Indianapolis, IN and Miami, FL are two distinct cities with different characteristics that can appeal to a variety of individuals. Indianapolis, known for its fast-paced racing and midwestern charm, contrasts to Miami's tropical climate and rich Latin influence. Let's explore these cities in details across several sectors like crime, climate, cost of living, education, economy, infrastructure, and more.
Distance between
Indianapolis, IN and
Miami, FL : 1,026.2 miles
Indianapolis's population is larger by 101%. Its population has grown by 100,169 people (12.8%) since 2000. The population of Miami has grown by 77,420 people (21.4%) during that time.
Indianapolis has a slightly higher crime rate compared to the national average. Its crime index rating is 2 out of 100 i.e., it's safer than 2% of U.S. cities. Miami, on the other hand, fares better with a crime index rating of 13. Both cities are working to improve safety.
For tourists, both cities have areas that can be unsafe at specific times. Visitors should be aware of their surroundings and take safety precautions.
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 1,379 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Indianapolis is 10,396 to 1; the ratio in Miami is 329 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is a lot smaller in Indianapolis than in Miami.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Indianapolis is significantly lower than in Miami. This includes housing, groceries, utilities, transportation, and healthcare. However, Miami provides a unique lifestyle and amenities that can justify the higher cost for some.
Income Tax
Indianapolis residents pay 3.23% state income tax, with additional county taxes applicable. Florida has no state income tax, which could be a significant incentive for higher-income individuals in Miami.
Property Tax
Property taxes in Indianapolis vary by municipality, averaging at 0.85%. Miami's average property tax rate is 1.02%. Despite being higher, Miami's rate is still below the national average.
Sales Tax
Sales tax in Indianapolis is 7% with no city-specific tax. Miami's sales tax is slightly higher at 7.5%, which includes a 1% county tax.
Income
Type
Indianapolis
Miami
Estimated median household income
$58,479
$48,789
Estimated per capita income
$32,792
$37,223
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
87.7
110.1
If you make $50,000 in Indianapolis, you will have to make $62,771 in Miami to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Indianapolis lies in the Great Lakes region, with some hills and small water bodies. Miami is coastal, with beautiful beaches; however, this also makes it susceptible to hurricanes and sea level rise.
Both cities provide quality education. Indianapolis has a strong public school system and renowned universities like Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis. Miami, home to the University of Miami and Florida International University, is a high-ranking educational destination.
Indianapolis economy is diverse with health care, finance, manufacturing, and education as leading sectors. Miami's economy is mainly driven by tourism, finance, international trade, and media. Job growth is higher in Miami, but so is the unemployment rate. It's critical to secure a job before relocating.
Biggest Employers
In Indianapolis, some of the largest employers are Indiana University Health, St. Vincent Health, and Eli Lilly. Miami offers employment opportunities with companies like Baptist Health South Florida, Publix Super Markets, and the University of Miami.
There were 1,221 building permits issued in Indianapolis in 2012 (704 more than in 2011) compared to 102 building permits issued in Miami in 2012 (81 more than in 2011).
In Indianapolis (Marion County), 60.1% voted for Democrats and 37.9% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Miami (Miami-Dade County), 61.8% voted for Democrats and 38.0% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Indianapolis
Miami
Indianapolis
Miami
Indianapolis
Miami
2020
63.7%
53.5%
34.5%
46.2%
1.9%
0.3%
2016
58.2%
63.4%
35.6%
33.9%
6.2%
2.7%
2012
60.1%
61.8%
37.9%
38.0%
2.0%
0.3%
2008
63.8%
58.1%
35.4%
41.9%
0.8%
0.0%
2004
50.6%
53.0%
48.7%
46.7%
0.7%
0.3%
2000
48.0%
52.7%
49.3%
46.4%
2.8%
0.9%
1996
44.6%
57.3%
47.8%
37.9%
7.7%
4.8%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Indianapolis
Miami
Indianapolis
Miami
CATHOLIC CHURCH
11.1%
21.8%
4.6%
4.5%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
1.6%
3.2%
5.7%
21.8%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
1.2%
0.0%
3.4%
0.2%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.8%
0.1%
1.5%
0.8%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.5%
0.2%
1.6%
1.3%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.5%
1.1%
1.6%
4.3%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.4%
0.5%
1.1%
2.1%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.3%
0.9%
1.1%
1.0%
Weather
Weather-wise, there is a stark contrast: Indianapolis experiences all four seasons, including cold winters and hot, wet summers. Snowfall is common in winter, which might not suit everyone. Miami is tropical, with year-round warm weather and a rainy hurricane season from June to November.
