Los Angeles, California, often known as the City of Angels, and Indianapolis, Indiana, also known as the Crossroads of America, provide distinctly contrasting living experiences. Both cities showcase vibrant cultures, sporting teams, and a variety of employment opportunities, but differences in climate, cost of living, and geographical conditions make for a unique comparison. Here's a closer look at how these two cities stack up against each other across various aspects of city life.
Distance between
Los Angeles, CA and
Indianapolis, IN : 1,812.5 miles
Los Angeles's population is larger by 336%. Its population has grown by 154,477 people (4.2%) since 2000. The population of Indianapolis has grown by 100,169 people (12.8%) during that time.
Los Angeles has a higher crime rate compared to Indianapolis, though the numbers significantly differ based on the specific area within each city. While LA does have neighborhoods with higher crime, it also contains safer suburbs and districts. Similarly, Indianapolis's crime rate varies across neighborhoods. Tourists and potential residents should research specific areas when considering safety.
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 4,426 registered sex offenders living in Los Angeles and 81 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Los Angeles is 898 to 1; the ratio in Indianapolis is 10,525 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is much larger in Los Angeles than that in Indianapolis.
Cost of Living
Generally, the cost of living in Los Angeles is significantly higher than in Indianapolis. Housing, in particular, driving this disparity. Essentials such as groceries, health care, and transportation also tend to be more expensive in LA. However, wages and salaries in Los Angeles tend to be higher, somewhat offsetting the increased living costs.
Income Tax
California's income tax ranges from 1% to 13.3%, making it one of the highest in the nation. Indiana has a more straightforward structure with a flat state income tax rate of 3.23%.
Property Tax
Indiana has property tax caps in place, making homeownership in Indianapolis potentially more affordable. Meanwhile, California's property taxes are placed near the national average, but Los Angeles's high real estate values can lead to significant tax bills.
Sales Tax
Los Angeles's base sales tax is 7.25%, but the total can reach up to 10.25% in some areas due to district taxes. Indianapolis has a lower sales tax, with a rate of 7% throughout the state of Indiana.
Income
Type
Los Angeles
Indianapolis
Estimated median household income
$70,372
$58,479
Estimated per capita income
$39,509
$32,792
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
145.1
87.7
If you make $50,000 in Indianapolis, you will have to make $82,725 in Los Angeles to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Los Angeles, geographically diverse, features mountains, coasts, and cityscape. There's a risk of earthquakes due to its location on the Pacific Ring of Fire. Indianapolis, which is much flatter, lies in the Midwest's temperate region, with plenty of green spaces.
Both cities host reputable educational institutions, but Los Angeles, with its renowned universities such as UCLA and USC, often receives more academic recognition. Indianapolis is home to notable universities like Butler and Purdue University's regional campus. The public schools in both cities have variety and diversity, ranging from schools that require improvement to those nationally recognized for excellence.
Los Angeles is a global city with an economy powered by entertainment, culture, media, fashion, technology, science, sports, research, and education. Indianapolis, meanwhile, is known for its manufacturing industry, although in recent years it has diversified into sectors such as finance, education, healthcare, and technology.
Biggest Employers
In LA, some of the biggest employers include the County of Los Angeles, Los Angeles Unified School District, and the University of Southern California. Indianapolis's largest employers include Indiana University Health, Eli Lilly and Company, and Anthem Inc.
There were 2,475 building permits issued in Los Angeles in 2012 (1950 more than in 2011) compared to 1,221 building permits issued in Indianapolis in 2012 (704 more than in 2011).
In Los Angeles (Los Angeles County), 69.7% voted for Democrats and 27.8% 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
Los Angeles
Indianapolis
Los Angeles
Indianapolis
Los Angeles
Indianapolis
2020
71.0%
63.7%
26.9%
34.5%
2.1%
1.9%
2016
72.0%
58.2%
22.5%
35.6%
5.5%
6.2%
2012
69.7%
60.1%
27.8%
37.9%
2.4%
2.0%
2008
69.2%
63.8%
28.8%
35.4%
1.9%
0.8%
2004
63.3%
50.6%
35.7%
48.7%
1.0%
0.7%
2000
63.6%
48.0%
32.4%
49.3%
4.0%
2.8%
1996
59.3%
44.6%
31.0%
47.8%
9.7%
7.7%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Los Angeles
Indianapolis
Los Angeles
Indianapolis
CATHOLIC CHURCH
36.1%
11.1%
4.7%
4.6%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
1.0%
1.6%
9.0%
5.7%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.7%
0.3%
1.0%
1.1%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.5%
1.2%
3.1%
3.4%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.5%
0.5%
2.4%
1.6%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.4%
0.4%
1.4%
1.1%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.2%
0.5%
1.9%
1.6%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.2%
0.8%
1.6%
1.5%
Weather
Los Angeles exhibits a warm Mediterranean climate with mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers while Indianapolis experiences a humid continental climate, with all four seasons distinctly present. Winters in Indianapolis can be quite cold, with snowfall being prevalent. The weather in Los Angeles tends to be warmer year-round, a draw for those that prefer milder winters.
