Comparing San Antonio, Texas, and Indianapolis, Indiana, we find distinct differences and similarities that affect both residents and visitors. Both cities have a rich history, a unique culture, and various amenities that provide quality living and great experiences for visitors. However, the cost of living, crime rates, infrastructure, job opportunities, and cultural experiences differ, providing a varied living experience depending on personal preferences.
Distance between
San Antonio, TX and
Indianapolis, IN : 1,000.3 miles
San Antonio's population is larger by 65%. Its population has grown by 307,207 people (26.8%) since 2000. The population of Indianapolis has grown by 100,169 people (12.8%) during that time.
Crime rates in San Antonio and Indianapolis differ significantly. Indianapolis' crime rate is relatively higher than San Antonio's, putting its safety index slightly lower. Both cities have developed crime prevention initiatives focusing on community policing, security surveillance, and neighborhood collaborations. Tourists and new residents are advised to stay vigilant, especially during the night or in neighborhoods known for higher 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 3,802 registered sex offenders living in San Antonio and 2,171 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in San Antonio is 393 to 1; the ratio in Indianapolis is 393 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents in San Antonio is near to than in Indianapolis.
Cost of Living
San Antonio has a lower cost of living than Indianapolis. This is mostly due to lower housing costs, utility bills, health care, and grocery prices. However, Indiana has a lower state sales tax than Texas, which might balance some of the costs for residents and tourists.
Income Tax
While Texas, hence San Antonio, does not levy a state income tax, Illinois has a flat state income tax rate of 3.23% that also applies to Indianapolis.
Property Tax
Property taxes in both states differ. San Antonio's parent state, Texas, averages a property tax rate of 1.81%. In Indiana, home to Indianapolis, the average property tax rate is 0.87%.
Sales Tax
Texas has a sales tax rate of 6.25%, with San Antonio adding an additional 2%, totaling 8.25%. Indiana's state sales tax is at 7% which also applies to Indianapolis.
Income
Type
San Antonio
Indianapolis
Estimated median household income
$54,923
$58,479
Estimated per capita income
$28,860
$32,792
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
87.7
87.7
If you make $50,000 in Indianapolis, you will have to make $50,000 in San Antonio to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
San Antonio is located in South Texas with a flat to gently rolling terrain, characterized by its River Walk. On the other hand, Indianapolis, located in the Midwest, also has flat terrain, peppered with small rivers and creeks. Both cities have ample parkland and outdoor spaces for recreation.
San Antonio and Indianapolis both provide robust education systems, with a range of public, private and charter schools, as well as higher-education institutions. However, the public schools in San Antonio have higher average test scores compared to Indianapolis. Both cities boast renowned universities—Indiana University–Purdue University in Indianapolis, and the University of Texas in San Antonio.
San Antonio's economy is strongly tied to military, health care, government services, and tourism, whereas Indianapolis's economy is based on education, healthcare, and finance. Both cities offer ample job opportunities, but the average wages in San Antonio tend to be higher compared to Indianapolis.
Biggest Employers
In San Antonio, the biggest employers include health care providers, military bases, and education institutions. In Indianapolis, the school systems, health care providers, and the state government are among the largest employers.
There were 6,567 building permits issued in San Antonio in 2012 (4973 more than in 2011) compared to 1,221 building permits issued in Indianapolis in 2012 (704 more than in 2011).
In San Antonio (Bexar County), 51.6% voted for Democrats and 47.1% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Indianapolis (Marion County), 60.1% voted for Democrats and 37.9% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
San Antonio
Indianapolis
San Antonio
Indianapolis
San Antonio
Indianapolis
2020
58.3%
63.7%
40.1%
34.5%
1.5%
1.9%
2016
54.2%
58.2%
40.8%
35.6%
5.0%
6.2%
2012
51.6%
60.1%
47.1%
37.9%
1.4%
2.0%
2008
52.3%
63.8%
46.7%
35.4%
1.0%
0.8%
2004
44.5%
50.6%
55.0%
48.7%
0.6%
0.7%
2000
44.9%
48.0%
52.3%
49.3%
2.7%
2.8%
1996
49.7%
44.6%
44.6%
47.8%
5.7%
7.7%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
San Antonio
Indianapolis
San Antonio
Indianapolis
CATHOLIC CHURCH
30.8%
11.1%
8.6%
4.6%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
6.8%
1.6%
23.5%
5.7%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
1.2%
0.3%
0.8%
1.1%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.7%
0.8%
1.0%
1.5%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.6%
0.4%
1.6%
1.1%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.6%
0.5%
2.2%
1.6%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.2%
1.2%
0.3%
3.4%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.2%
0.5%
1.3%
1.6%
Weather
Weather patterns in Indianapolis and San Antonio vary distinctly. San Antonio, in the south, enjoys a mild winter and hot summers that are ideal for tourists who love a warmer climate. In contrast, Indianapolis endures harsh winters and mild summers. Both cities experience rain throughout the year, but San Antonio gets more sunshine.
