Indianapolis, Indiana, and San Francisco, California, offer very diverse lifestyles based on their unique cultures, economic scenarios, and geographical features. Indianapolis is known for its affordability, community spirit, and burgeoning tech scene, while San Francisco is notable for its diverse culture, dynamic tech environment, and scenic beauty, albeit at a higher cost. This comparison offers insights into various factors such as crime and safety, weather, costs of living, education, work and economy, infrastructure, real-estate, and more to help make an informed transition decision.
Distance between
Indianapolis, IN and
San Francisco, CA : 1,946.3 miles
Indianapolis's population is larger by 8%. Its population has grown by 100,169 people (12.8%) since 2000. The population of San Francisco has grown by 38,468 people (5.0%) during that time.
Indianapolis struggles with crime rates higher than the national average, particularly property crime and violent crime. However, certain neighborhoods offer safer environments. In contrast, San Francisco also faces crime issues, with property crimes leading. However, violent crimes are lower here than most US cities of comparable size. Be it relocation or tourism, vigilance is essential in both cities.
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 830 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Indianapolis is 393 to 1; the ratio in San Francisco is 1,049 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is much larger in Indianapolis than that in San Francisco.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Indianapolis is significantly lower when compared with San Francisco, which is one of the most expensive cities in the US. Everything from housing to groceries and healthcare is more affordable in Indianapolis. For both relocators and tourists, San Francisco can appear pricey.
Income Tax
Indiana has a flat state income tax rate of 3.23%, while California has a progressive income tax, ranging from 1% to 13.3%, making the taxes on income quite high in San Francisco.
Property Tax
Property County rates in Indianapolis are much lower at around 0.845%, while San Francisco's property tax rates are usually around 0.614%-0.66%.
Sales Tax
The combined sales tax rate in Indianapolis is 7%, while San Francisco has a higher sales tax rate of 8.5%.
Income
Type
Indianapolis
San Francisco
Estimated median household income
$58,479
$121,826
Estimated per capita income
$32,792
$80,383
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
87.7
141.1
If you make $50,000 in Indianapolis, you will have to make $80,445 in San Francisco to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
San Francisco is known for its steep hills and is bordered by the Pacific Ocean, offering attractive coastlines. Indianapolis, popularly known as "the Crossroads of America", is relatively flat with no natural bodies of water nearby.
Both Indianapolis and San Francisco have quality educational institutions. Indianapolis houses notable universities like Butler University and Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis. San Francisco boasts world-renowned institutions like the University of San Francisco and University of California, San Francisco. However, the cost of education is generally higher in San Francisco due to the higher cost of living.
Both cities have diverse economies. Indianapolis is known for its healthcare, finance, and manufacturing sectors, while San Francisco is a global hub for technology, finance, and tourism. Job opportunities in tech are significantly higher in San Francisco, while Indianapolis offers jobs in a broader range of industries.
Biggest Employers
In Indianapolis, some of the biggest employers include Anthem Inc., Eli Lilly, and the St. Vincent Health. For San Francisco, Salesforce.com, the City and County of San Francisco, and Wells Fargo Bank are the biggest employers.
There were 1,221 building permits issued in Indianapolis in 2012 (704 more than in 2011) compared to 33 building permits issued in San Francisco in 2012 (2 more than in 2011).
In Indianapolis (Marion County), 60.1% voted for Democrats and 37.9% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In San Francisco (San Francisco County), 83.5% voted for Democrats and 13.0% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Indianapolis
San Francisco
Indianapolis
San Francisco
Indianapolis
San Francisco
2020
63.7%
85.3%
34.5%
12.7%
1.9%
2.0%
2016
58.2%
84.6%
35.6%
9.2%
6.2%
6.2%
2012
60.1%
83.5%
37.9%
13.0%
2.0%
3.4%
2008
63.8%
84.4%
35.4%
13.7%
0.8%
2.0%
2004
50.6%
83.0%
48.7%
15.2%
0.7%
1.8%
2000
48.0%
75.7%
49.3%
16.1%
2.8%
8.1%
1996
44.6%
72.2%
47.8%
15.7%
7.7%
12.1%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Indianapolis
San Francisco
Indianapolis
San Francisco
CATHOLIC CHURCH
11.1%
15.0%
4.6%
9.6%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
1.6%
0.7%
5.7%
8.4%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
1.2%
0.6%
3.4%
2.5%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.8%
0.2%
1.5%
1.5%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.5%
0.2%
1.6%
1.7%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.5%
0.2%
1.6%
1.9%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.4%
0.8%
1.1%
3.5%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.3%
0.8%
1.1%
1.2%
Weather
Indianapolis experiences a humid subtropical climate, with hot, humid summers and cold winters. San Francisco, on the other hand, enjoys a Mediterranean climate with mild, moist winters and dry summers. Coastal fog is quite common in San Francisco, which can be a welcoming change for those moving from typical hot and cold climate zones.
