Indianapolis, Indiana and Charlotte, North Carolina are both sizeable US cities with distinct character and charm. Indianapolis, also known as "Indy" merges Midwestern charm with a robust arts and cultural scene. Charlotte, often nicknamed "Queen City" is the largest city in North Carolina and is known for its vibrant economy and rich history. Both have unique attributes that attract relocation and tourism. Whether it's the bustling energy of Charlotte's financial center or the high-speed thrill of Indianapolis's sports scene, the decision between the two may come down to personal preference. The following comparison covers factors like crime, weather, cost of living, and more, providing a detailed look at what each city offers.
Distance between
Indianapolis, IN and
Charlotte, NC : 430.3 miles
Indianapolis's population is larger by 0%. Its population has grown by 100,169 people (12.8%) since 2000. The population of Charlotte has grown by 338,881 people (62.7%) during that time.
Both Indianapolis and Charlotte have crime rates higher than the national average. However, it's crucial to note that crime is not evenly distributed across all neighborhoods. Both cities have safe areas and areas with higher crime rates. Visitors and potential residents should research specific neighborhoods when considering safety.
Cost of Living
On average, Charlotte carries a slightly higher cost of living than Indianapolis. Housing costs, in particular, tend to be higher in Charlotte. However, other things like groceries, utilities, and health care are generally comparable in both cities.
Income Tax
Both Indiana and North Carolina impose state income taxes. North Carolina has a flat tax rate while Indiana's is slightly lower but counties can levy an additional income tax.
Property Tax
Property taxes in both Indianapolis and Charlotte are relatively low compared to other large US cities. However, Indiana generally has lower property taxes than North Carolina.
Sales Tax
Both Indiana and North Carolina have state sales taxes. However, Charlotte has a slightly higher combined city and state sales tax rate than Indianapolis.
Income
Type
Indianapolis
Charlotte
Estimated median household income
$58,479
$70,869
Estimated per capita income
$32,792
$44,593
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
87.7
93.2
If you make $50,000 in Indianapolis, you will have to make $53,136 in Charlotte to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Indianapolis is fairly flat, with numerous parks, greenways, and tributaries. Charlotte is located in the Piedmont region, near the mountains, which allows for beautiful scenic views and opportunities for outdoor recreation.
Both Indianapolis and Charlotte have strong school systems with a mix of public, private, and charter options. There are also multiple universities and colleges in and near both cities. Quality and ratings of schools vary, so it's recommended to research specific districts or schools when considering education.
Indianapolis has a diverse economy with strengths in sectors such as health care, education, finance, and manufacturing. Charlotte is a major banking and financial center, second only to New York City in terms of assets.
Biggest Employers
In Indianapolis, the largest employers are Indiana University Health, Eli Lilly and Company, and St. Vincent Health. Charlotte's biggest employers include Wells Fargo, Carolinas Healthcare System, and Bank of America.
In Indianapolis (Marion County), 60.1% voted for Democrats and 37.9% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Charlotte (Mecklenburg County), 60.8% voted for Democrats and 38.3% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Indianapolis
Charlotte
Indianapolis
Charlotte
Indianapolis
Charlotte
2020
63.7%
66.8%
34.5%
31.6%
1.9%
1.6%
2016
58.2%
62.3%
35.6%
32.9%
6.2%
4.8%
2012
60.1%
60.8%
37.9%
38.3%
2.0%
0.9%
2008
63.8%
62.0%
35.4%
37.6%
0.8%
0.5%
2004
50.6%
51.7%
48.7%
48.0%
0.7%
0.3%
2000
48.0%
48.4%
49.3%
51.1%
2.8%
0.5%
1996
44.6%
48.6%
47.8%
45.9%
7.7%
5.5%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Indianapolis
Charlotte
Indianapolis
Charlotte
CATHOLIC CHURCH
11.1%
8.5%
4.6%
1.8%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
1.6%
9.0%
5.7%
19.0%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
1.2%
2.3%
3.4%
1.1%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.8%
0.3%
1.5%
0.9%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.5%
0.9%
1.6%
1.8%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.5%
0.5%
1.6%
1.5%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.4%
1.2%
1.1%
1.3%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.3%
0.3%
1.1%
1.2%
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.1%
0.6%
0.5%
1.9%
Weather
Indianapolis experiences all four seasons, with cold winters and hot, humid summers. It's located in Tornado Alley and occasionally sees severe weather. Charlotte, on the other hand, has milder but humid winters and hot, humid summers. Its proximity to the Atlantic coast can put it in the path of hurricanes and tropical storms.
