Is Indianapolis, IN cheaper than Saint Paul, MN?

Based on cost of living data, Indianapolis, IN is 19.4% cheaper than Saint Paul, MN. This translates to saving $1458 per month.

What salary do I need in Indianapolis, IN to live like I do in Saint Paul, MN?

If you earn $150,000 in Saint Paul, MN, you'd need approximately $132,500 in Indianapolis, IN to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Saint Paul, MN and Indianapolis, IN?

Housing in Indianapolis, IN is 30.6% cheaper than in Saint Paul, MN. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,360/month in Indianapolis, IN compared to $1,500/month in Saint Paul, MN.

How much can I save per month by moving from Saint Paul, MN to Indianapolis, IN?

Moving from Saint Paul, MN to Indianapolis, IN could save you approximately $1458 per month, or $17500 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Saint Paul, MN vs Indianapolis, IN: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Saint Paul, MN

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $1.5K/month moving to Indianapolis, IN

$150.0K in your current city equals $132.5K in Indianapolis, IN

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI area

Overall Cost

↓ 19.4%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,458

Savings

Annual Impact

$17.5K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Saint Paul, MN

Population:308K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$274K

Indianapolis, IN

Population:888K

Cost Index:81

Median Home:$176K

Saint Paul, MN

The North Star State

308K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Minnesota, this city has a population of 308K residents.

Indianapolis, IN

The Hoosier State

888K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Indiana, this city has a population of 888K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Saint Paul, MN vs Indianapolis, IN

Category	Saint Paul, MN	Indianapolis, IN	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,807/mo	$1,949/mo	↓ $858less	30.6%
🚗Transportation	$1,380/mo	$1,188/mo	↓ $191less	13.9%
📦Other	$1,774/mo	$1,590/mo	↓ $184less	10.4%
🏥Healthcare	$756/mo	$582/mo	↓ $173less	23.0%
🛒Groceries	$1,029/mo	$919/mo	↓ $110less	10.7%
⚡All Utilities	$508/mo	$503/mo	↓ $5.46less	1.1%

🏠Housing

↓ 30.6%

Saint Paul, MN

$2,807

Indianapolis, IN

$1,949

Difference

$858

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 13.9%

Saint Paul, MN

$1,380

Indianapolis, IN

$1,188

Difference

$191

less

📦Other

↓ 10.4%

Saint Paul, MN

$1,774

Indianapolis, IN

$1,590

Difference

$184

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 23.0%

Saint Paul, MN

$756

Indianapolis, IN

$582

Difference

$173

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 10.7%

Saint Paul, MN

$1,029

Indianapolis, IN

$919

Difference

$110

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 1.1%

Saint Paul, MN

$508

Indianapolis, IN

$503

Difference

$5.46

less

🏛️ Local Income Taxes

Indianapolis, IN: Marion County Income Tax$3,030/yr (2.0%)

Saint Paul, MN has no local income tax.

Local taxes are in addition to state income tax. Not all cities levy local income taxes.

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,000

To$1,030

↑ $30.00

1 Bed

From$1,200

To$1,170

↓ $30.00

2 Bed

From$1,500

To$1,360

↓ $140

3 Bed

From$2,100

To$1,760

↓ $340

Indianapolis, INZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,080–$1,870/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$8,254

Monthly in Saint Paul, MN

$6,732

Monthly in Indianapolis, IN

$1,522

Difference

Home Values

Saint Paul

Indianapolis

$274K

Median Value

$176K

↓ -0.1%

YoY Change

↓ -1.1%

↑ +13.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +26.9%

$175K - $452K

Price Range

$109K - $340K

Homes in Indianapolis are 36% less expensive than Saint Paul

Calculate payment - Saint Paul Calculate payment - Indianapolis

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $5.6K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$466

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

3.7%

Rate difference

Saint Paul, MN

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Minnesota State Tax

Effective: 7.0%

$10.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.6%

$47.4K

Take-Home Pay

$8,546/month

$102.6K

Indianapolis, IN

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Indiana State Tax

Effective: 3.2%

$4.8K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 27.9%

$41.9K

Take-Home Pay

$9,012/month

$108.1K

Additional Tax Information

Saint Paul, MN Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.0%

Property Tax:1.1%

Indianapolis, IN Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.0%

Property Tax:0.9%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.