Indianapolis, Indiana and Sacramento, California are two vibrant cities with their own unique charms. Indianapolis is known for its racing history and strong community bonds while Sacramento boasts natural beauty and a vibrant cultural scene. In comparing these cities, it’s essential to consider a range of factors including crime, weather, cost of living, education, and more. In some categories, one city may come out ahead, while in others, the advantages flip. Ultimately, the choice between Indianapolis and Sacramento may depend on personal preferences and lifestyle needs.
Distance between
Indianapolis, IN and
Sacramento, CA : 1,881.5 miles
Indianapolis's population is larger by 68%. Its population has grown by 100,169 people (12.8%) since 2000. The population of Sacramento has grown by 118,023 people (29.0%) during that time.
Crime rates fluctuate across locations and over time. Broadly speaking, Indianapolis has a higher crime rate than Sacramento. According to the latest data, places in Indianapolis like the Central Business District and West 16th Street are areas with significant crime activity. On the other hand, Sacramento has safer neighborhoods but it’s always advisable to stay vigilant. Pocket-Greenhaven, Land Park, and East Sacramento are among the safest neighborhoods. Both cities have been incorporating community policing strategies to reduce crime rates.
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 2,246 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Indianapolis is 393 to 1; the ratio in Sacramento is 220 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is a smaller in Indianapolis than in Sacramento.
Cost of Living
Generally, the cost of living is higher in Sacramento than in Indianapolis. This includes housing costs, groceries, utilities, and transportation among others. However, the higher cost in Sacramento often comes with higher average salaries. Nevertheless, Indianapolis has been ranked as one of the most affordable big cities in the U.S.
Income Tax
Indiana has a flat state income tax rate of 3.23% while California has a progressive income tax, with rates ranging from 1% to 13.3% depending upon income. Besides, Indianapolis imposes an additional county income tax.
Property Tax
When it comes to property taxes, Sacramento generally has higher rates. Sacramento County has an average effective property tax rate of 0.84%, while the rate in Indianapolis stands at around 0.83%.
Sales Tax
Sales tax is also a significant consideration. In the city of Sacramento, the sales tax rate is currently at 8.75%, whereas in Indianapolis, it stands at 7%. Statewide, Indiana has a lower sales tax rate compared to California.
Income
Type
Indianapolis
Sacramento
Estimated median household income
$58,479
$75,311
Estimated per capita income
$32,792
$37,916
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
87.7
102.9
If you make $50,000 in Indianapolis, you will have to make $58,666 in Sacramento to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Indianapolis is characterized by flat land and typical midwestern greenery, while Sacramento is located in California's Central Valley, with the Sierra Nevada to its east and the coastal ranges to its west. Sacramento's location offers access to various outdoor recreational opportunities, including hiking, biking, rafting, and boating.
Both cities value education and have many quality schools. Sacramento has strong public and private school systems and is also home to the University of California Davis, one of the top public universities in the nation. Indianapolis has a strong education system as well, anchored by notable institutions such as Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis. In addition, Indianapolis has a strong focus on school choice, with many charter and magnet schools available.
Indianapolis has a diverse economy with financial services, health care, and tourism as major sectors. The city is also home to regional operations for Eli Lilly and Company, one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in the world. Sacramento's economy is diverse as well, boasting strong agricultural, government, health care, and technology sectors. As the state capital, Sacramento has a significant number of state government jobs.
Biggest Employers
In Indianapolis, the biggest employers are the federal and state governments, Indiana University Health, and St. Vincent Health. In Sacramento, the State of California, Sacramento County, and the Sacramento City Unified School District are among the top employers. Major private businesses such as Sutter Health and Intel also offer job opportunities.
There were 1,221 building permits issued in Indianapolis in 2012 (704 more than in 2011) compared to 1,004 building permits issued in Sacramento in 2012 (943 more than in 2011).
