St. Louis vs Indianapolis: Cost of Living Comparison
St. Louis and Indianapolis are Midwestern metros that offer big-city amenities at small-city prices. St. Louis boasts a world-class zoo that is free to visit, a thriving biotech corridor anchored by Washington University, and neighborhoods like The Hill and Soulard with distinct cultural identities. Indianapolis is home to the Indy 500, Eli Lilly, and a sports-driven downtown that comes alive during March Madness. Both cities have housing costs well below the national average, with St. Louis offering some of the cheapest historic architecture in the country.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Category | St. Louis | Indianapolis | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Index | 94 | 97 | St. Louis |
| Housing | 77 | 86 | St. Louis |
| Groceries | 99 | 97 | Indianapolis |
| Transportation | 101 | 100 | Indianapolis |
| Utilities | 99 | 95 | Indianapolis |
Index values are estimates for general comparison purposes relative to a national average of 100. Lower is cheaper. Actual costs vary by neighborhood, household size, and lifestyle.
Visual Cost Comparison
Overall Index
Housing
Groceries
Transportation
Utilities
Green bars indicate the more affordable city in each category. National average = 100.
Salary Equivalent: St. Louis vs Indianapolis
To maintain the same standard of living, here's what salaries earned in St. Louis are worth in Indianapolis - and vice versa.
| Salary in St. Louis | Equivalent in Indianapolis | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $51,596 | +$1,596 |
| $75,000 | $77,394 | +$2,394 |
| $100,000 | $103,191 | +$3,191 |
| $150,000 | $154,787 | +$4,787 |
Indianapolis is more expensive, so you need more income to maintain your standard of living.
Category-by-Category Breakdown
Housing (St. Louis wins): Housing is 12% cheaper in St. Louis than Indianapolis. Indianapolis has a housing index of 86 vs 77. This is typically the largest expense category and drives most of the overall cost difference.
Groceries (Indianapolis wins): Grocery costs in St. Louis (index 99) are higher than Indianapolis (index 97). Both cities are at or below the national average for groceries.
Transportation (Indianapolis wins): Transportation costs index 101 in St. Louis vs 100 in Indianapolis. This includes gas prices, car insurance, public transit fares, and vehicle maintenance. The difference is modest and unlikely to significantly impact your budget.
Utilities (Indianapolis wins): Utilities cost more in St. Louis (index 99) than Indianapolis (index 95). This covers electricity, natural gas, water, sewage, internet, and phone service. Climate plays a significant role - cities with extreme temperatures tend to have higher utility costs.
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FAQ - St. Louis vs Indianapolis Cost of Living
Is St. Louis or Indianapolis more expensive to live in?
Indianapolis is more expensive overall, with a cost of living index of 97 compared to 94 (national average = 100). The biggest difference is in housing, where Indianapolis costs 9 index points more.
How much more expensive is housing in Indianapolis vs St. Louis?
Housing in Indianapolis has an index of 86 compared to 77 in St. Louis. That's 12% more expensive. Housing is typically the largest factor in cost of living differences between cities.
What is a $100,000 salary in St. Louis worth in Indianapolis?
A $100,000 salary in St. Louis is equivalent to approximately $103,191 in Indianapolis. This means you would need to earn more in Indianapolis to maintain the same standard of living.
Are groceries cheaper in St. Louis or Indianapolis?
Groceries are cheaper in Indianapolis, with an index of 97 compared to 99 in St. Louis. The national average is 100, so both cities are below the national average.
Should I move from St. Louis to Indianapolis to save money?
Indianapolis is actually more expensive than St. Louis overall, with an index 3 points higher. However, consider your specific situation - salary differences between markets, state income taxes, and lifestyle preferences all factor in. Use our free calculator to estimate total relocation costs.