Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $782 in Indiana versus $1,332 in Washington. Overall, Indiana runs roughly 41% cheaper on rent than Washington, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $60,293 in Indiana and $83,857 in Washington — about 28% higher in Washington. Indiana has a top state income tax rate of 2.95% and a 7% state sales tax; Washington has no state income tax and a 6.5% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
7%
6.5%
+0.5 pp in Indiana
Income Tax (top rate)
2.95%
None
+3.0 pp in Indiana
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$782
$1,332
+70% in Washington
Median Home Value
$169,700
$454,600
+168% in Washington
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$60,293
$83,857
+39% in Washington
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
53.2°F
52.1°F
+1.1°F in Indiana
Indiana vs Washington — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Indiana or Washington?
- Indiana is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $782 runs about 41% below Washington's $1,332, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Indiana than in Washington?
- To keep rent near the recommended 30% of gross income, based on median rent across tracked cities, you'd want to earn roughly $31,000 a year in Indiana versus $53,000 in Washington.
- Which has lower taxes, Indiana or Washington?
- Indiana has a top state income tax rate of 2.95% and a 7% state sales tax. Washington has no state income tax and a 6.5% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 3/3 cities we track in Indiana/Washington — not population-weighted statewide figures. Taxes are exact state-level rates. Sources: US Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year; NOAA Climate Normals 1981–2010; Tax Foundation 2026.