Cost of Living: Indianapolis, IN vs St. Paul, MN (2026)

Indianapolis

Indiana
74
VS

St. Paul

Minnesota
91

Indianapolis is 19% cheaper than St. Paul.

$1,112/mo ↓ 11%
Median Rent
$1,248/mo ↑ 12%
$62,995/yr ↓ 14%
Median Income
$73,055/yr ↑ 16%
$207,000 ↓ 26%
Home Value
$280,300 ↑ 35%
$1,124/mo ↓ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,390/mo ↑ 24%
882,043
Population
307,762

Tax Comparison

3.05%
Income Tax
9.85%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
6.875%
0.83%
Property Tax
1.11%

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Indianapolis, IN and St. Paul, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $136/month cheaper in Indianapolis, saving renters about $1,632/year.

Median household income is $10,060/year higher in St. Paul. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Indianapolis is $207,000 compared to $280,300 in St. Paul.

Indiana has a lower income tax rate, making Indianapolis slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Indianapolis vs St. Paul — common questions

Is Indianapolis or St. Paul cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Indianapolis is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 91 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Indianapolis and St. Paul?
Median rent in Indianapolis is $1,112/month and in St. Paul it's $1,248/month — a difference of $136/month.
Which city has higher income, Indianapolis or St. Paul?
Median household income is $62,995 in Indianapolis and $73,055 in St. Paul. Median household income is $10,060/year higher in St. Paul.
How do taxes compare between Indiana and Minnesota?
Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax.
Should I move to Indianapolis or St. Paul?
It depends on your priorities. Indianapolis has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,112/mo, while St. Paul has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,248/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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