Weather and climate
Type
Indianapolis
Charlotte
Temperature - Average
52.1°F
61°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
77%
72.3%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
31%
41%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
86%
87%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
55%
46%
Precipitation - Yearly average
40.6 in
44.5 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
51 in
10.2 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
14.7%
18.1%
Sunshine amount - Average
56.2%
69.8%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
33%
14%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
65%
70%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
32%
56%
Wind speed - Average
10.3 mph
6.9 mph
Average climate in Indianapolis, Indiana
Average climate in Charlotte, North Carolina
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Indianapolis
Charlotte
Indianapolis
Charlotte
Indianapolis
Charlotte
Indianapolis
Charlotte
Indianapolis
Charlotte
Indianapolis
Charlotte
Indianapolis
Charlotte
Indianapolis
Charlotte
2018
94
75
0.58
0.24
13.2
6.3
23.1
27.8
N/A
N/A
18.2
15.5
10.4
8.2
0.3
0.2
2017
87
77
0.82
0.25
12.4
7.0
23.0
28.0
N/A
N/A
17.6
16.3
10.1
8.8
0.4
0.2
2016
91
82
0.62
0.25
13.0
7.6
22.5
28.7
N/A
N/A
18.0
N/A
9.9
8.4
0.4
0.2
2015
89
76
0.73
0.25
14.9
8.1
22.9
27.6
N/A
N/A
19.7
N/A
9.9
8.6
1.1
0.2
2014
100
76
0.62
0.26
16.1
8.5
25.1
26.3
N/A
N/A
20.6
N/A
12.1
9.3
3.2
0.3
2013
94
71
0.69
0.29
11.5
8.4
26.3
25.5
N/A
N/A
19.9
N/A
12.8
8.6
2.6
0.3
2012
103
95
0.65
0.28
10.4
8.7
25.7
27.3
N/A
N/A
20.8
N/A
12.9
9.7
2.9
0.3
2011
105
94
0.68
0.34
11.3
10.1
22.9
28.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
16.3
11.2
2.4
0.6
2010
101
97
0.54
0.33
12.7
11.8
21.6
28.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
15.9
11.6
3.3
1.0
2009
97
82
0.73
0.30
11.4
10.0
23.2
25.4
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
13.8
11.1
1.9
0.9
2008
91
102
0.62
0.32
11.5
11.2
N/A
27.6
0.010
N/A
N/A
N/A
13.2
13.0
3.0
2.1
2007
103
108
0.69
0.37
13.1
13.9
N/A
29.1
0.011
0.001
N/A
N/A
14.9
14.5
3.6
3.0
2006
95
107
0.59
0.44
14.5
13.9
N/A
27.3
0.009
0.000
N/A
N/A
14.5
14.8
3.6
3.3
2005
121
109
0.65
0.53
15.2
14.6
N/A
30.6
0.014
0.000
N/A
N/A
18.0
15.2
4.3
2.7
2004
104
89
0.62
0.53
15.8
14.6
N/A
28.9
0.010
0.001
N/A
N/A
15.1
N/A
4.6
2.8
2003
113
85
0.67
0.57
16.6
15.6
N/A
27.6
0.010
0.003
N/A
N/A
15.8
N/A
4.2
3.0
2002
125
103
0.76
0.63
17.4
15.3
N/A
32.6
0.009
0.003
N/A
N/A
16.8
N/A
3.9
2.7
2001
105
108
0.81
0.72
16.6
17.5
N/A
32.3
0.031
0.005
N/A
N/A
16.3
N/A
3.8
3.9
2000
98
107
0.87
0.79
17.3
18.0
N/A
32.6
N/A
0.014
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
4.5
4.4
Natural disasters
Type
Indianapolis
Charlotte
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
226.7%
111.5%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
179.6%
79%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
16%
9%
Transportation
Both cities have public transportation systems, though Charlotte's is more extensive, with light rail, buses, and trolleys. Traffic and commuting times in both cities are comparable, though Charlotte's rapidly increasing population contributes to heavier traffic.
Transport
Type
Indianapolis
Charlotte
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
1
2
FAA registered aircraft
739
439
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
18
12
Means of transportation to work
Type
Indianapolis
Charlotte
Bicycle
0.5%
0.1%
Bus
1.2%
1.2%
Carpooled
8.5%
8.7%
Car alone
87.3%
86.2%
Railroad
0%
0.4%
Taxicab
0.1%
0.2%
Walked
1.6%
1.5%
Average travel time to work
Type
Indianapolis
Charlotte
Average
28.1 min
29.6 min
Other means
22.5 min
24.9 min
Public transportation
40.2 min
44.1 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Indianapolis
Charlotte
Average
1.2
1.2
Drove alone
88.2%
90%
In 2 person carpool
9.4%
6.9%
In 3 person carpool
1.3%
1.8%
In 4 person carpool
0.5%
0.8%
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 in Charlotte tends to be pricier than in Indianapolis, reflecting its larger and wealthier population. However, Indianapolis has seen significant growth in its housing market in recent years.
