Indianapolis vs St. Louis: cost of living compared
St. Louis is 4% more expensive than Indianapolis overall. State income tax tops out around 3.15% in IN vs 4.95% in MO.
Indexes use a US average of 100: below 100 is cheaper than the national average. Housing and transportation are derived from median home prices, rents and commute times; figures come from BLS, Census ACS, Numbeo and the MIT Living Wage Calculator.
The big picture
Indianapolis generally presents a slightly lower overall cost of living compared to St. Louis. While housing costs are quite similar, Indianapolis offers noticeable savings in areas like transportation, food, and miscellaneous expenses. These differences accumulate to make Indianapolis a marginally more affordable option for many everyday expenditures, despite both metros being well below the national average for cost of living.
Housing
When considering housing, both Indianapolis and St. Louis offer median home prices that are essentially identical. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment is slightly more affordable in Indianapolis. Both cities feature a mix of housing types, from historic homes to newer developments, reflecting their Midwestern character. Property taxes and insurance costs will vary by specific location within each metro, but the initial purchase price is very comparable.
Taxes and everyday costs
Daily expenses show some divergence. Indianapolis has a lower state income tax rate, which can lead to more take-home pay. Transportation costs are noticeably lower in Indianapolis, as are expenses for food and healthcare. Utilities are roughly the same in both metros. These combined factors mean that day-to-day spending on essentials and getting around will generally be more economical in Indianapolis.
Lifestyle trade-offs
Both metros experience four distinct seasons, with warm summers and cold winters. St. Louis, situated on the Mississippi River, has a slightly more established urban core with a rich architectural history, while Indianapolis offers a more centrally planned downtown. Commute times are generally similar, though Indianapolis is slightly shorter on average. Both offer a Midwestern pace of life, with varied cultural and recreational opportunities.
Bottom line
For those weighing a move, Indianapolis offers a modest but consistent advantage in overall affordability, primarily driven by lower costs in transportation and a more favorable state income tax. Housing costs are very similar for buyers, with Indianapolis having a slight edge for renters. While both cities provide a cost-effective alternative to many larger metros, Indianapolis edges out St. Louis for a slightly lighter impact on the household budget.
| Measure | Indianapolis, IN | St. Louis, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living (US avg = 100) | 85 | 88 |
| Housing index | 63 | 64 |
| Transportation index | 89 | 95 |
| Food index | 88 | 92 |
| Healthcare index | 92 | 95 |
| Utilities index | 95 | 95 |
| Misc index | 82 | 88 |
| Median home price | $218,000 | $218,000 |
| Median 1-bedroom rent | $1,000/mo | $1,050/mo |
| Average commute | 25 min | 27 min |
Compare any two metros with the free cost of living tool, or see the true monthly cost of a specific St. Louis home with the True Cost Calculator.