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

Indianapolis

Indiana
74
VS

Seattle

Washington
196

Indianapolis is 62% cheaper than Seattle.

$1,112/mo ↓ 44%
Median Rent
$1,998/mo ↑ 80%
$62,995/yr ↓ 48%
Median Income
$121,984/yr ↑ 94%
$207,000 ↓ 77%
Home Value
$912,100 ↑ 341%
$1,124/mo ↓ 49%
Owner Costs
$2,220/mo ↑ 98%
882,043
Population
741,440

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
19.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Indianapolis, IN and Seattle, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 196 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $886/month cheaper in Indianapolis, saving renters about $10,632/year.

Median household income is $58,989/year higher in Seattle. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Indianapolis is $207,000 compared to $912,100 in Seattle.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Indianapolis vs Seattle — common questions

Is Indianapolis or Seattle cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Indianapolis is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 196 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Indianapolis and Seattle?
Median rent in Indianapolis is $1,112/month and in Seattle it's $1,998/month — a difference of $886/month.
Which city has higher income, Indianapolis or Seattle?
Median household income is $62,995 in Indianapolis and $121,984 in Seattle. Median household income is $58,989/year higher in Seattle.
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 Seattle?
It depends on your priorities. Indianapolis has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,112/mo, while Seattle has a cost index of 196 with rent of $1,998/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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