When comparing Indianapolis, Indiana, and Riverside, California, several critical factors come into play, main ones being cost of living, weather, and economic opportunities. Unlike the warmer, more expensive Riverside, Indianapolis offers a less costly living environment with a broad economic base and significant seasonal variations. On the other hand, Riverside boasts of an excellent year-round climate and rich cultural offerings but struggles with a higher cost of living.
Distance between
Indianapolis, IN and
Riverside, CA : 1,764.1 miles
Indianapolis's population is larger by 178%. Its population has grown by 100,169 people (12.8%) since 2000. The population of Riverside has grown by 62,095 people (24.3%) during that time.
Indianapolis has a higher crime rate than the national average, which could be a concern for potential residents or visitors. On contrary, Riverside's crime rate is closer to the national average, making it relatively safer. However, there are safe neighborhoods in both cities, and like any urban area, crime concentrations vary by region.
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
Sex Offenders
According to our data, there are 2,171 registered sex offenders living in Indianapolis and 648 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Indianapolis is 393 to 1; the ratio in Riverside is 501 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is larger in Indianapolis than in Riverside.
Cost of Living
Riverside's cost of living is higher than the national average, reflective of much of California. In contrast, Indianapolis offers a significantly lower cost of living, with housing being notably affordable. This difference is especially significant for retirees or families looking to relocate.
Income Tax
Indiana has a flat state income tax rate of 3.23%, whereas California has a progressive tax system with rates ranging from 1% to 13.3%, depending on income. This could significantly impact those with high incomes choosing between the two cities.
Property Tax
Homeowners in Indianapolis pay lower property taxes on average compared to those in Riverside. This, coupled with Indiana's cheaper real estate, could significantly impact the overall cost of homeownership.
Sales Tax
Sales tax is higher in Riverside, with a rate of 7.75% as opposed to Indianapolis's rate of 7%. This difference is noticeable, particularly for those planning to establish businesses.
Income
Type
Indianapolis
Riverside
Estimated median household income
$58,479
$76,558
Estimated per capita income
$32,792
$29,013
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
87.7
83
If you make $50,000 in Riverside, you will have to make $52,831 in Indianapolis to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Riverside is flanked by beautiful mountains and sits close to both the beach and the desert, offering a variety of recreational activities. Indianapolis, while lacking dramatic geography, is blessed with pleasant green spaces and waterways for outdoor activities.
Both cities offer good educational opportunities. Indianapolis, home to the acclaimed Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, provides excellent higher education options. Riverside, with the prominent University of California Riverside, is known for strong academic institutions, but bear in mind, the cost of education can be higher in California compared to Indiana.
Indianapolis has a diverse economy with manufacturing, healthcare, and professional services being the dominant sectors. Conversely, Riverside's economy is predominantly service-based, with healthcare, education, and retail leading the way. Both cities have robust job markets but differ in industry strengths.
Biggest Employers
The biggest employers in Indianapolis include Indiana University Health, St. Vincent Health, and Eli Lilly and Company. Riverside's largest employers are University of California Riverside, Riverside Unified School District, and Riverside Community Hospital.
There were 1,221 building permits issued in Indianapolis in 2012 (704 more than in 2011) compared to 293 building permits issued in Riverside in 2012 (250 more than in 2011).
In Indianapolis (Marion County), 60.1% voted for Democrats and 37.9% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Riverside (Riverside County), 49.6% voted for Democrats and 48.0% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Indianapolis
Riverside
Indianapolis
Riverside
Indianapolis
Riverside
2020
63.7%
53.0%
34.5%
45.0%
1.9%
2.0%
2016
58.2%
49.7%
35.6%
44.4%
6.2%
5.9%
2012
60.1%
49.6%
37.9%
48.0%
2.0%
2.4%
2008
63.8%
50.4%
35.4%
48.1%
0.8%
1.5%
2004
50.6%
41.3%
48.7%
58.2%
0.7%
0.6%
2000
48.0%
45.0%
49.3%
51.6%
2.8%
3.4%
1996
44.6%
43.0%
47.8%
45.6%
7.7%
11.3%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Indianapolis
Riverside
Indianapolis
Riverside
CATHOLIC CHURCH
11.1%
27.5%
4.6%
4.5%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
1.6%
1.2%
5.7%
11.2%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
1.2%
0.0%
3.4%
0.7%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.8%
0.3%
1.5%
1.8%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.5%
0.3%
1.6%
1.5%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.5%
0.9%
1.6%
3.4%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.4%
0.2%
1.1%
1.4%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.3%
0.5%
1.1%
0.7%
Weather
Weather-wise, Riverside boasts of a year-round pleasant Mediterranean climate, with hot summers and mild winters, making it attractive for those who prefer warmer climates. In contrast, Indianapolis experiences significant seasonal changes with warm summers and cold winters, which could appeal to those who appreciate seasonal variety.