Weather and climate
Type
Indianapolis
San Francisco
Temperature - Average
52.1°F
58.3°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
77%
84.3%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
31%
29%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
86%
91%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
55%
62%
Precipitation - Yearly average
40.6 in
22.2 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
51 in
0 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
14.7%
26.8%
Sunshine amount - Average
56.2%
73%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
33%
22%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
65%
77%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
32%
55%
Wind speed - Average
10.3 mph
11.4 mph
Average climate in Indianapolis, Indiana
Average climate in San Francisco, California
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Indianapolis
San Francisco
Indianapolis
San Francisco
Indianapolis
San Francisco
Indianapolis
San Francisco
Indianapolis
San Francisco
Indianapolis
Indianapolis
San Francisco
Indianapolis
San Francisco
2018
94
104
0.58
0.35
13.2
11.3
23.1
23.4
N/A
0.012
18.2
N/A
10.4
11.9
0.3
0.4
2017
87
96
0.82
0.40
12.4
11.4
23.0
22.5
N/A
0.008
17.6
N/A
10.1
9.9
0.4
0.6
2016
91
68
0.62
0.39
13.0
10.6
22.5
22.4
N/A
0.005
18.0
N/A
9.9
7.9
0.4
0.8
2015
89
85
0.73
0.41
14.9
12.1
22.9
22.5
N/A
0.004
19.7
N/A
9.9
7.9
1.1
0.8
2014
100
85
0.62
0.38
16.1
12.1
25.1
21.8
N/A
0.005
20.6
N/A
12.1
7.7
3.2
0.6
2013
94
88
0.69
0.40
11.5
13.9
26.3
20.4
N/A
0.004
19.9
N/A
12.8
10.2
2.6
0.5
2012
103
75
0.65
0.40
10.4
12.8
25.7
22.7
N/A
0.003
20.8
N/A
12.9
8.2
2.9
1.1
2011
105
86
0.68
0.24
11.3
14.1
22.9
21.3
N/A
0.003
N/A
N/A
16.3
9.5
2.4
1.7
2010
101
84
0.54
0.21
12.7
13.4
21.6
22.0
N/A
0.004
N/A
N/A
15.9
10.6
3.3
1.0
2009
97
95
0.73
0.30
11.4
15.1
23.2
20.4
N/A
0.005
N/A
N/A
13.8
12.8
1.9
1.1
2008
91
94
0.62
0.43
11.5
15.6
N/A
21.7
0.010
0.007
N/A
N/A
13.2
11.7
3.0
0.9
2007
103
84
0.69
0.45
13.1
15.6
N/A
20.5
0.011
0.007
N/A
N/A
14.9
8.9
3.6
1.2
2006
95
86
0.59
0.52
14.5
16.1
N/A
21.5
0.009
N/A
N/A
N/A
14.5
8.7
3.6
1.6
2005
121
89
0.65
0.39
15.2
14.8
N/A
20.5
0.014
N/A
N/A
N/A
18.0
8.8
4.3
1.3
2004
104
93
0.62
0.44
15.8
16.1
N/A
20.9
0.010
0.004
N/A
N/A
15.1
11.2
4.6
2.5
2003
113
65
0.67
0.64
16.6
18.4
N/A
19.7
0.010
N/A
N/A
N/A
15.8
N/A
4.2
1.7
2002
125
62
0.76
0.69
17.4
18.6
N/A
19.6
0.009
0.008
N/A
N/A
16.8
N/A
3.9
1.4
2001
105
64
0.81
0.72
16.6
19.2
N/A
19.0
0.031
0.008
N/A
N/A
16.3
N/A
3.8
1.4
2000
98
60
0.87
0.71
17.3
20.3
N/A
17.1
N/A
0.017
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
4.5
2.0
Natural disasters
Type
Indianapolis
San Francisco
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
226.7%
7.7%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
179.6%
7,468.1%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
16%
6%
Transportation
Public transportation in San Francisco is extensive and well-used, with systems like BART and Muni. Indianapolis also has public transport, but it's more common to commute by car given its spread-out nature.
Transport
Type
Indianapolis
San Francisco
Amtrak stations
1
4
Amtrak stations nearby
1
3
FAA registered aircraft
739
453
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
18
9
Means of transportation to work
Type
Indianapolis
San Francisco
Bicycle
0.5%
2.7%
Bus
1.2%
11.4%
Carpooled
8.5%
9.1%
Car alone
87.3%
53.9%
Ferryboat
0%
0.4%
Motorcycle
0%
0.9%
Railroad
0%
0.7%
Streetcar
0%
7.9%
Subway
0%
1.6%
Taxicab
0.1%
0.4%
Walked
1.6%
8.3%
Average travel time to work
Type
Indianapolis
San Francisco
Average
28.1 min
38 min
Other means
22.5 min
28.3 min
Public transportation
40.2 min
39.7 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Indianapolis
San Francisco
Average
1.2
1.2
Drove alone
88.2%
85.5%
In 2 person carpool
9.4%
10.1%
In 3 person carpool
1.3%
3.2%
In 4 person carpool
0.5%
0.9%
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
Housing costs reflect the disparity in overall cost of living. Indianapolis has an affordable housing market, while San Francisco is notoriously high-priced, with median home values being among the highest in the nation.
