Indianapolis, Indiana and Staten Island, New York, are two distinct American cities with varying lifestyles and features. Indianapolis, the capital city of Indiana, boasts a relatively calm environment with a low cost of living and favorable weather conditions. In contrast, Staten Island, one of the boroughs of New York City, offers a unique blend of city and suburban vibes but with a higher cost of living. This comparative analysis examines these two cities across various categories, providing insights to those considering relocation or just visiting.
In terms of crime and safety, Indianapolis has seen an increase in violent crime rates over the years. However, it provides certain areas in the city that are safer than others, and the government is continuously implementing measures to improve security. On Staten Island, the crime rate is generally lower than that of most New York City boroughs, but it's higher than the national average. As is true in most cities, crime rates vary by neighborhood.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Indianapolis is relatively lower than the national average, making it an affordable option for many families. Housing is significantly less expensive than in most major cities. Conversely, the cost of living on Staten Island is above the national average, driven by high housing costs. However, it's less expensive compared to other NYC boroughs.
Income Tax
In Indianapolis, Indiana state income tax is 3.23%, with an additional county tax that varies from 0.02% to 0.03%. New York State's income tax ranges from 4% to 8.82% depending on income level, with an additional city income tax up to 3.876% for Staten Island residents.
Property Tax
Indianapolis has an average state property tax rate of 0.87%. For Staten Island, the property tax rate in NYC is less than 1%, but the amount might be higher due to higher property values.
Sales Tax
Indianapolis has a 7% state sales tax rate, as does the entire state of Indiana. Staten Island, as part of New York City, has a combined city and state sales tax rate of 8.875%.
Income
Type
Indianapolis
Staten Island
Estimated median household income
$58,479
$86,054
Estimated per capita income
$32,792
$38,678
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
87.7
164.1
If you make $50,000 in Indianapolis, you will have to make $93,558 in Staten Island to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Indianapolis, located in the Midwest, is characterized by flat to gently undulating terrain. Staten Island, the southernmost of the New York City's boroughs, offers varied geography with beaches, wetlands, highlands, and residential areas.
Geographical information
Type
Indianapolis
Staten Island
Land area
361.5 sq. miles
58.5 sq. miles
Population density
2,440.1 people per sq. mile
8,225.7 people per sq. mile
Education
Indianapolis offers a mix of public and private schools, along with several renowned universities such as Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis. Staten Island also boasts a variety of educational institutions, including city-run public schools, charter schools, private schools, and higher education institutions like the College of Staten Island.
Indianapolis has a robust economy with major sectors including manufacturing, health care, and retail trade. There's also a burgeoning tech scene. Staten Island has a diverse economy with sectors such as health care, retail, and education providing the majority of jobs.
Biggest Employers
In Indianapolis, some of the biggest employers include Indiana University Health, St. Vincent Health, and Eli Lilly. On Staten Island, the largest employers are Northwell Health, Staten Island University Hospital, and the city government.
In Indianapolis (Marion County), 60.1% voted for Democrats and 37.9% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Staten Island (Richmond County), 50.8% voted for Democrats and 48.3% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Indianapolis
Staten Island
Indianapolis
Staten Island
Indianapolis
Staten Island
2020
63.7%
42.2%
34.5%
57.1%
1.9%
0.7%
2016
58.2%
41.0%
35.6%
56.1%
6.2%
2.9%
2012
60.1%
50.8%
37.9%
48.3%
2.0%
0.9%
2008
63.8%
47.8%
35.4%
51.9%
0.8%
0.4%
2004
50.6%
42.8%
48.7%
56.5%
0.7%
0.7%
2000
48.0%
52.1%
49.3%
45.1%
2.8%
2.9%
1996
44.6%
50.5%
47.8%
40.8%
7.7%
8.7%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Indianapolis
Staten Island
Indianapolis
Staten Island
CATHOLIC CHURCH
11.1%
54.2%
4.6%
20.6%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
1.6%
0.2%
5.7%
3.5%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
1.2%
0.6%
3.4%
1.0%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.8%
0.2%
1.5%
1.5%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.5%
0.6%
1.6%
4.0%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.5%
0.1%
1.6%
2.5%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.4%
0.4%
1.1%
5.0%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.3%
1.7%
1.1%
3.0%
Weather
Indianapolis experiences a humid continental climate with hot, humid summers, and cold winters. It experiences rainfall throughout the year, with May typically being the wettest month. On the other hand, Staten Island also experiences a humid subtropical climate similar to the rest of New York City. Winters can be cold, while summers are typically hot and humid. The city also experiences periodic snowfall.