In Indianapolis (Marion County), 60.1% voted for Democrats and 37.9% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Sacramento (Sacramento County), 58.1% voted for Democrats and 39.1% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Indianapolis
Sacramento
Indianapolis
Sacramento
Indianapolis
Sacramento
2020
63.7%
61.4%
34.5%
36.1%
1.9%
2.5%
2016
58.2%
58.0%
35.6%
33.8%
6.2%
8.3%
2012
60.1%
58.1%
37.9%
39.1%
2.0%
2.8%
2008
63.8%
58.4%
35.4%
39.4%
0.8%
2.2%
2004
50.6%
49.8%
48.7%
49.6%
0.7%
0.6%
2000
48.0%
49.4%
49.3%
45.4%
2.8%
5.2%
1996
44.6%
49.8%
47.8%
40.8%
7.7%
9.4%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Indianapolis
Sacramento
Indianapolis
Sacramento
CATHOLIC CHURCH
11.1%
16.2%
4.6%
5.1%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
1.6%
1.7%
5.7%
8.6%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
1.2%
0.4%
3.4%
1.7%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.8%
0.2%
1.5%
1.1%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.5%
0.5%
1.6%
1.8%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.5%
0.6%
1.6%
2.1%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.4%
0.3%
1.1%
1.4%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.3%
0.9%
1.1%
1.3%
NORTH AMERICAN BAPTIST CONFERENCE
0.0%
0.6%
0.1%
2.2%
Weather
Both cities offer distinctly different climates. Indianapolis experiences all four seasons with cold winters, hot summers, and mild spring and autumn seasons. However, snowfall can create commuting problems during winters. Sacramento, being in California has a Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. This city is suitable for those who enjoy sunny weather. Sacramento's climate is also conducive for outdoor activities such as hiking and biking year-round.
Weather and climate
Type
Indianapolis
Sacramento
Temperature - Average
52.1°F
62.2°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
77%
66.8%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
31%
58%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
86%
87%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
55%
29%
Precipitation - Yearly average
40.6 in
19 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
51 in
0 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
14.7%
31.5%
Sunshine amount - Average
56.2%
83.6%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
33%
52%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
65%
97%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
32%
45%
Wind speed - Average
10.3 mph
6.8 mph
Average climate in Indianapolis, Indiana
Average climate in Sacramento, California
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Indianapolis
Sacramento
Indianapolis
Sacramento
Indianapolis
Sacramento
Indianapolis
Sacramento
Indianapolis
Sacramento
Indianapolis
Sacramento
Indianapolis
Sacramento
Indianapolis
Sacramento
2018
94
121
0.58
0.32
13.2
9.7
23.1
24.7
N/A
0.002
18.2
28.9
10.4
12.7
0.3
N/A
2017
87
117
0.82
0.33
12.4
9.0
23.0
25.2
N/A
0.002
17.6
22.1
10.1
8.8
0.4
N/A
2016
91
103
0.62
0.44
13.0
8.0
22.5
25.3
N/A
0.002
18.0
14.0
9.9
9.0
0.4
N/A
2015
89
105
0.73
0.25
14.9
9.7
22.9
24.9
N/A
0.002
19.7
16.2
9.9
10.9
1.1
N/A
2014
100
99
0.62
0.24
16.1
10.2
25.1
24.9
N/A
0.002
20.6
15.6
12.1
9.6
3.2
N/A
2013
94
102
0.69
0.29
11.5
11.1
26.3
23.2
N/A
0.002
19.9
21.3
12.8
11.9
2.6
N/A
2012
