Indianapolis, Indiana, and Bakersfield, California, are two distinct cities with their unique advantages and challenges. Both cities are seen as viable places to live, work, or visit, each offering a unique blend of culture, infrastructure, and economy. This article presents an objective comparison, pointing out key differences and parallels that can help potential immigrants or tourists make an informed decision. Factors such as crime rates and safety, weather conditions, cost of living, education, work opportunities, geographical conditions, and culture are among those we are assessing.
Distance between
Indianapolis, IN and
Bakersfield, CA : 1,816.1 miles
Indianapolis's population is larger by 116%. Its population has grown by 100,169 people (12.8%) since 2000. The population of Bakersfield has grown by 160,558 people (65.0%) during that time.
Although no city can claim complete security, it’s important to note the variations in safety between Indianapolis and Bakersfield. Unfortunately, both cities have a higher crime rate than the national average, but Indianapolis's crime rate is significantly higher compared to that of Bakersfield. However, safety varies by neighborhood, so it's vital to do thorough research before deciding on specific areas.
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 82 registered sex offenders living in Indianapolis and 1,108 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Indianapolis is 10,396 to 1; the ratio in Bakersfield is 340 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is a lot smaller in Indianapolis than in Bakersfield.
Cost of Living
When it comes to affordability, the overall cost of living in Indianapolis is lower than in Bakersfield. Housing costs, in particular, tend to be significantly cheaper in Indianapolis.
Income Tax
Indianapolis residents will face a lower income tax rate (3.23%) compared to Bakersfield residents (9.3% for incomes over $58,634).
Property Tax
Property taxes also tend to be lower in Indianapolis, with an average rate of 0.852%, compared to Bakersfield's rate of 1.124%.
Sales Tax
The sales tax in Indianapolis (7%) is lower than in Bakersfield (7.25%). However, Indiana has a state-wide flat tax rate of 7%, while California's state tax varies by city and county.
Income
Type
Indianapolis
Bakersfield
Estimated median household income
$58,479
$66,666
Estimated per capita income
$32,792
$29,363
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
87.7
92.6
If you make $50,000 in Indianapolis, you will have to make $52,794 in Bakersfield to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Indianapolis is flat with many public parks, while Bakersfield is located near the southern end of the San Joaquin Valley, with access to nearby mountains and outdoor activities.
Both Indianapolis and Bakersfield have a range of educational institutions. However, Indianapolis has a broader selection of higher learning institutions, including the respected Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis. Bakersfield is home to California State University, Bakersfield, which is well-regarded in particular fields.
The economy of Indianapolis is more diversified with a focus on finance, insurance, manufacturing, healthcare, and education. Bakersfield's economy relies heavily on agriculture, oil, and manufacturing.
Biggest Employers
In Indianapolis, the largest employers include IU Health, Eli Lilly and Company, and the federal and state government. Bakersfield's biggest employers are in the oil industry such as Chevron, Aera Energy, and in healthcare, such as Dignity Health.
There were 1,221 building permits issued in Indianapolis in 2012 (704 more than in 2011) compared to 1,121 building permits issued in Bakersfield in 2012 (699 more than in 2011).
In Indianapolis (Marion County), 60.1% voted for Democrats and 37.9% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Bakersfield (Kern County), 40.3% voted for Democrats and 57.0% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Indianapolis
Bakersfield
Indianapolis
Bakersfield
Indianapolis
Bakersfield
2020
63.7%
43.7%
34.5%
53.9%
1.9%
2.4%
2016
58.2%
40.4%
35.6%
53.1%
6.2%
6.5%
2012
60.1%
40.3%
37.9%
57.0%
2.0%
2.7%
2008
63.8%
40.1%
35.4%
57.9%
0.8%
1.9%
2004
50.6%
32.7%
48.7%
67.0%
0.7%
0.3%
2000
48.0%
36.3%
49.3%
60.8%
2.8%
2.9%
1996
44.6%
36.6%
47.8%
53.8%
7.7%
9.7%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Indianapolis
Bakersfield
Indianapolis
Bakersfield
CATHOLIC CHURCH
11.1%
29.3%
4.6%
4.9%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
1.6%
3.2%
5.7%
12.0%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
1.2%
0.3%
3.4%
1.3%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.8%
0.4%
1.5%
2.0%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.5%
0.0%
1.6%
0.3%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.5%
0.6%
1.6%
2.9%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.4%
0.0%
1.1%
0.7%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.3%
0.5%
1.1%
0.7%
Weather
If you prefer warmer, sunny climates, Bakersfield's Mediterranean climate might be appealing to you with hot summers and mild winters. In contrast, Indianapolis has a temperate humid climate characterized by hot, humid summers, and cold winters.
