Is Indianapolis, IN cheaper than Seattle, WA?

Based on cost of living data, Indianapolis, IN is 49.4% cheaper than Seattle, WA. This translates to saving $3706 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Seattle, WA, you'd need approximately $105,523.256 in Indianapolis, IN to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Indianapolis, IN is 74.1% cheaper than in Seattle, WA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,360/month in Indianapolis, IN compared to $2,630/month in Seattle, WA.

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

Moving from Seattle, WA to Indianapolis, IN could save you approximately $3706 per month, or $44477 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

MoveNumbers

Seattle, WA

Tap to swap

Indianapolis, IN

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Seattle, WA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $3.7K/month moving to Indianapolis, IN

$150.0K in your current city equals $105.5K in Indianapolis, IN

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

Overall Cost

↓ 49.4%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$3,706

Savings

Annual Impact

$44.5K

Per year

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

Seattle, WA

Population:749K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$808K

Indianapolis, IN

Population:888K

Cost Index:51

Median Home:$176K

Seattle, WA

The Evergreen State

749K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Oceanic

Notable Facts

•Coffee culture birthplace
•Major tech center
•Pacific Northwest gateway

Major Industries

TechnologyAerospaceMaritime TradeCoffee Industry

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: Seattle, WA vs Indianapolis, IN

Category	Seattle, WA	Indianapolis, IN	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$7,536/mo	$1,949/mo	↓ $5,587less	74.1%
🚗Transportation	$1,899/mo	$1,188/mo	↓ $710less	37.4%
📦Other	$1,975/mo	$1,590/mo	↓ $385less	19.5%
🏥Healthcare	$824/mo	$582/mo	↓ $242less	29.3%
🛒Groceries	$1,079/mo	$919/mo	↓ $160less	14.8%
⚡All Utilities	$481/mo	$503/mo	↑ $21.86more	4.5%

🏠Housing

↓ 74.1%

Seattle, WA

$7,536

Indianapolis, IN

$1,949

Difference

$5,587

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 37.4%

Seattle, WA

$1,899

Indianapolis, IN

$1,188

Difference

$710

less

📦Other

↓ 19.5%

Seattle, WA

$1,975

Indianapolis, IN

$1,590

Difference

$385

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 29.3%

Seattle, WA

$824

Indianapolis, IN

$582

Difference

$242

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 14.8%

Seattle, WA

$1,079

Indianapolis, IN

$919

Difference

$160

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 4.5%

Seattle, WA

$481

Indianapolis, IN

$503

Difference

$21.86

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

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

Seattle, 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$2,180

To$1,030

↓ $1,150

1 Bed

From$2,260

To$1,170

↓ $1,090

2 Bed

From$2,630

To$1,360

↓ $1,270

3 Bed

From$3,440

To$1,760

↓ $1,680

Seattle, WAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,900–$3,210/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.

$13,794

Monthly in Seattle, WA

$6,732

Monthly in Indianapolis, IN

$7,062

Difference

Home Values

Seattle

Indianapolis

$808K

Median Value

$176K

↓ -2.5%

YoY Change

↓ -1.1%

↑ +12.5%

5-Year Change

↑ +26.9%

$433K - $1.34M

Price Range

$109K - $340K

Homes in Indianapolis are 78% less expensive than Seattle

Calculate payment - Seattle 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

Seattle, 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

Seattle, 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.