103
107
0.65
0.31
10.4
10.5
25.7
25.2
N/A
0.002
20.8
15.2
12.9
7.9
2.9
N/A
2011
105
106
0.68
0.29
11.3
11.2
22.9
24.0
N/A
0.002
N/A
17.7
16.3
10.8
2.4
N/A
2010
101
109
0.54
0.29
12.7
11.2
21.6
22.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
16.9
15.9
9.3
3.3
0.5
2009
97
118
0.73
0.40
11.4
12.4
23.2
23.3
N/A
0.003
N/A
20.6
13.8
11.4
1.9
0.5
2008
91
130
0.62
0.40
11.5
14.9
N/A
25.4
0.010
N/A
N/A
24.3
13.2
13.6
3.0
0.5
2007
103
129
0.69
0.39
13.1
14.8
N/A
23.7
0.011
0.005
N/A
19.9
14.9
13.5
3.6
0.6
2006
95
124
0.59
0.49
14.5
15.4
N/A
22.7
0.009
N/A
N/A
23.7
14.5
13.0
3.6
0.5
2005
121
125
0.65
0.42
15.2
15.9
N/A
20.0
0.014
N/A
N/A
22.1
18.0
13.5
4.3
0.6
2004
104
119
0.62
0.49
15.8
15.8
N/A
19.1
0.010
N/A
N/A
22.7
15.1
13.3
4.6
0.6
2003
113
119
0.67
0.47
16.6
16.8
N/A
20.3
0.010
N/A
N/A
23.1
15.8
N/A
4.2
0.9
2002
125
114
0.76
0.50
17.4
18.1
N/A
21.2
0.009
0.004
N/A
25.1
16.8
N/A
3.9
1.5
2001
105
111
0.81
0.43
16.6
18.0
N/A
21.2
0.031
0.004
N/A
20.7
16.3
N/A
3.8
1.4
2000
98
107
0.87
0.55
17.3
17.9
N/A
19.5
N/A
0.004
N/A
19.1
N/A
N/A
4.5
1.4
Natural disasters
Type
Indianapolis
Sacramento
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
226.7%
8.8%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
179.6%
7,798.9%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
16%
18%
Transportation
Both cities offer extensive transportation systems. Indianapolis has IndyGo, a bus service which operates throughout Marion County. Sacramento features the Sacramento Regional Transit District that encompasses bus, light rail, and paratransit services. While commuters in both cities primarily drive to work, Sacramento has higher rates of biking, walking, and using public transport.
Transport
Type
Indianapolis
Sacramento
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
1
3
FAA registered aircraft
739
414
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
18
20
Means of transportation to work
Type
Indianapolis
Sacramento
Bicycle
0.5%
1.1%
Bus
1.2%
1%
Carpooled
8.5%
12%
Car alone
87.3%
80%
Motorcycle
0%
0.2%
Railroad
0%
0.4%
Taxicab
0.1%
0.1%
Walked
1.6%
2.8%
Average travel time to work
Type
Indianapolis
Sacramento
Average
28.1 min
28.5 min
Other means
22.5 min
22.8 min
Public transportation
40.2 min
39 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Indianapolis
Sacramento
Average
1.2
1.2
Drove alone
88.2%
88.5%
In 2 person carpool
9.4%
9.4%
In 3 person carpool
1.3%
1.2%
In 4 person carpool
0.5%
0.4%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.4%
0.5%
In 7+ person carpool
0.1%
0%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Real estate in Sacramento is generally more expensive than in Indianapolis. The median home cost in Indianapolis is significantly lower than that in Sacramento, making homeownership more attainable for many individuals and families. Despite higher costs, Sacramento's housing market continues to grow due to California's robust economy.
Neighborhoods
Indianapolis offers a variety of neighborhoods appealing to different lifestyles. From the cultural activities of the Wholesale District to the buzzing nightlife of Fountain Square, there's something for everyone. Sacramento boasts diverse neighborhoods as well, such as the historic charm of Midtown, the urban feel of Downtown, and the suburban tranquility of Pocket-Greenhaven.
