapolis or Arvada?
Median household income is $62,995 in Indianapolis and $113,396 in Arvada. Median household income is $50,401/year higher in Arvada.
How do taxes compare between Indiana and Colorado?
Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Indianapolis or Arvada?
It depends on your priorities. Indianapolis has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,112/mo, while Arvada has a cost index of 152 with rent of $1,802/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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