Weather and climate
Type
Indianapolis
Staten Island
Temperature - Average
52.1°F
54.1°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
77%
67.4%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
31%
29.9%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
86%
77%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
55%
47.2%
Precipitation - Yearly average
40.6 in
47.4 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
51 in
60 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
14.7%
15.8%
Sunshine amount - Average
56.2%
60.2%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
33%
20%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
65%
64%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
32%
44%
Wind speed - Average
10.3 mph
10.5 mph
Average climate in Indianapolis, Indiana
Average climate in Staten Island, New York
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Indianapolis
Staten Island
Indianapolis
Staten Island
Indianapolis
Staten Island
Indianapolis
Staten Island
Indianapolis
Staten Island
Indianapolis
Staten Island
Indianapolis
Staten Island
Indianapolis
Staten Island
2018
94
94
0.58
0.35
13.2
17.1
23.1
24.1
N/A
N/A
18.2
N/A
10.4
7.9
0.3
0.4
2017
87
98
0.82
0.32
12.4
17.0
23.0
27.0
N/A
N/A
17.6
N/A
10.1
7.6
0.4
0.2
2016
91
94
0.62
0.37
13.0
17.9
22.5
28.5
N/A
N/A
18.0
N/A
9.9
7.7
0.4
0.2
2015
89
102
0.73
0.39
14.9
18.9
22.9
27.3
N/A
N/A
19.7
N/A
9.9
8.6
1.1
0.4
2014
100
97
0.62
0.38
16.1
19.2
25.1
25.6
N/A
N/A
20.6
N/A
12.1
8.3
3.2
0.7
2013
94
99
0.69
0.39
11.5
19.6
26.3
27.8
N/A
N/A
19.9
N/A
12.8
8.5
2.6
0.8
2012
103
102
0.65
0.42
10.4
19.3
25.7
26.9
N/A
N/A
20.8
N/A
12.9
9.2
2.9
1.4
2011
105
108
0.68
0.42
11.3
21.4
22.9
28.1
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
16.3
10.2
2.4
2.0
2010
101
114
0.54
0.40
12.7
19.9
21.6
28.7
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
15.9
9.4
3.3
1.8
2009
97
105
0.73
0.39
11.4
22.5
23.2
25.3
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
13.8
9.5
1.9
2.4
2008
91
111
0.62
0.39
11.5
23.0
N/A
24.3
0.010
0.013
N/A
N/A
13.2
11.3
3.0
3.4
2007
103
123
0.69
0.44
13.1
24.2
N/A
23.3
0.011
0.016
N/A
N/A
14.9
12.0
3.6
4.3
2006
95
117
0.59
0.55
14.5
25.6
N/A
24.7
0.009
0.018
N/A
N/A
14.5
13.1
3.6
5.3
2005
121
112
0.65
0.69
15.2
27.3
N/A
23.3
0.014
N/A
N/A
N/A
18.0
N/A
4.3
7.3
2004
104
109
0.62
0.68
15.8
26.4
N/A
22.2
0.010
0.030
N/A
N/A
15.1
N/A
4.6
6.9
2003
113
112
0.67
0.76
16.6
28.0
N/A
22.1
0.010
0.006
N/A
26.9
15.8
N/A
4.2
7.1
2002
125
125
0.76
0.74
17.4
30.6
N/A
24.7
0.009
0.008
N/A
26.1
16.8
N/A
3.9
6.6
2001
105
124
0.81
0.81
16.6
32.4
N/A
24.9
0.031
0.020
N/A
26.9
16.3
N/A
3.8
7.2
2000
98
116
0.87
0.93
17.3
33.0
N/A
23.1
N/A
0.022
N/A
22.2
N/A
N/A
4.5
7.2
Natural disasters
Type
Indianapolis
Staten Island
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
226.7%
61.3%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
179.6%
31.2%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
16%
19%
Transportation
Public transportation and commuting in Indianapolis majorly involves personal cars, with buses being the next best option. Staten Island offers a more developed public transit system including bus, rail, and ferry services, However, many residents still prefer to drive.