Weather and climate
Type
Los Angeles
Indianapolis
Temperature - Average
63.9°F
52.1°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
60.9%
77%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
16.1%
31%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
65.1%
86%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
49%
55%
Precipitation - Yearly average
17.1 in
40.6 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
0 in
51 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
29.9%
14.7%
Sunshine amount - Average
78.4%
56.2%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
22%
33%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
85%
65%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
63%
32%
Wind speed - Average
2.1 mph
10.3 mph
Average climate in Los Angeles, California
Average climate in Indianapolis, Indiana
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Los Angeles
Indianapolis
Los Angeles
Indianapolis
Los Angeles
Indianapolis
Los Angeles
Indianapolis
Los Angeles
Indianapolis
Los Angeles
Indianapolis
Los Angeles
Indianapolis
Los Angeles
Indianapolis
2018
137
94
0.38
0.58
9.9
13.2
26.9
23.1
0.008
N/A
24.4
18.2
16.0
10.4
0.4
0.3
2017
136
87
0.41
0.82
10.3
12.4
27.2
23.0
0.007
N/A
25.0
17.6
16.2
10.1
0.5
0.4
2016
128
91
0.37
0.62
10.0
13.0
27.7
22.5
0.007
N/A
23.8
18.0
15.4
9.9
0.4
0.4
2015
128
89
0.38
0.73
10.9
14.9
28.5
22.9
0.005
N/A
21.8
19.7
17.4
9.9
0.3
1.1
2014
139
100
0.50
0.62
12.0
16.1
27.8
25.1
0.007
N/A
26.4
20.6
19.9
12.1
0.3
3.2
2013
140
94
0.48
0.69
11.8
11.5
26.2
26.3
0.007
N/A
25.5
19.9
19.0
12.8
0.3
2.6
2012
144
103
0.48
0.65
10.9
10.4
26.3
25.7
0.008
N/A
24.8
20.8
19.9
12.9
0.4
2.9
2011
141
105
0.38
0.68
13.4
11.3
24.2
22.9
0.009
N/A
32.4
N/A
18.3
16.3
0.3
2.4
2010
127
101
0.44
0.54
12.2
12.7
23.2
21.6
0.027
N/A
33.9
N/A
17.3
15.9
0.5
3.3
2009
153
97
0.51
0.73
16.0
11.4
24.0
23.2
0.009
N/A
45.2
N/A
18.8
13.8
1.1
1.9
2008
145
91
0.37
0.62
14.0
11.5
24.8
N/A
0.010
0.010
44.7
N/A
19.5
13.2
1.0
3.0
2007
121
103
0.39
0.69
14.0
13.1
24.3
N/A
0.013
0.011
N/A
N/A
N/A
14.9
1.9
3.6
2006
131
95
0.38
0.59
15.4
14.5
23.1
N/A
0.006
0.009
N/A
N/A
N/A
14.5
1.9
3.6
2005
132
121
0.43
0.65
12.8
15.2
24.1
N/A
0.012
0.014
N/A
N/A
N/A
18.0
3.7
4.3
2004
142
104
0.64
0.62
17.6
15.8
27.5
N/A
0.016
0.010
N/A
N/A
N/A
15.1
2.5
4.6
2003
145
113
0.94
0.67
27.1
16.6
19.8
N/A
0.030
0.010
N/A
N/A
N/A
15.8
2.1
4.2
2002
154
125
1.04
0.76
31.3
17.4
21.7
N/A
0.027
0.009
N/A
N/A
N/A
16.8
2.4
3.9
2001
135
105
1.16
0.81
37.0
16.6
18.7
N/A
0.041
0.031
N/A
N/A
N/A
16.3
2.4
3.8
2000
147
98
1.13
0.87
31.1
17.3
16.7
N/A
0.035
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.4
4.5
Natural disasters
Type
Los Angeles
Indianapolis
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
16.2%
226.7%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
7,082.4%
179.6%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
57%
16%
Transportation
LA has an extensive public transportation system with buses, subways, light-rail lines, and bike share programs. However, LA is also known for its heavy traffic. Indianapolis's public transit revolves mainly around the bus system IndyGo, with a city layout more conducive to driving.
Transport
Type
Los Angeles
Indianapolis
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
3
1
FAA registered aircraft
669
739
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
14
18
Means of transportation to work
Type
Los Angeles
Indianapolis
Bicycle
0.6%
0.5%
Bus
5.8%
1.2%
Carpooled
10.6%
8.5%
Car alone
76.5%
87.3%
Ferryboat
0.2%
0%
Motorcycle
0.2%
0%
Railroad
0.1%
0%
Streetcar
0.5%
0%
Subway
0.2%
0%
Taxicab
0.1%
0.1%
Walked
3%
1.6%
Average travel time to work
Type
Los Angeles
Indianapolis
Average
34.8 min
28.1 min
Other means
28.5 min
22.5 min
Public transportation
46.4 min
40.2 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Los Angeles
Indianapolis
Average
1.2
1.2
Drove alone
87.4%
88.2%
In 2 person carpool
10.1%
9.4%
In 3 person carpool
1.6%
1.3%
In 4 person carpool
0.5%
0.5%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.3%
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
Los Angeles's real estate market is one of the most expensive in the country, with diverse housing options from beachfront properties to urban condos. Indianapolis's real estate market is more affordable, with a mix of downtown apartments, suburban homes, and rural properties.