Houses and residents
Type
Indianapolis
Sacramento
Houses
399,820
210,715
Average household size (people)
2.4
2.6
Median year apartment built
1977
1977
Median year house/condo built
1971
1978
Length of stay in the house since moving in
13 years
12.8 years
Houses occupied
358,150 (89.6%)
202,093 (95.9%)
Houses occupied by owners
201,149 (56.2%)
103,994 (51.5%)
Houses occupied by renters
157,001 (43.8%)
98,099 (48.5%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$876.58
$976.09
Median monthly housing costs
$980
$1,558
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$283,027
$398,191
Estimated median house or condo value
$188,700
$449,600
Median numbers of rooms
5.5
5
Median number of rooms in apartments
4.3
4.1
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.5
5.8
Median house price - detached houses
$231,490
$496,462
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$257,253
$630,561
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$240,688
$205,310
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$247,275
$382,635
Median house price - mobile homes
$58,413
$104,325
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$222,424
$463,571
Median house price - All housing units
$229,666
$481,210
Median house age
48
44
Renting percentage
44.2%
50.6%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,106.1
2,168.8
House value disparities
36.1%
25.5%
Household income disparities
44.4%
44%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$86,008
$109,432
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$61,922
$82,443
Housing units without a mortgage
4,552 (3.2%)
1,166 (1.6%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
9,787 (6.8%)
4,385 (6.1%)
Housing units with a mortgage
138,622 (96.8%)
70,415 (98.4%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
271 (0.2%)
204 (0.3%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
12,987 (9.1%)
5,362 (7.5%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
11
10
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
3
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
3.4%
1.2%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
1.1%
0.3%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Indianapolis
Sacramento
One, detached
59.0%
61.7%
One, attached
9.2%
6.8%
Two
2.5%
1.8%
3 or 4
6.2%
4.8%
5 to 9
7.7%
6.9%
10 to 19
6.3%
4.9%
20 to 49
3.1%
3.5%
50 or more
5.0%
7.6%
Mobile homes
1.0%
1.9%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
17,131
12,891
State government workers
15,502
40,274
Unpaid family workers
1,601
755
Industries and Occupations
Indianapolis has a well-mixed economy with sectors such as manufacturing, health care, and retail trade dominating. The city is also known for its motorsports industry. Conversely, Sacramento’s largest industries are healthcare and social assistance, retail trade, and educational services. As California's capital, many residents work in public administration.
Both cities are home to renowned health care facilities. Indianapolis is home to top-ranked hospitals like the Indiana University Health Medical Center. Sacramento is home to highly regarded health care systems such as the UC Davis Medical Center. In both cities, healthcare is one of the largest employment sectors.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Indianapolis
Sacramento
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Both cities have been taking active measures to upgrade their infrastructure. Indianapolis has made significant improvements on roads, bridges, and public transportation. Meanwhile, Sacramento has been investing in revitalizing its downtown area, including enhancing its public transportation system and upgrading its recreational facilities.
Infrastructure
Type
Indianapolis
Sacramento
Hospitals
76
17
TV stations
19
23
Arenas or stadiums
3
1
Bank branches located here
259
127
Bank institutions located here
27
31
Main business address for public companies
28
5
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
1
26
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Indianapolis
Sacramento
1999
3,358
1,003
2000
3,562
1,155
2001
2,649
983
2002
1,915
1,197
2003
2,519
2,258
2004
3,702
3,872
2005
6,057
4,610
2006
5,811
4,276
2007
3,456
2,386
2008
1,247
1,381
2009
565
647
Culture and Food
Culture and food are where both cities shine. Indianapolis is known for Hoosier classics like pork tenderloin and sugar cream pie, while Sacramento, recognized as America's Farm-to-Fork Capital, showcases an array of fresh, local fare. Both cities offer vibrant arts scenes, with Sacramento home to a thriving theater community and Indianapolis boasting an impressive array of museums and galleries.
Sports Teams
Indianapolis is home to the NFL’s Indianapolis Colts and NBA’s Indiana Pacers, not forgetting the iconic Indianapolis 500 motor race. Sports plays a significant part in the city's culture. Sacramento hosts the NBA's Sacramento Kings, and also has a strong interest in soccer with Sacramento Republic FC in the United Soccer League.
Indianapolis, IN and 
Sacramento, CA : 1,881.5 miles