Weather and climate
Type
Indianapolis
Bakersfield
Temperature - Average
52.1°F
64.9°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
77%
53.5%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
31%
59%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
86%
80%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
55%
21%
Precipitation - Yearly average
40.6 in
6.5 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
51 in
0 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
14.7%
31.8%
Sunshine amount - Average
56.2%
80.8%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
33%
31.1%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
65%
89.5%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
32%
58.4%
Wind speed - Average
10.3 mph
6.8 mph
Average climate in Indianapolis, Indiana
Average climate in Bakersfield, California
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Indianapolis
Bakersfield
Indianapolis
Bakersfield
Indianapolis
Bakersfield
Indianapolis
Bakersfield
Indianapolis
Bakersfield
Indianapolis
Bakersfield
Indianapolis
Bakersfield
Indianapolis
2018
94
135
0.58
0.28
13.2
12.3
23.1
32.3
N/A
0.004
18.2
53.7
10.4
15.7
0.3
N/A
2017
87
141
0.82
0.29
12.4
12.7
23.0
32.9
N/A
0.004
17.6
68.2
10.1
15.8
0.4
N/A
2016
91
127
0.62
0.27
13.0
11.7
22.5
31.0
N/A
0.004
18.0
N/A
9.9
14.5
0.4
N/A
2015
89
144
0.73
0.29
14.9
11.8
22.9
32.2
N/A
0.003
19.7
N/A
9.9
16.2
1.1
N/A
2014
100
141
0.62
0.28
16.1
13.3
25.1
31.5
N/A
N/A
20.6
53.0
12.1
17.9
3.2
N/A
2013
94
134
0.69
0.30
11.5
14.3
26.3
31.0
N/A
0.003
19.9
N/A
12.8
21.7
2.6
N/A
2012
103
145
0.65
N/A
10.4
14.6
25.7
32.4
N/A
0.004
20.8
N/A
12.9
17.2
2.9
N/A
2011
105
126
0.68
N/A
11.3
15.0
22.9
29.3
N/A
0.004
N/A
43.9
16.3
17.8
2.4
N/A
2010
101
147
0.54
N/A
12.7
14.4
21.6
29.3
N/A
0.003
N/A
39.2
15.9
17.2
3.3
N/A
2009
97
170
0.73
0.37
11.4
16.6
23.2
28.0
N/A
0.005
N/A
41.5
13.8
20.8
1.9
N/A
2008
91
171
0.62
0.48
11.5
17.4
N/A
27.8
0.010
N/A
N/A
57.0
13.2
22.7
3.0
N/A
2007
103
167
0.69
0.55
13.1
18.5
N/A
26.2
0.011
0.007
N/A
43.0
14.9
23.0
3.6
N/A
2006
95
157
0.59
0.56
14.5
19.2
N/A
29.6
0.009
N/A
N/A
N/A
14.5
18.0
3.6
N/A
2005
121
165
0.65
0.53
15.2
19.3
N/A
28.2
0.014
N/A
N/A
N/A
18.0
21.5
4.3
N/A
2004
104
163
0.62
0.51
15.8
19.9
N/A
27.1
0.010
N/A
N/A
N/A
15.1
21.3
4.6
N/A
2003
113
170
0.67
0.56
16.6
21.2
N/A
29.1
0.010
N/A
N/A
N/A
15.8
24.4
4.2
N/A
2002
125
170
0.76
0.60
17.4
22.5
N/A
26.9
0.009
0.006
N/A
N/A
16.8
29.5
3.9
N/A
2001
105
150
0.81
0.73
16.6
18.2
N/A
29.6
0.031
0.006
N/A
39.6
16.3
N/A
3.8
N/A
2000
98
130
0.87
0.77
17.3
23.4
N/A
28.8
N/A
0.006
N/A
39.6
N/A
N/A
4.5
N/A
Natural disasters
Type
Indianapolis
Bakersfield
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
226.7%
2.7%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
179.6%
7,870.5%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
16%
29%
Transportation
Indianapolis has an excellent public transportation system operated by IndyGo, including a new rapid transit line. Bakersfield's GET bus system is reliable but has fewer routes. Traffic tends to be more manageable in Indianapolis, and it's typically quicker to commute there than in Bakersfield.
Transport
Type
Indianapolis
Bakersfield
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
1
1
FAA registered aircraft
739
433
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
18
12
Means of transportation to work
Type
Indianapolis
Bakersfield
Bicycle
0.5%
0.2%
Bus
1.2%
0.3%
Carpooled
8.5%
8.7%
Car alone
87.3%
87.4%
Motorcycle
0%
0.3%
Walked
1.6%
0.8%
Average travel time to work
Type
Indianapolis
Bakersfield
Average
28.1 min
21.5 min
Other means
22.5 min
22.2 min
Public transportation
40.2 min
44.6 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Indianapolis
Bakersfield
Average
1.2
1.2
Drove alone
88.2%
89.3%
In 2 person carpool
9.4%
6.2%
In 3 person carpool
1.3%
2.9%
In 4 person carpool
0.5%
1%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.4%
0.5%
In 7+ person carpool
0.1%
0.1%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Real estate prices in Indianapolis are lower than in Bakersfield, making it a more affordable option for those looking to buy property. Rental prices also tend to be lower in Indianapolis compared to Bakersfield.