Weather and climate
Type
San Antonio
Indianapolis
Temperature - Average
68.7°F
52.1°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
74.9%
77%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
37%
31%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
87%
86%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
50%
55%
Precipitation - Yearly average
32.2 in
40.6 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
1.2 in
51 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
17.5%
14.7%
Sunshine amount - Average
62.4%
56.2%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
24%
33%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
72%
65%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
48%
32%
Wind speed - Average
8.9 mph
10.3 mph
Average climate in San Antonio, Texas
Average climate in Indianapolis, Indiana
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
San Antonio
Indianapolis
San Antonio
Indianapolis
San Antonio
Indianapolis
San Antonio
Indianapolis
Indianapolis
San Antonio
Indianapolis
San Antonio
Indianapolis
San Antonio
Indianapolis
2018
83
94
N/A
0.58
4.9
13.2
25.6
23.1
N/A
N/A
N/A
18.2
8.0
10.4
0.2
0.3
2017
85
87
N/A
0.82
5.1
12.4
26.9
23.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
17.6
8.4
10.1
1.7
0.4
2016
79
91
N/A
0.62
5.2
13.0
25.7
22.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
18.0
8.2
9.9
0.8
0.4
2015
76
89
N/A
0.73
4.7
14.9
25.4
22.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
19.7
9.2
9.9
0.7
1.1
2014
84
100
N/A
0.62
5.5
16.1
27.3
25.1
N/A
N/A
N/A
20.6
9.5
12.1
0.6
3.2
2013
79
94
N/A
0.69
4.1
11.5
28.2
26.3
N/A
N/A
N/A
19.9
9.0
12.8
0.7
2.6
2012
77
103
N/A
0.65
4.5
10.4
27.5
25.7
N/A
N/A
18.1
20.8
9.2
12.9
N/A
2.9
2011
85
105
N/A
0.68
4.6
11.3
29.2
22.9
N/A
N/A
18.9
N/A
9.9
16.3
N/A
2.4
2010
75
101
0.21
0.54
7.2
12.7
25.8
21.6
N/A
N/A
17.1
N/A
9.2
15.9
N/A
3.3
2009
74
97
0.23
0.73
8.3
11.4
25.7
23.2
N/A
N/A
19.5
N/A
9.8
13.8
0.4
1.9
2008
84
91
0.26
0.62
9.3
11.5
26.8
N/A
0.010
N/A
19.8
N/A
10.1
13.2
0.5
3.0
2007
83
103
0.49
0.69
9.3
13.1
26.3
N/A
0.011
N/A
23.4
N/A
10.3
14.9
N/A
3.6
2006
86
95
0.51
0.59
9.7
14.5
32.7
N/A
0.009
N/A
24.8
N/A
9.8
14.5
N/A
3.6
2005
86
121
0.53
0.65
10.7
15.2
30.8
N/A
0.014
N/A
22.3
N/A
10.1
18.0
N/A
4.3
2004
76
104
0.48
0.62
10.4
15.8
29.6
N/A
0.010
N/A
22.4
N/A
N/A
15.1
N/A
4.6
2003
77
113
0.57
0.67
10.3
16.6
28.5
N/A
0.010
N/A
26.7
N/A
N/A
15.8
N/A
4.2
2002
88
125
0.52
0.76
11.2
17.4
30.3
N/A
0.009
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
16.8
N/A
3.9
2001
78
105
0.57
0.81
11.9
16.6
29.3
N/A
0.031
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
16.3
N/A
3.8
2000
82
98
0.52
0.87
11.7
17.3
29.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
4.5
Natural disasters
Type
San Antonio
Indianapolis
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
91.5%
226.7%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
73.7%
179.6%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
21%
16%
Transportation
San Antonio and Indianapolis both have efficient public transportation systems. San Antonio's VIVA service and the IndyGo bus service in Indianapolis offer affordable transit around these cities. However, both cities are spread out, so having a car can be advantageous for residents and tourists.
Transport
Type
San Antonio
Indianapolis
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
1
1
FAA registered aircraft
987
739
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
29
18
Means of transportation to work
Type
San Antonio
Indianapolis
Bicycle
0.2%
0.5%
Bus
1.6%
1.2%
Carpooled
12.9%
8.5%
Car alone
81.9%
87.3%
Motorcycle
0.1%
0%
Walked
1.6%
1.6%
Average travel time to work
Type
San Antonio
Indianapolis
Average
27 min
28.1 min
Other means
23.4 min
22.5 min
Public transportation
43.5 min
40.2 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
San Antonio
Indianapolis
Average
1.2
1.2
Drove alone
84.6%
88.2%
In 2 person carpool
10.4%
9.4%
In 3 person carpool
3.3%
1.3%
In 4 person carpool
1%
0.5%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.6%
0.4%
In 7+ person carpool
0.1%
0.1%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
The real estate market in both cities is vibrant. San Antonio home prices are quite reasonable compared to national averages, while Indianapolis real estate is slightly more expensive. Rent prices in San Antonio are lower, making it a more affordable option for most people.