Neighborhoods
Both cities offer a mix of urban, suburban, and semi-rural neighborhoods. Popular neighborhoods in Indianapolis include Broad Ripple Village and Fountain Square, while in Charlotte, NoDa and Plaza Midwood are sought after by newcomers.
Houses and residents
Type
Indianapolis
Charlotte
Houses
399,820
393,631
Average household size (people)
2.4
2.5
Median year apartment built
1977
1998
Median year house/condo built
1971
1993
Length of stay in the house since moving in
13 years
11.8 years
Houses occupied
358,150 (89.6%)
365,269 (92.8%)
Houses occupied by owners
201,149 (56.2%)
193,930 (53.1%)
Houses occupied by renters
157,001 (43.8%)
171,339 (46.9%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$876.58
$1,482
Median monthly housing costs
$980
$1,302
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$283,027
$445,491
Estimated median house or condo value
$188,700
$321,400
Median numbers of rooms
5.5
5.3
Median number of rooms in apartments
4.3
4
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.5
6.6
Median house price - detached houses
$231,490
$388,029
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$257,253
$184,325
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$240,688
$178,624
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$247,275
$433,957
Median house price - mobile homes
$58,413
$52,977
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$222,424
$296,370
Median house price - All housing units
$229,666
$378,423
Median house age
48
26
Renting percentage
44.2%
42.6%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,106.1
1,624.8
House value disparities
36.1%
33.3%
Household income disparities
44.4%
44.1%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$86,008
$105,905
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$61,922
$70,681
Housing units without a mortgage
4,552 (3.2%)
3,089 (2.1%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
9,787 (6.8%)
10,553 (7.2%)
Housing units with a mortgage
138,622 (96.8%)
142,912 (97.9%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
271 (0.2%)
171 (0.1%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
12,987 (9.1%)
13,532 (9.3%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
11
9
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
1
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
3.4%
0.8%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
1.1%
0.2%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Indianapolis
Charlotte
One, detached
59.0%
52.7%
One, attached
9.2%
9.1%
Two
2.5%
0.9%
3 or 4
6.2%
2.9%
5 to 9
7.7%
7.1%
10 to 19
6.3%
9.5%
20 to 49
3.1%
6.2%
50 or more
5.0%
10.3%
Mobile homes
1.0%
1.4%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
17,131
25,780
State government workers
15,502
16,519
Unpaid family workers
1,601
1,214
Industries and Occupations
In Indianapolis, top industries include manufacturing, health care, education, and retail trade. In Charlotte, finance, insurance, and real estate dominate, with a strong presence of health care and retail trade.
Both cities have access to leading healthcare systems and some top-rated hospitals. However, Indianapolis's health care sector is one of its main economic drivers, including notable entities like the IU Health network.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Indianapolis
Charlotte
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Both cities have robust infrastructure, supporting a mix of residential, commercial, and industrial uses. Charlotte has been experiencing rapid growth and development, leading to additional infrastructure investment, while Indianapolis maintains steady growth.
Infrastructure
Type
Indianapolis
Charlotte
Hospitals
76
37
TV stations
19
16
Arenas or stadiums
3
3
Bank branches located here
259
202
Bank institutions located here
27
26
Main business address for public companies
28
33
Nuclear power plants nearby
0
2
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
1
24
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Indianapolis
Charlotte
1999
3,358
3,049
2000
3,562
1,568
2001
2,649
1,382
2002
1,915
1,275
2003
2,519
1,879
2004
3,702
2,415
2005
6,057
3,078
2006
5,811
3,864
2007
3,456
3,106
2008
1,247
1,287
2009
565
617
Culture and Food
Indianapolis has a thriving arts scene, historic landmarks, and hosts the famous Indianapolis 500. Its food scene is varied and growing. Charlotte has a rich history, dynamic arts scene, and its food scene is known for traditional southern comfort food, barbecues, and locally brewed beers.
Sports Teams
Both cities are home to NFL and NBA teams. Indianapolis also hosts the Indy 500, one of the most significant auto racing events in the world. Charlotte has the NASCAR Hall of Fame and hosts major NASCAR events.
Indianapolis, IN and 
Charlotte, NC : 430.3 miles
Indianapolis, IN and 
Charlotte, NC : 430.3 miles