Neighborhoods
LA is known for its diverse neighborhoods, from the upscale Beverly Hills and Pacific Palisades to the eclectic Silver Lake and artsy Downtown LA. Indianapolis has a mix of urban and suburban neighborhoods, with favorites such as Broad Ripple Village (known for its arts scene) and Fall Creek Place (known for its revitalization).
Houses and residents
Type
Los Angeles
Indianapolis
Houses
1,542,391
399,820
Average household size (people)
2.8
2.4
Median year apartment built
1970
1977
Median year house/condo built
1957
1971
Length of stay in the house since moving in
16 years
13 years
Houses occupied
1,410,594 (91.5%)
358,150 (89.6%)
Houses occupied by owners
521,485 (37%)
201,149 (56.2%)
Houses occupied by renters
889,109 (63%)
157,001 (43.8%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$2,146
$876.58
Median monthly housing costs
$1,845
$980
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$1,410,311
$283,027
Estimated median house or condo value
$812,800
$188,700
Median numbers of rooms
4.1
5.5
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.4
4.3
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
5.8
6.5
Median house price - detached houses
Over $1,000,000
$231,490
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$906,968
$257,253
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$752,598
$240,688
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$760,192
$247,275
Median house price - mobile homes
$204,691
$58,413
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$809,932
$222,424
Median house price - All housing units
Over $1,000,000
$229,666
Median house age
57
48
Renting percentage
61.8%
44.2%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
3,288.2
1,106.1
House value disparities
23.2%
36.1%
Household income disparities
47.7%
44.4%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$122,032
$86,008
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$83,712
$61,922
Housing units without a mortgage
5,970 (1.6%)
4,552 (3.2%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
28,556 (7.6%)
9,787 (6.8%)
Housing units with a mortgage
369,242 (98.4%)
138,622 (96.8%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
2,061 (0.5%)
271 (0.2%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
37,750 (10.1%)
12,987 (9.1%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
15
11
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
4
1
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
3.1%
3.4%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
0.9%
1.1%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Los Angeles
Indianapolis
One, detached
37.2%
59.0%
One, attached
5.7%
9.2%
Two
2.8%
2.5%
3 or 4
6.3%
6.2%
5 to 9
8.9%
7.7%
10 to 19
9.5%
6.3%
20 to 49
13.1%
3.1%
50 or more
15.9%
5.0%
Mobile homes
0.6%
1.0%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
200,073
17,131
State government workers
54,504
15,502
Unpaid family workers
4,643
1,601
Industries and Occupations
Los Angeles's entertainment industry is globally influential, offering significant employment opportunities in film, television, and music. The city also exhibits a broad economic base in other sectors. Indianapolis is recognized for manufacturing, finance, and healthcare, with opportunities in education and technology also increasing.
Both cities have highly rated hospitals and extensive healthcare services, but Los Angeles's larger size gives it more facilities and variety. Indianapolis, though smaller, is known for its top-notch healthcare systems, especially in regards to children's health and neurosurgery.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Los Angeles
Indianapolis
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Los Angeles, with its extensive highway system, world-renowned ports, and the Los Angeles International Airport, boasts robust infrastructure. Downtown LA also sees many high-rise developments. Indianapolis, although smaller, has responsive city services, numerous interstates, railways, and the Indianapolis International Airport. The city skyline is notable, mainly due to the iconic Monument Circle.
Infrastructure
Type
Los Angeles
Indianapolis
Hospitals
62
76
TV stations
21
19
Arenas or stadiums
5
3
Bank branches located here
385
259
Bank institutions located here
73
27
Main business address for public companies
69
28
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
5
1
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Los Angeles
Indianapolis
1999
10,170
3,358
2000
9,527
3,562
2001
7,928
2,649
2002
9,092
1,915
2003
14,114
2,519
2004
18,901
3,702
2005
22,524
6,057
2006
26,600
5,811
2007
19,394
3,456
2008
7,924
1,247
2009
4,210
565
Culture and Food
Los Angeles, being larger and more diverse, offers a vast array of cultural and culinary experiences, from the Hollywood Walk of Fame to authentic global cuisines. Indianapolis, though smaller, has a growing culinary and craft beer scene and is known for hosting well-known events such as the Indy 500 race and Gen Con gaming convention.
Sports Teams
Los Angeles is home to multiple professional sports teams, including the Dodgers (MLB), Lakers (NBA), and Rams (NFL). Indianapolis is also a sports-centric city, home to the Colts (NFL), Pacers (NBA), and is universally acknowledged as the Racing Capital of the World due to the Indianapolis 500.
Los Angeles, CA and 
Indianapolis, IN : 1,812.5 miles
