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

Indianapolis

Indiana
74
VS

Vancouver

Washington
123

Indianapolis is 40% cheaper than Vancouver.

$1,112/mo ↓ 32%
Median Rent
$1,632/mo ↑ 47%
$62,995/yr ↓ 19%
Median Income
$78,156/yr ↑ 24%
$207,000 ↓ 53%
Home Value
$440,300 ↑ 113%
$1,124/mo ↓ 30%
Owner Costs
$1,607/mo ↑ 43%
882,043
Population
192,696

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
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Indianapolis, IN and Vancouver, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 123 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $520/month cheaper in Indianapolis, saving renters about $6,240/year.

Median household income is $15,161/year higher in Vancouver. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Indianapolis is $207,000 compared to $440,300 in Vancouver.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Indianapolis vs Vancouver — common questions

Is Indianapolis or Vancouver cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Indianapolis is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 123 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Indianapolis and Vancouver?
Median rent in Indianapolis is $1,112/month and in Vancouver it's $1,632/month — a difference of $520/month.
Which city has higher income, Indianapolis or Vancouver?
Median household income is $62,995 in Indianapolis and $78,156 in Vancouver. Median household income is $15,161/year higher in Vancouver.
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 Vancouver?
It depends on your priorities. Indianapolis has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,112/mo, while Vancouver has a cost index of 123 with rent of $1,632/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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