Indianapolis vs St. Louis
Cost of living and salary reality, side by side. At $60-80k, $70,000 in Indianapolis feels like approximately $56,249 in St. Louis.
Data: 2026-Q2 · BLS · HUD · KFFYour $60-80k in Indianapolis feels like $56,249 in St. Louis. Moving would decrease your purchasing power by 20%.
Indianapolis
St. Louis
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Curious what a raise — or a different path — would change?
At $60-80k in Indianapolis, your picture shifts from spacious toward spacious.
No city is objectively better. Indianapolis and St. Louis each fit different priorities — the right one depends on what you're building toward.
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Indianapolis vs St. Louis — FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in Indianapolis or St. Louis?
HUD FY2026 1BR Fair Market Rent is $1,267/mo in Indianapolis and $995/mo in St. Louis. St. Louis has lower median housing costs. Source: HUD FY2026 FMR.
How much do I need to earn in St. Louis to match Indianapolis?
At a $60-80k income, $70,000 in Indianapolis feels like approximately $56,249 in St. Louis — a reduction of about 20% in purchasing power.
What is the state tax difference between Indianapolis and St. Louis?
Indianapolis is in IN (IN levies income tax) and St. Louis is in MO (MO levies income tax). Source: Tax Foundation 2025.
Which city has more breathing room?
Breathing room depends on your income and housing situation. Use the interactive comparison above to see how each city's picture changes across income bands.