Neighborhoods
Both cities boast diverse neighborhoods catering to various lifestyles. Downtown Indianapolis is known for its vibrant nightlife, while quieter, family-friendly suburbs like Carmel are just a short commute away. Bakersfield has trendy areas like Downtown and quieter suburban areas like Rosedale or Seven Oaks.
Houses and residents
Type
Indianapolis
Bakersfield
Houses
399,820
134,270
Average household size (people)
2.4
3.1
Median year apartment built
1977
1984
Median year house/condo built
1971
1994
Length of stay in the house since moving in
13 years
11.8 years
Houses occupied
358,150 (89.6%)
128,007 (95.3%)
Houses occupied by owners
201,149 (56.2%)
78,398 (61.2%)
Houses occupied by renters
157,001 (43.8%)
49,609 (38.8%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$876.58
$1,220
Median monthly housing costs
$980
$1,384
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$283,027
$366,859
Estimated median house or condo value
$188,700
$318,600
Median numbers of rooms
5.5
5.2
Median number of rooms in apartments
4.3
4.1
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.5
5.9
Median house price - detached houses
$231,490
$371,576
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$257,253
$254,175
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$240,688
$299,855
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$247,275
$221,915
Median house price - mobile homes
$58,413
$92,500
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$222,424
$244,694
Median house price - All housing units
$229,666
$356,236
Median house age
48
32
Renting percentage
44.2%
40.3%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,106.1
1,187.2
House value disparities
36.1%
29.3%
Household income disparities
44.4%
44.3%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$86,008
$98,668
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$61,922
$60,298
Housing units without a mortgage
4,552 (3.2%)
376 (0.7%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
9,787 (6.8%)
1,793 (3.1%)
Housing units with a mortgage
138,622 (96.8%)
56,648 (99.3%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
271 (0.2%)
0 (0%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
12,987 (9.1%)
2,474 (4.3%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
11
9
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
2
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
3.4%
2.1%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
1.1%
0.2%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Indianapolis
Bakersfield
One, detached
59.0%
71.5%
One, attached
9.2%
3.9%
Two
2.5%
1.3%
3 or 4
6.2%
7.8%
5 to 9
7.7%
3.8%
10 to 19
6.3%
2.0%
20 to 49
3.1%
2.2%
50 or more
5.0%
5.1%
Mobile homes
1.0%
2.3%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
17,131
11,506
State government workers
15,502
10,997
Unpaid family workers
1,601
161
Industries and Occupations
Major industries in Indianapolis include healthcare, education, and finance, while in Bakersfield, industries revolve around oil, agriculture, and manufacturing. Thus, employment opportunities greatly depend on one's field of expertise.
Both cities offer solid healthcare facilities. Indianapolis, however, is home to the world-renowned Indiana University Health medical center, while Bakersfield offers Kern Medical, a respected teaching hospital.
Indianapolis is known for its keen city planning and excellent infrastructure, including an impressive interstate network and a vast array of amenities. Bakersfield is a smaller city, but still features good highway connectivity and a growing mass transit system.
Infrastructure
Type
Indianapolis
Bakersfield
Hospitals
76
18
TV stations
19
9
Arenas or stadiums
3
1
Bank branches located here
259
65
Bank institutions located here
27
19
Main business address for public companies
28
2
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
1
7
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Indianapolis
Bakersfield
1999
3,358
392
2000
3,562
393
2001
2,649
297
2002
1,915
372
2003
2,519
1,104
2004
3,702
2,188
2005
6,057
3,038
2006
5,811
3,393
2007
3,456
2,036
2008
1,247
565
2009
565
289
Culture and Food
Indianapolis offers a rich cultural scene with an array of museums, theaters, and music venues, as well as a diverse food scene known for Midwest cuisine. Bakersfield has a robust live music scene, particularly for country music, and its cuisine is influenced by Hispanic flavors.
Sports Teams
For sports fans, Indianapolis is home to several professional sports teams, including the Indianapolis Colts (NFL) and Indiana Pacers (NBA). Bakersfield does not have major league teams, but it does have minor league baseball and hockey teams.
Indianapolis, IN and 
Bakersfield, CA : 1,816.1 miles
Indianapolis, IN and 
Bakersfield, CA : 1,816.1 miles
