Home › Compare › Indianapolis, IN vs St. Louis, MO

Cost of Living: Indianapolis, IN vs St. Louis, MO

A data-driven comparison of housing, groceries, transportation, taxes, job market and more. See which city gives you more for your money.

1.1% St. Louis, MO is cheaper overall
7.5% 7.5% cheaper housing
1.1% 1.1% more expensive groceries
Updated April 2026 · Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau National average = 100

At a Glance

🏠 Housing 7.5% cheaper
Indianapolis
80
St. Louis
74
🛒 Groceries ~Same
Indianapolis
95
St. Louis
96
🚗 Transportation ~Same
Indianapolis
98
St. Louis
100
🏥 Healthcare ~Same
Indianapolis
96
St. Louis
96
⚡ Utilities 5.2% more
Indianapolis
97
St. Louis
102

Detailed Breakdown

Category Indianapolis, IN St. Louis, MO Difference
Overall Cost Index9190~Same
Housing80747.5% less
Median 1BR Rent$1,050$1,0004.8% less
Median Home Price$230,000$185,00019.6% less
Groceries9596~Same
Transportation98100~Same
Healthcare9696~Same
Utilities971025.2% more

Tax Comparison

Tax Type Indianapolis, IN St. Louis, MO
State Income Tax3.05%4.80% (top)
State Sales Tax7.00%4.23%
Avg Property Tax Rate0.75%0.88%
Estate / Inheritance TaxNoneNone

What You'd Need to Earn

Indianapolis, IN
$60,000
Median household income
St. Louis, MO
$52,000
Median household income
⚠️ Heads up: St. Louis costs more but median income is lower. You may need to earn more to maintain the same standard of living.

Salary Equivalent Calculator

Find out what you'd need to earn in St. Louis to maintain your Indianapolis lifestyle.

→
$—

Based on overall cost index: Indianapolis (91) vs St. Louis (90). This is an estimate for comparison purposes.

Job Market Snapshot

Unemployment Rate
Indianapolis3.9%
St. Louis4.3%
Job Growth (YoY)
Indianapolis2.6%
St. Louis1.6%
Top Industries
IndianapolisPharma, Logistics, Motorsports
St. LouisHealthcare, Manufacturing, Finance

Quality of Life

Avg Commute
Indianapolis24 min
St. Louis25 min
Walk Score
Indianapolis31
St. Louis60
Air Quality (AQI)
Indianapolis42
St. Louis44
Avg Temperature
Indianapolis53°F
St. Louis56°F
Population
Indianapolis887,642
St. Louis293,310

Moving from Indianapolis to St. Louis?

Get free, no-obligation moving quotes from top-rated movers. Compare prices and save up to 40% on your move.

Get My Free Moving Estimate →
✓ 500+ vetted movers ✓ Free quotes in 24hrs ✓ No obligation

Planning Your Move?

Here are some helpful resources if you're considering relocating.

🏠 Find ApartmentsBrowse rentals in Indianapolis and St. Louis → 🚚 Get Moving QuotesCompare prices from top movers → 📈 Check Home ValuesSee real estate trends in both cities → 💼 Search JobsFind open positions in St. Louis →

Compare Other Cities

Indianapolis vs Austin → Indianapolis vs Denver → Indianapolis vs Nashville → St. Louis vs Raleigh → St. Louis vs Portland → St. Louis vs Phoenix →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Indianapolis or St. Louis cheaper to live in?+
St. Louis is the more affordable option overall. The biggest difference is in housing costs, where the gap is about 7.5%. Day-to-day expenses like groceries and transportation are closer between the two cities.
How much is rent in Indianapolis vs St. Louis?+
A typical one-bedroom apartment costs around $1,050/month in Indianapolis and $1,000/month in St. Louis — a difference of about $50 per month.
Which city has lower taxes, Indianapolis or St. Louis?+
Indiana has a state income tax of 3.05% and sales tax of 7.00%. Missouri has a state income tax of 4.80% (top) and sales tax of 4.23%. Consider all tax types together when evaluating total tax burden, as states with no income tax often compensate with higher sales or property taxes.
Can I afford to move from Indianapolis to St. Louis?+
Median household income in Indianapolis is $60,000 compared to $52,000 in St. Louis. Use the salary calculator above to see what you'd need to earn to maintain your current standard of living.
What about buying a home in Indianapolis vs St. Louis?+
The median home price in Indianapolis is $230,000 versus $185,000 in St. Louis — a difference of $45,000. Property tax rates also differ: Indiana averages 0.75% while Missouri averages 0.88%.