Cost of Living: Indianapolis vs Washington (2026)

Indianapolis vs Washington cost of living compared: rent, home prices, and what your salary is really worth. Washington is about 14% more expensive than Indianapolis overall — $100,000 in Indianapolis is worth about $113,781 in Washington.

Washington is about 14% more expensive than Indianapolis overall — $100,000 in Indianapolis is worth about $113,781 in Washington.

Indianapolis vs Washington: the numbers

MetricIndianapolisWashingtonDifference
Cost-of-living index (US=100)96109+14%
Median rent$1,112$1,900+71%
Median home value$207,000$724,600+250%
Median household income$62,995$106,287+69%

Cost of living = BEA Regional Price Parities (US average = 100). Rent, home value, and income from the U.S. Census ACS. See our methodology.

What your salary is worth

A $100,000 salary in Indianapolis has the same buying power as about $113,781 in Washington. Going the other way, $100,000 in Washington is like $87,888 in Indianapolis.

Use the calculator below to compare any salary between Indianapolis and Washington.

Compare any salary: Indianapolis vs Washington

What you earn (or want to compare)

Frequently Asked Questions

Washington is more expensive. Its cost-of-living index is 109 vs 96 — a 14% difference. Your money goes further in Indianapolis.

About $113,781 — that's what you'd need in Washington to maintain the same purchasing power as $100,000 in Indianapolis.