Weather and climate
Type
Indianapolis
Riverside
Temperature - Average
52.1°F
66°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
77%
66.7%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
31%
21.4%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
86%
73.5%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
55%
52.1%
Precipitation - Yearly average
40.6 in
10.3 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
51 in
0 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
14.7%
27.3%
Sunshine amount - Average
56.2%
78.2%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
33%
21.5%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
65%
84.2%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
32%
62.6%
Wind speed - Average
10.3 mph
4.5 mph
Average climate in Indianapolis, Indiana
Average climate in Riverside, California
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Indianapolis
Riverside
Indianapolis
Riverside
Indianapolis
Riverside
Indianapolis
Riverside
Indianapolis
Riverside
Indianapolis
Riverside
Indianapolis
Riverside
Indianapolis
Riverside
2018
94
153
0.58
0.35
13.2
14.4
23.1
29.8
N/A
0.006
18.2
44.6
10.4
13.6
0.3
0.4
2017
87
151
0.82
0.34
12.4
14.7
23.0
31.5
N/A
0.004
17.6
48.4
10.1
14.8
0.4
0.3
2016
91
140
0.62
0.33
13.0
14.8
22.5
30.9
N/A
0.006
18.0
44.4
9.9
14.5
0.4
0.2
2015
89
147
0.73
0.33
14.9
14.5
22.9
30.8
N/A
0.004
19.7
43.6
9.9
15.4
1.1
0.3
2014
100
147
0.62
0.37
16.1
15.9
25.1
30.7
N/A
0.006
20.6
34.1
12.1
16.5
3.2
0.3
2013
94
147
0.69
0.38
11.5
16.4
26.3
29.2
N/A
0.006
19.9
33.2
12.8
16.4
2.6
0.2
2012
103
148
0.65
0.35
10.4
16.4
25.7
30.2
N/A
0.007
20.8
32.3
12.9
16.0
2.9
0.3
2011
105
150
0.68
0.37
11.3
16.3
22.9
32.0
N/A
0.006
N/A
33.1
16.3
15.2
2.4
0.3
2010
101
144
0.54
0.42
12.7
17.8
21.6
30.9
N/A
0.008
N/A
31.9
15.9
15.5
3.3
1.3
2009
97
151
0.73
0.37
11.4
20.0
23.2
29.0
N/A
0.009
N/A
38.0
13.8
19.6
1.9
1.5
2008
91
157
0.62
0.41
11.5
20.5
N/A
30.0
0.010
0.010
N/A
43.6
13.2
16.3
3.0
0.9
2007
103
135
0.69
0.65
13.1
20.8
N/A
28.3
0.011
0.011
N/A
N/A
14.9
N/A
3.6
1.6
2006
95
129
0.59
0.58
14.5
21.0
N/A
28.0
0.009
0.005
N/A
N/A
14.5
N/A
3.6
1.4
2005
121
134
0.65
0.53
15.2
22.8
N/A
27.3
0.014
0.012
N/A
N/A
18.0
N/A
4.3
3.3
2004
104
142
0.62
0.72
15.8
18.5
N/A
29.5
0.010
0.013
N/A
N/A
15.1
N/A
4.6
3.1
2003
113
144
0.67
0.75
16.6
22.7
N/A
28.5
0.010
0.013
N/A
N/A
15.8
N/A
4.2
2.0
2002
125
142
0.76
0.82
17.4
24.9
N/A
28.5
0.009
0.015
N/A
N/A
16.8
N/A
3.9
0.2
2001
105
145
0.81
0.79
16.6
25.7
N/A
26.1
0.031
0.025
N/A
N/A
16.3
N/A
3.8
0.9
2000
98
157
0.87
0.82
17.3
24.2
N/A
25.0
N/A
0.031
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
4.5
1.2
Natural disasters
Type
Indianapolis
Riverside
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
226.7%
17.4%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
179.6%
7,322.6%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
16%
46%
Transportation
Indianapolis has a car-oriented culture with an extensive freeway system. Public transportation is present but not extensive, and the city is building more bike lanes. Riverside has public transportation but is also primarily car-dependent, with many residents commuting to nearby cities for work.
Transport
Type
Indianapolis
Riverside
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
1
3
FAA registered aircraft
739
307
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
18
15
Means of transportation to work
Type
Indianapolis
Riverside
Bicycle
0.5%
0.5%
Bus
1.2%
0.9%
Carpooled
8.5%
9%
Car alone
87.3%
85.7%
Motorcycle
0%
0.3%
Railroad
0%
0.4%
Walked
1.6%
2.3%
Average travel time to work
Type
Indianapolis
Riverside
Average
28.1 min
31.3 min
Other means
22.5 min
28.7 min
Public transportation
40.2 min
45.3 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Indianapolis
Riverside
Average
1.2
1.1
Drove alone
88.2%
89.1%
In 2 person carpool
9.4%
8.4%
In 3 person carpool
1.3%
2%
In 4 person carpool
0.5%
0.2%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.4%
0.2%
In 7+ person carpool
0.1%
0.1%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Real estate prices in Riverside are considerably higher than in Indianapolis, reflecting California's generally high property values. Indianapolis offers significantly more affordable housing options, an important factor for potential residents.
