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

Seattle

Washington
196
VS

Evansville

Indiana
57

Seattle is 244% more expensive than Evansville.

$1,998/mo ↑ 111%
Median Rent
$949/mo ↓ 53%
$121,984/yr ↑ 133%
Median Income
$52,251/yr ↓ 57%
$912,100 ↑ 607%
Home Value
$129,100 ↓ 86%
$2,220/mo ↑ 142%
Owner Costs
$919/mo ↓ 59%
741,440
Population
116,441

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
3.05%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.83%

Affordability

19.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Seattle, WA and Evansville, IN, the overall cost of living indices are 196 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,049/month cheaper in Evansville, saving renters about $12,588/year.

Median household income is $69,733/year higher in Seattle. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Seattle is $912,100 compared to $129,100 in Evansville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Seattle vs Evansville — common questions

Is Seattle or Evansville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Evansville is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 196 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Seattle and Evansville?
Median rent in Seattle is $1,998/month and in Evansville it's $949/month — a difference of $1,049/month.
Which city has higher income, Seattle or Evansville?
Median household income is $121,984 in Seattle and $52,251 in Evansville. Median household income is $69,733/year higher in Seattle.
How do taxes compare between Washington and Indiana?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax.
Should I move to Seattle or Evansville?
It depends on your priorities. Seattle has a cost index of 196 with median rent of $1,998/mo, while Evansville has a cost index of 57 with rent of $949/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Seattle details → View Evansville details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Seattle and Evansville

Seattle vs. San Francisco Seattle vs. Denver Seattle vs. Indianapolis Seattle vs. Oklahoma City Seattle vs. Charlotte Seattle vs. Nashville Evansville vs. The Woodlands Evansville vs. Brandon Evansville vs. Lakeland Evansville vs. West Jordan Evansville vs. Clearwater Evansville vs. Broken Arrow