Cost of Living: Indianapolis, IN vs Bellevue, WA (2026)

Indianapolis

Indiana
74
VS

Bellevue

Washington
250

Indianapolis is 70% cheaper than Bellevue.

$1,112/mo ↓ 56%
Median Rent
$2,505/mo ↑ 125%
$62,995/yr ↓ 61%
Median Income
$161,300/yr ↑ 156%
$207,000 ↓ 83%
Home Value
$1,203,100 ↑ 481%
$1,124/mo ↓ 57%
Owner Costs
$2,586/mo ↑ 130%
882,043
Population
151,199

Tax Comparison

3.05%
Income Tax
0%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.83%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Indianapolis, IN and Bellevue, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 250 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,393/month cheaper in Indianapolis, saving renters about $16,716/year.

Median household income is $98,305/year higher in Bellevue. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Indianapolis is $207,000 compared to $1,203,100 in Bellevue.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Bellevue residents a significant tax advantage over Indiana's 3.05% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Indianapolis vs Bellevue — common questions

Is Indianapolis or Bellevue cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Indianapolis is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 250 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Indianapolis and Bellevue?
Median rent in Indianapolis is $1,112/month and in Bellevue it's $2,505/month — a difference of $1,393/month.
Which city has higher income, Indianapolis or Bellevue?
Median household income is $62,995 in Indianapolis and $161,300 in Bellevue. Median household income is $98,305/year higher in Bellevue.
How do taxes compare between Indiana and Washington?
Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Indianapolis or Bellevue?
It depends on your priorities. Indianapolis has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,112/mo, while Bellevue has a cost index of 250 with rent of $2,505/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Indianapolis details → View Bellevue details →

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