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

Indianapolis

Indiana
74
VS

Lakewood

Colorado
141

Indianapolis is 48% cheaper than Lakewood.

$1,112/mo ↓ 36%
Median Rent
$1,746/mo ↑ 57%
$62,995/yr ↓ 27%
Median Income
$85,789/yr ↑ 36%
$207,000 ↓ 62%
Home Value
$548,200 ↑ 165%
$1,124/mo ↓ 35%
Owner Costs
$1,729/mo ↑ 54%
882,043
Population
156,309

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
24.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Indianapolis, IN and Lakewood, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 141 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $634/month cheaper in Indianapolis, saving renters about $7,608/year.

Median household income is $22,794/year higher in Lakewood. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Indianapolis is $207,000 compared to $548,200 in Lakewood.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Indianapolis vs Lakewood — common questions

Is Indianapolis or Lakewood cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Indianapolis is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 141 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Indianapolis and Lakewood?
Median rent in Indianapolis is $1,112/month and in Lakewood it's $1,746/month — a difference of $634/month.
Which city has higher income, Indianapolis or Lakewood?
Median household income is $62,995 in Indianapolis and $85,789 in Lakewood. Median household income is $22,794/year higher in Lakewood.
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 Lakewood?
It depends on your priorities. Indianapolis has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,112/mo, while Lakewood has a cost index of 141 with rent of $1,746/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Indianapolis details → View Lakewood details →

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