Is Indianapolis, IN cheaper than Bellingham, WA?

Based on cost of living data, Indianapolis, IN is 23.2% cheaper than Bellingham, WA. This translates to saving $1741 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Bellingham, WA, you'd need approximately $129,109.442 in Indianapolis, IN to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Indianapolis, IN is 56.4% cheaper than in Bellingham, WA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,360/month in Indianapolis, IN compared to $1,002/month in Bellingham, WA.

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

Moving from Bellingham, WA to Indianapolis, IN could save you approximately $1741 per month, or $20891 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

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

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Bellingham, WA — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Seattle, WA area

Current salary in Bellingham, WA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $1.7K/month moving to Indianapolis, IN

$150.0K in your current city equals $129.1K in Indianapolis, IN

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area

Overall Cost

↓ 23.2%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,741

Savings

Annual Impact

$20.9K

Per year

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

Bellingham, WA

Population:95K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$639K

Indianapolis, IN

Population:888K

Cost Index:77

Median Home:$176K

Bellingham, WA

The Evergreen State

95K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Located in Washington, this city has a population of 95K 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: Bellingham, WA vs Indianapolis, IN

Category	Bellingham, WA	Indianapolis, IN	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$4,468/mo	$1,949/mo	↓ $2,519less	56.4%
📦Other	$1,301/mo	$1,590/mo	↑ $289more	22.2%
⚡All Utilities	$390/mo	$503/mo	↑ $112more	28.8%
🏥Healthcare	$669/mo	$582/mo	↓ $86.40less	12.9%
🚗Transportation	$1,251/mo	$1,188/mo	↓ $62.30less	5.0%
🛒Groceries	$876/mo	$919/mo	↑ $43.43more	5.0%

🏠Housing

↓ 56.4%

Bellingham, WA

$4,468

Indianapolis, IN

$1,949

Difference

$2,519

less

📦Other

↑ 22.2%

Bellingham, WA

$1,301

Indianapolis, IN

$1,590

Difference

$289

⚡All Utilities

↑ 28.8%

Bellingham, WA

$390

Indianapolis, IN

$503

Difference

$112

🏥Healthcare

↓ 12.9%

Bellingham, WA

$669

Indianapolis, IN

$582

Difference

$86.40

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 5.0%

Bellingham, WA

$1,251

Indianapolis, IN

$1,188

Difference

$62.30

less

🛒Groceries

↑ 5.0%

Bellingham, WA

$876

Indianapolis, IN

$919

Difference

$43.43

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Bellingham, 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$815

To$1,030

↑ $215

1 Bed

From$831

To$1,170

↑ $339

2 Bed

From$1,002

To$1,360

↑ $358

3 Bed

From$1,394

To$1,760

↑ $366

Bellingham, WAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,460–$1,510/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.

$8,955

Monthly in Bellingham, WA

$6,732

Monthly in Indianapolis, IN

$2,222

Difference

Home Values

Bellingham

Indianapolis

$639K

Median Value

$176K

↑ +0.1%

YoY Change

↓ -1.1%

↑ +29.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +26.9%

$630K - $649K

Price Range

$109K - $340K

Homes in Indianapolis are 72% less expensive than Bellingham

Calculate payment - Bellingham 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

Bellingham, 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

Bellingham, 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.