Is Indianapolis, IN cheaper than Lake Stevens, WA?

Based on cost of living data, Indianapolis, IN is 44.9% cheaper than Lake Stevens, WA. This translates to saving $3365 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Lake Stevens, WA, you'd need approximately $109,618.37 in Indianapolis, IN to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Indianapolis, IN is 68.7% cheaper than in Lake Stevens, WA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,360/month in Indianapolis, IN compared to $2,059/month in Lake Stevens, WA.

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

Moving from Lake Stevens, WA to Indianapolis, IN could save you approximately $3365 per month, or $40382 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Lake Stevens, WA vs Indianapolis, IN: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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

Current salary in Lake Stevens, WA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $3.4K/month moving to Indianapolis, IN

$150.0K in your current city equals $109.6K in Indianapolis, IN

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

Overall Cost

↓ 44.9%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$3,365

Savings

Annual Impact

$40.4K

Per year

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

Lake Stevens, WA

Population:41K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$698K

Indianapolis, IN

Population:888K

Cost Index:55

Median Home:$176K

Lake Stevens, WA

The Evergreen State

41K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Located in Washington, this city has a population of 41K 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: Lake Stevens, WA vs Indianapolis, IN

Category	Lake Stevens, WA	Indianapolis, IN	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$6,223/mo	$1,949/mo	↓ $4,274less	68.7%
🚗Transportation	$1,742/mo	$1,188/mo	↓ $554less	31.8%
📦Other	$1,812/mo	$1,590/mo	↓ $222less	12.2%
🏥Healthcare	$789/mo	$582/mo	↓ $207less	26.2%
🛒Groceries	$1,034/mo	$919/mo	↓ $114less	11.1%
⚡All Utilities	$461/mo	$503/mo	↑ $42.13more	9.1%

🏠Housing

↓ 68.7%

Lake Stevens, WA

$6,223

Indianapolis, IN

$1,949

Difference

$4,274

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 31.8%

Lake Stevens, WA

$1,742

Indianapolis, IN

$1,188

Difference

$554

less

📦Other

↓ 12.2%

Lake Stevens, WA

$1,812

Indianapolis, IN

$1,590

Difference

$222

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 26.2%

Lake Stevens, WA

$789

Indianapolis, IN

$582

Difference

$207

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 11.1%

Lake Stevens, WA

$1,034

Indianapolis, IN

$919

Difference

$114

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 9.1%

Lake Stevens, WA

$461

Indianapolis, IN

$503

Difference

$42.13

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Lake Stevens, 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$1,708

To$1,030

↓ $678

1 Bed

From$1,770

To$1,170

↓ $600

2 Bed

From$2,059

To$1,360

↓ $699

3 Bed

From$2,690

To$1,760

↓ $930

Lake Stevens, WAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,270–$2,270/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.

$12,061

Monthly in Lake Stevens, WA

$6,732

Monthly in Indianapolis, IN

$5,329

Difference

Home Values

Lake Stevens

Indianapolis

$698K

Median Value

$176K

↓ -1.8%

YoY Change

↓ -1.1%

↑ +37.7%

5-Year Change

↑ +26.9%

$698K

Price Range

$109K - $340K

Homes in Indianapolis are 75% less expensive than Lake Stevens

Calculate payment - Lake Stevens 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

Lake Stevens, 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

Lake Stevens, 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.