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

Indianapolis

Indiana
74
VS

Kent

Washington
145

Indianapolis is 49% cheaper than Kent.

$1,112/mo ↓ 39%
Median Rent
$1,833/mo ↑ 65%
$62,995/yr ↓ 30%
Median Income
$90,416/yr ↑ 44%
$207,000 ↓ 61%
Home Value
$537,500 ↑ 160%
$1,124/mo ↓ 41%
Owner Costs
$1,915/mo ↑ 70%
882,043
Population
135,015

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
24.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Indianapolis, IN and Kent, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 145 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $721/month cheaper in Indianapolis, saving renters about $8,652/year.

Median household income is $27,421/year higher in Kent. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Indianapolis is $207,000 compared to $537,500 in Kent.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Indianapolis vs Kent — common questions

Is Indianapolis or Kent cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Indianapolis is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 145 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Indianapolis and Kent?
Median rent in Indianapolis is $1,112/month and in Kent it's $1,833/month — a difference of $721/month.
Which city has higher income, Indianapolis or Kent?
Median household income is $62,995 in Indianapolis and $90,416 in Kent. Median household income is $27,421/year higher in Kent.
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 Kent?
It depends on your priorities. Indianapolis has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,112/mo, while Kent has a cost index of 145 with rent of $1,833/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Indianapolis details → View Kent details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Indianapolis and Kent

Indianapolis vs. Charlotte Indianapolis vs. San Francisco Indianapolis vs. Columbus Indianapolis vs. Seattle Indianapolis vs. Fort Worth Indianapolis vs. Denver Kent vs. Stamford Kent vs. Midland Kent vs. Elizabeth Kent vs. Coral Springs Kent vs. Victorville Kent vs. Sterling Heights