Neighborhoods
Indianapolis hosts family-friendly neighborhoods like Carmel, Fishers, and Zionsville, while San Francisco offers diverse neighborhoods from the vibrant energy of SoMa to the quaint charm of Nob Hill.
Houses and residents
Type
Indianapolis
San Francisco
Houses
399,820
412,269
Average household size (people)
2.4
2.3
Median year apartment built
1977
1953
Median year house/condo built
1971
1942
Length of stay in the house since moving in
13 years
16.3 years
Houses occupied
358,150 (89.6%)
350,796 (85.1%)
Houses occupied by owners
201,149 (56.2%)
140,809 (40.1%)
Houses occupied by renters
157,001 (43.8%)
209,987 (59.9%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$876.58
$3,809
Median monthly housing costs
$980
$2,337
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$283,027
$1,670,841
Estimated median house or condo value
$188,700
Over $1,000,000
Median numbers of rooms
5.5
3.9
Median number of rooms in apartments
4.3
3.2
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.5
5.6
Median house price - detached houses
$231,490
Over $1,000,000
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$257,253
Over $1,000,000
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$240,688
Over $1,000,000
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$247,275
Over $1,000,000
Median house price - mobile homes
$58,413
$517,939
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$222,424
Over $1,000,000
Median house price - All housing units
$229,666
Over $1,000,000
Median house age
48
76
Renting percentage
44.2%
64.2%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,106.1
8,829.1
House value disparities
36.1%
18.7%
Household income disparities
44.4%
41.7%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$86,008
$210,544
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$61,922
$99,969
Housing units without a mortgage
4,552 (3.2%)
1,778 (1.9%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
9,787 (6.8%)
7,687 (8.3%)
Housing units with a mortgage
138,622 (96.8%)
91,236 (98.1%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
271 (0.2%)
471 (0.5%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
12,987 (9.1%)
9,395 (10.1%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
11
14
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
4
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
3.4%
4.7%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
1.1%
2.7%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Indianapolis
San Francisco
One, detached
59.0%
19.1%
One, attached
9.2%
12.1%
Two
2.5%
9.0%
3 or 4
6.2%
11.4%
5 to 9
7.7%
9.0%
10 to 19
6.3%
9.3%
20 to 49
3.1%
11.3%
50 or more
5.0%
18.7%
Mobile homes
1.0%
0.1%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
17,131
30,288
State government workers
15,502
22,691
Unpaid family workers
1,601
399
Industries and Occupations
In Indianapolis, the largest industries by employment are healthcare and social assistance, manufacturing, and retail trade. In contrast, San Francisco's dominant industries are professional, scientific, and technical services, healthcare and social assistance and accommodation and food services.
Both cities have top-quality healthcare facilities. Indianapolis hosts some of the most nationally recognized hospitals like the IU Health Medical Center, while San Francisco is home to the highly acclaimed UCSF Medical Center.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Indianapolis
San Francisco
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Indianapolis is renowned for its innovative urban design, with a grid system and the Indian Cultural Trail. San Francisco is well-known for its iconic infrastructure such as the Golden Gate Bridge, Cable Cars, and steep hills with sharp gradients.
Infrastructure
Type
Indianapolis
San Francisco
Hospitals
76
16
TV stations
19
18
Arenas or stadiums
3
2
Bank branches located here
259
281
Bank institutions located here
27
52
Main business address for public companies
28
68
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
1
5
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Indianapolis
San Francisco
1999
3,358
1,402
2000
3,562
1,000
2001
2,649
733
2002
1,915
870
2003
2,519
1,576
2004
3,702
2,147
2005
6,057
2,344
2006
5,811
2,511
2007
3,456
2,117
2008
1,247
1,575
2009
565
952
Culture and Food
Indianapolis's culture is heavily influenced by sports, while San Francisco is more recognized for its diverse culture and arts scene. Food in Indianapolis is often home-style, while San Francisco is famous for its international cuisine, owing to its cultural diversity.
Sports Teams
Indianapolis hosts the Colts (NFL) and Pacers (NBA), as well as the famous Indy 500 car race. San Francisco is home to the Giants (MLB) and 49ers (NFL).
Indianapolis, IN and 
San Francisco, CA : 1,946.3 miles
