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

Indianapolis

Indiana
74
VS

Tacoma

Washington
126

Indianapolis is 41% cheaper than Tacoma.

$1,112/mo ↓ 30%
Median Rent
$1,597/mo ↑ 44%
$62,995/yr ↓ 25%
Median Income
$83,857/yr ↑ 33%
$207,000 ↓ 54%
Home Value
$454,600 ↑ 120%
$1,124/mo ↓ 36%
Owner Costs
$1,747/mo ↑ 55%
882,043
Population
220,482

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
22.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Indianapolis, IN and Tacoma, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $485/month cheaper in Indianapolis, saving renters about $5,820/year.

Median household income is $20,862/year higher in Tacoma. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Indianapolis is $207,000 compared to $454,600 in Tacoma.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Indianapolis vs Tacoma — common questions

Is Indianapolis or Tacoma cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Indianapolis is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Indianapolis and Tacoma?
Median rent in Indianapolis is $1,112/month and in Tacoma it's $1,597/month — a difference of $485/month.
Which city has higher income, Indianapolis or Tacoma?
Median household income is $62,995 in Indianapolis and $83,857 in Tacoma. Median household income is $20,862/year higher in Tacoma.
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 Tacoma?
It depends on your priorities. Indianapolis has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,112/mo, while Tacoma has a cost index of 126 with rent of $1,597/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Indianapolis details → View Tacoma details →

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