Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $782 in Indiana versus $866 in Missouri. Overall, Indiana runs roughly 10% cheaper on rent than Missouri, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $60,293 in Indiana and $55,279 in Missouri — about 8% higher in Indiana. Indiana has a top state income tax rate of 2.95% and a 7% state sales tax; Missouri has a top state income tax rate of 4.70% and a 4.225% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
7%
4.225%
+2.8 pp in Indiana
Income Tax (top rate)
2.95%
4.70%
+1.8 pp in Missouri
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$782
$866
+11% in Missouri
Median Home Value
$169,700
$185,100
+9% in Missouri
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$60,293
$55,279
+8% in Indiana
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
53.2°F
56.3°F
+3.1°F in Missouri
Indiana vs Missouri — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Indiana or Missouri?
- Indiana is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $782 runs about 10% below Missouri's $866, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Indiana than in Missouri?
- To keep rent near the recommended 30% of gross income, based on median rent across tracked cities, you'd want to earn roughly $31,000 a year in Indiana versus $35,000 in Missouri.
- Which has lower taxes, Indiana or Missouri?
- Indiana has a top state income tax rate of 2.95% and a 7% state sales tax. Missouri has a top state income tax rate of 4.70% and a 4.225% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 3/3 cities we track in Indiana/Missouri — not population-weighted statewide figures. Taxes are exact state-level rates. Sources: US Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year; NOAA Climate Normals 1981–2010; Tax Foundation 2026.