Transport
Type
Indianapolis
Staten Island
Amtrak stations
1
0
Amtrak stations nearby
1
3
FAA registered aircraft
739
39
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
18
2
Means of transportation to work
Type
Indianapolis
Staten Island
Bicycle
0.5%
0.2%
Bus
1.2%
19.2%
Carpooled
8.5%
12.1%
Car alone
87.3%
54.3%
Ferryboat
0%
5.3%
Railroad
0%
0.9%
Subway
0%
2.6%
Taxicab
0.1%
0.4%
Walked
1.6%
2.9%
Average travel time to work
Type
Indianapolis
Staten Island
Average
28.1 min
45.3 min
Real Estate
Real estate in Indianapolis is relatively affordable, with a lower median home price compared to the national average. Staten Island has a higher median home price due to it being part of New York City, but it's more affordable compared to other boroughs.
Neighborhoods
Indianapolis is home to numerous vibrant neighborhoods like Broad Ripple Village, known for its vibrant nightlife, and Fletcher Place, known for its historic architecture. Staten Island's neighborhoods, such as St. George and Todt Hill, offer a mix of urban and suburban feel.
Houses and residents
Type
Indianapolis
Staten Island
Houses
399,820
163,993
Average household size (people)
2.4
2.8
Houses occupied
358,150 (89.6%)
156,341 (95.3%)
Houses occupied by owners
201,149 (56.2%)
99,732 (63.8%)
Houses occupied by renters
157,001 (43.8%)
56,609 (36.2%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$876.58
$1,320
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$283,027
$369,853
Estimated median house or condo value
$188,700
$605,500
Median number of rooms in apartments
4.3
3.9
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.5
6.1
Renting percentage
44.2%
35.9%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,106.1
2,804.3
Household income disparities
44.4%
43.8%
Housing units without a mortgage
4,552 (3.2%)
19,289 (25%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
9,787 (6.8%)
160 (0.2%)
Housing units with a mortgage
138,622 (96.8%)
57,986 (75%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
271 (0.2%)
5,623 (7.3%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
12,987 (9.1%)
4,499 (5.8%)
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
3.4%
0.6%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
17,131
7,611
State government workers
15,502
6,285
Unpaid family workers
1,601
394
Industries and Occupations
Indianapolis has strong manufacturing, health care, retail, and technology sectors. It's also known for motorsports with the famous Indianapolis Motor Speedway. On Staten Island, the healthcare, retail, and education sectors dominate, along with public administration.
Indianapolis boasts excellent health care facilities including nationally ranked hospitals like Indiana University Health Medical Centre. Staten Island also offers good health care facilities, anchored by Staten Island University Hospital.
Indianapolis has developed infrastructure with continual improvements being made towards roads, public utilities, and informational technology. Staten Island also boasts developed infrastructure, but due to its unique geographical location, transportation can be trickier.
Infrastructure
Type
Indianapolis
Staten Island
Hospitals
76
25
TV stations
19
30
Bank branches located here
259
104
Bank institutions located here
27
19
Main business address for public companies
28
1
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
1
1
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
19
3
Schools
School facilities
Type
Indianapolis
Staten Island
Private elementary/middle schools
50
22
Private high schools
25
13
Public elementary/middle schools
171
63
Public high schools
55
16
Colleges/Universities
39
5
Culture and Food
The culture of Indianapolis blends Midwestern friendliness with a rich arts scene, sports, and a growing food scene. In contrast, Staten Island offers a unique blend of urban and suburban culture with a rich food scene, including their notable pizzerias.
Sports Teams
Indianapolis is home to popular sports teams such as the Indianapolis Colts (NFL) and Indiana Pacers (NBA). Staten Island doesn't host any major league professional sports team but it's close to many NYC teams and hosts the Staten Island Yankees, a minor league baseball team.
Indianapolis, IN and 
Staten Island, NY : 635.6 miles