Neighborhoods
Both Indianapolis and San Antonio boast diverse neighborhoods characterized by distinct cultural influences. San Antonio's neighborhoods offer diverse experiences from the Spanish colonial Missions to the German-influenced King William Historic District. Indianapolis has its hipster-friendly Fountain Square neighborhood and the family-oriented Meridian Kessler district.
Houses and residents
Type
San Antonio
Indianapolis
Houses
603,670
399,820
Average household size (people)
2.7
2.4
Median year apartment built
1987
1977
Median year house/condo built
1981
1971
Length of stay in the house since moving in
14.3 years
13 years
Houses occupied
549,245 (91%)
358,150 (89.6%)
Houses occupied by owners
290,123 (52.8%)
201,149 (56.2%)
Houses occupied by renters
259,122 (47.2%)
157,001 (43.8%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,143
$876.58
Median monthly housing costs
$1,101
$980
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$189,213
$283,027
Estimated median house or condo value
$197,600
$188,700
Median numbers of rooms
5.1
5.5
Median number of rooms in apartments
4
4.3
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.2
6.5
Median house price - detached houses
$238,319
$231,490
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$407,491
$257,253
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$120,363
$240,688
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$163,867
$247,275
Median house price - mobile homes
$105,850
$58,413
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$188,542
$222,424
Median house price - All housing units
$234,615
$229,666
Median house age
37
48
Renting percentage
43.5%
44.2%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,481.2
1,106.1
House value disparities
33.6%
36.1%
Household income disparities
44.7%
44.4%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$87,382
$86,008
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$60,785
$61,922
Housing units without a mortgage
5,815 (3.5%)
4,552 (3.2%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
6,350 (3.8%)
9,787 (6.8%)
Housing units with a mortgage
160,674 (96.5%)
138,622 (96.8%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
129 (0.1%)
271 (0.2%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
7,761 (4.7%)
12,987 (9.1%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
13
11
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
1
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
2.1%
3.4%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
1.3%
1.1%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
San Antonio
Indianapolis
One, detached
60.4%
59.0%
One, attached
2.7%
9.2%
Two
2.2%
2.5%
3 or 4
4.9%
6.2%
5 to 9
7.8%
7.7%
10 to 19
8.5%
6.3%
20 to 49
5.4%
3.1%
50 or more
6.6%
5.0%
Mobile homes
1.5%
1.0%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
46,328
17,131
State government workers
29,486
15,502
Unpaid family workers
657
1,601
Industries and Occupations
San Antonio's top industries include military, healthcare, education, and tourism. In contrast, healthcare, education, and finance are the major industries in Indianapolis. For occupations, San Antonio is known for management roles, while Indianapolis often has job opportunities in office and administrative support.
Both cities offer high-quality healthcare systems. San Antonio has some of the best facilities in South Texas, including the San Antonio Military Medical Center. Indianapolis is home to the highly respected Indiana University Health Medical Center and Riley Hospital for Children.
Health (county statistics)
Type
San Antonio
Indianapolis
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
The infrastructure in both cities suits their economic needs. San Antonio's infrastructure supports its heavy tourism and military sectors, while Indianapolis's infrastructure supports its educational and healthcare systems. Both cities have invested in renovating their downtown areas, making each city's core attractive to tourists and residents alike.
Infrastructure
Type
San Antonio
Indianapolis
Hospitals
130
76
TV stations
30
19
Arenas or stadiums
2
3
Bank branches located here
333
259
Bank institutions located here
41
27
Main business address for public companies
23
28
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
7
1
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
San Antonio
Indianapolis
1999
6,847
3,358
2000
2,930
3,562
2001
2,383
2,649
2002
2,313
1,915
2003
3,759
2,519
2004
5,180
3,702
2005
6,554
6,057
2006
6,983
5,811
2007
4,562
3,456
2008
1,781
1,247
2009
847
565
Culture and Food
San Antonio, with its deep Mexican heritage and the Alamo, offers rich cultural experiences and is a foodie's paradise that's famous for its Tex-Mex cuisine. Indianapolis, the racing capital of the world, is steeped in auto-racing culture and offers Midwest favorites like pork tenderloin sandwiches and Sugar Cream Pie, the official state pie.
Sports Teams
If you're a sports fan, both cities have a lot to offer. San Antonio is home to NBA's San Antonio Spurs, while Indianapolis hosts the NFL's Indianapolis Colts and NBA's Indiana Pacers. Auto racing enthusiasts would know Indianapolis for the annual Indy 500 race.
San Antonio, TX and 
Indianapolis, IN : 1,000.3 miles
