Is Indianapolis, IN cheaper than Auburn, WA?

Based on cost of living data, Indianapolis, IN is 21.4% cheaper than Auburn, WA. This translates to saving $1603 per month.

What salary do I need in Indianapolis, IN to live like I do in Auburn, WA?

If you earn $150,000 in Auburn, WA, you'd need approximately $130,769.429 in Indianapolis, IN to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Auburn, WA and Indianapolis, IN?

Housing in Indianapolis, IN is 35.0% cheaper than in Auburn, WA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,360/month in Indianapolis, IN compared to $1,798/month in Auburn, WA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Auburn, WA to Indianapolis, IN?

Moving from Auburn, WA to Indianapolis, IN could save you approximately $1603 per month, or $19231 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Auburn, WA vs Indianapolis, IN: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Auburn, WA — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Tacoma, WA area

Current salary in Auburn, WA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $1.6K/month moving to Indianapolis, IN

$150.0K in your current city equals $130.8K in Indianapolis, IN

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA area

Overall Cost

↓ 21.4%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,603

Savings

Annual Impact

$19.2K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Auburn, WA

Population:84K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$479K

Indianapolis, IN

Population:888K

Cost Index:79

Median Home:$176K

Auburn, WA

The Evergreen State

84K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Located in Washington, this city has a population of 84K residents.

💡 Advantage: Washington has no state income tax!

Indianapolis, IN

The Hoosier State

888K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Indiana, this city has a population of 888K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Auburn, WA vs Indianapolis, IN

Category	Auburn, WA	Indianapolis, IN	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$3,000/mo	$1,949/mo	↓ $1,051less	35.0%
🚗Transportation	$1,859/mo	$1,188/mo	↓ $671less	36.1%
🏥Healthcare	$815/mo	$582/mo	↓ $233less	28.6%
🛒Groceries	$1,068/mo	$919/mo	↓ $149less	13.9%
⚡All Utilities	$476/mo	$503/mo	↑ $26.90more	5.7%
📦Other	$1,606/mo	$1,590/mo	↓ $15.97less	1.0%

🏠Housing

↓ 35.0%

Auburn, WA

$3,000

Indianapolis, IN

$1,949

Difference

$1,051

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 36.1%

Auburn, WA

$1,859

Indianapolis, IN

$1,188

Difference

$671

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 28.6%

Auburn, WA

$815

Indianapolis, IN

$582

Difference

$233

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 13.9%

Auburn, WA

$1,068

Indianapolis, IN

$919

Difference

$149

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 5.7%

Auburn, WA

$476

Indianapolis, IN

$503

Difference

$26.90

📦Other

↓ 1.0%

Auburn, WA

$1,606

Indianapolis, IN

$1,590

Difference

$15.97

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Indianapolis, IN: Marion County Income Tax$3,030/yr (2.0%)

Auburn, WA has no local income tax.

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,498

To$1,030

↓ $468

1 Bed

From$1,540

To$1,170

↓ $370

2 Bed

From$1,798

To$1,360

↓ $438

3 Bed

From$2,372

To$1,760

↓ $612

Auburn, WAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,850–$1,850/mo

Indianapolis, INZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,080–$1,870/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$8,824

Monthly in Auburn, WA

$6,732

Monthly in Indianapolis, IN

$2,092

Difference

Home Values

Auburn

Indianapolis

$479K

Median Value

$176K

↓ -2.1%

YoY Change

↓ -1.1%

↑ +24.3%

5-Year Change

↑ +26.9%

$479K

Price Range

$109K - $340K

Homes in Indianapolis are 63% less expensive than Auburn

Calculate payment - Auburn Calculate payment - Indianapolis

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↓ $4.8K

More taxes

Monthly Difference

$404

Less take-home

Effective Rate Diff

3.2%

Rate difference

Auburn, WA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Washington State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

Indianapolis, IN

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Indiana State Tax

Effective: 3.2%

$4.8K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 27.9%

$41.9K

Take-Home Pay

$9,012/month

$108.1K

Additional Tax Information

Auburn, WA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.2%

Property Tax:0.9%

Indianapolis, IN Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.0%

Property Tax:0.9%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.