Neighborhoods
Both cities have a variety of neighborhoods to suit different lifestyles. Indianapolis is known for its bustling downtown area and family-friendly suburbs like Broad Ripple. Riverside offers historic neighborhoods like the Wood Streets district, and upscale areas like Canyon Crest.
Houses and residents
Type
Indianapolis
Riverside
Houses
399,820
94,246
Average household size (people)
2.4
3.2
Median year apartment built
1977
1982
Median year house/condo built
1971
1974
Length of stay in the house since moving in
13 years
14.2 years
Houses occupied
358,150 (89.6%)
91,110 (96.7%)
Houses occupied by owners
201,149 (56.2%)
51,211 (56.2%)
Houses occupied by renters
157,001 (43.8%)
39,899 (43.8%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$876.58
$1,277
Median monthly housing costs
$980
$1,680
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$283,027
$414,585
Estimated median house or condo value
$188,700
$483,300
Median numbers of rooms
5.5
5.2
Median number of rooms in apartments
4.3
3.9
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.5
6.1
Median house price - detached houses
$231,490
$548,362
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$257,253
$525,372
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$240,688
$450,463
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$247,275
$408,213
Median house price - mobile homes
$58,413
$81,780
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$222,424
$442,670
Median house price - All housing units
$229,666
$529,360
Median house age
48
44
Renting percentage
44.2%
44.3%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,106.1
1,206.8
House value disparities
36.1%
21%
Household income disparities
44.4%
40.5%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$86,008
$104,161
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$61,922
$71,925
Housing units without a mortgage
4,552 (3.2%)
393 (1%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
9,787 (6.8%)
1,312 (3.3%)
Housing units with a mortgage
138,622 (96.8%)
39,744 (99%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
271 (0.2%)
123 (0.3%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
12,987 (9.1%)
2,112 (5.3%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
11
13
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
3
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
3.4%
2.5%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
1.1%
0.4%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Indianapolis
Riverside
One, detached
59.0%
63.1%
One, attached
9.2%
5.6%
Two
2.5%
1.1%
3 or 4
6.2%
3.7%
5 to 9
7.7%
6.8%
10 to 19
6.3%
7.0%
20 to 49
3.1%
4.6%
50 or more
5.0%
6.4%
Mobile homes
1.0%
1.8%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
17,131
8,164
State government workers
15,502
8,293
Unpaid family workers
1,601
199
Industries and Occupations
In Indianapolis, the major industries are healthcare, manufacturing, and retail trade, while in Riverside, healthcare, education, and retail dominate. Therefore, job opportunities vary depending on professional backgrounds.
Both cities host strong healthcare sectors. Indianapolis is known for the highly-rated Indiana University Health system. Riverside hosts several well-regarded hospitals, including Riverside Community Hospital and Riverside University Health System.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Indianapolis
Riverside
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Indianapolis boasts an efficient infrastructural setup, with an extensive network of interstates and well-maintained city services. Riverside also has reliable infrastructure, but faces challenges related to rapid growth, including traffic congestion.
Infrastructure
Type
Indianapolis
Riverside
Hospitals
76
20
TV stations
19
5
Bank branches located here
259
61
Bank institutions located here
27
18
Main business address for public companies
28
2
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
1
2
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Indianapolis
Riverside
1999
3,358
794
2000
3,562
375
2001
2,649
310
2002
1,915
405
2003
2,519
1,399
2004
3,702
1,892
2005
6,057
2,728
2006
5,811
3,235
2007
3,456
1,568
2008
1,247
544
2009
565
285
Culture and Food
Riverside offers a rich cultural scene with strong influences from its diverse population, evidenced by its cuisine, arts, and festivals. Indianapolis also boasts significant cultural offerings, including a thriving arts scene and the famous Indianapolis 500 motor race. Both cities offer unique gastronomical experiences; Riverside with its variety of international cuisines, and Indianapolis with its hearty Midwestern fare.
Sports Teams
Sports enthusiasts would appreciate Indianapolis, home to the NFL's Indianapolis Colts and the NBA's Indiana Pacers. Riverside doesn't have its professional sports team but is close to Los Angeles, which boasts numerous professional sports teams.
Indianapolis, IN and 
Riverside, CA : 1,764.1 miles