Weather and climate
Type
Indianapolis
Miami
Temperature - Average
52.1°F
77.3°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
77%
77.3%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
31%
31%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
86%
86%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
55%
55%
Precipitation - Yearly average
40.6 in
60 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
51 in
0 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
14.7%
12.3%
Sunshine amount - Average
56.2%
76.8%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
33%
16%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
65%
79%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
32%
63%
Wind speed - Average
10.3 mph
9.1 mph
Average climate in Indianapolis, Indiana
Average climate in Miami, Florida
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Indianapolis
Miami
Indianapolis
Miami
Indianapolis
Miami
Indianapolis
Miami
Indianapolis
Indianapolis
Miami
Indianapolis
Miami
Indianapolis
Miami
2018
94
72
0.58
0.24
13.2
2.7
23.1
31.8
N/A
N/A
18.2
15.5
10.4
8.6
0.3
0.3
2017
87
80
0.82
0.27
12.4
3.0
23.0
30.9
N/A
N/A
17.6
N/A
10.1
8.5
0.4
0.4
2016
91
68
0.62
0.30
13.0
2.9
22.5
32.6
N/A
N/A
18.0
N/A
9.9
7.2
0.4
0.0
2015
89
62
0.73
0.23
14.9
2.4
22.9
29.0
N/A
N/A
19.7
N/A
9.9
8.2
1.1
0.0
2014
100
71
0.62
0.21
16.1
3.8
25.1
30.7
N/A
N/A
20.6
N/A
12.1
8.0
3.2
0.0
2013
94
64
0.69
0.22
11.5
3.1
26.3
30.8
N/A
N/A
19.9
N/A
12.8
7.9
2.6
0.0
2012
103
71
0.65
0.19
10.4
2.9
25.7
32.1
N/A
N/A
20.8
N/A
12.9
8.7
2.9
0.0
2011
105
72
0.68
0.16
11.3
3.0
22.9
32.3
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
16.3
8.7
2.4
0.0
2010
101
77
0.54
0.31
12.7
4.2
21.6
32.3
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
15.9
9.1
3.3
0.0
2009
97
67
0.73
0.53
11.4
3.3
23.2
31.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
13.8
9.1
1.9
0.0
2008
91
95
0.62
0.55
11.5
3.8
N/A
31.0
0.010
N/A
N/A
18.0
13.2
10.5
3.0
0.0
2007
103
94
0.69
0.59
13.1
5.0
N/A
33.5
0.011
N/A
N/A
21.9
14.9
10.5
3.6
0.0
2006
95
87
0.59
0.48
14.5
5.8
N/A
34.6
0.009
N/A
N/A
22.3
14.5
10.2
3.6
0.0
2005
121
75
0.65
0.55
15.2
6.0
N/A
31.8
0.014
N/A
N/A
18.8
18.0
8.7
4.3
0.0
2004
104
69
0.62
1.02
15.8
5.9
N/A
31.3
0.010
N/A
N/A
19.5
15.1
8.5
4.6
0.3
2003
113
70
0.67
0.99
16.6
6.5
N/A
29.5
0.010
N/A
N/A
N/A
15.8
8.4
4.2
0.4
2002
125
75
0.76
0.71
17.4
6.3
N/A
30.2
0.009
N/A
N/A
N/A
16.8
8.4
3.9
2.1
2001
105
84
0.81
0.80
16.6
5.9
N/A
30.2
0.031
N/A
N/A
N/A
16.3
9.1
3.8
1.5
2000
98
66
0.87
0.89
17.3
6.7
N/A
31.1
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
4.5
1.3
Natural disasters
Type
Indianapolis
Miami
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
226.7%
63%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
179.6%
1.1%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
16%
10%
Transportation
Both cities have comprehensive transport systems. Indianapolis' IndyGo bus service and BlueIndy electric car-sharing service are popular. Miami has a wide range of options including Metrorail, Metrobus, and free-trolleys.
Transport
Type
Indianapolis
Miami
Amtrak stations
1
2
Amtrak stations nearby
1
3
FAA registered aircraft
739
1
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
18
159
Means of transportation to work
Type
Indianapolis
Miami
Bicycle
0.5%
0.8%
Bus
1.2%
3.8%
Carpooled
8.5%
8.5%
Car alone
87.3%
81.1%
Railroad
0%
0.2%
Streetcar
0%
0.5%
Subway
0%
0.3%
Taxicab
0.1%
0.2%
Walked
1.6%
2.6%
Average travel time to work
Type
Indianapolis
Miami
Average
28.1 min
33.7 min
Other means
22.5 min
26.1 min
Public transportation
40.2 min
48.5 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Indianapolis
Miami
Average
1.2
1.1
Drove alone
88.2%
89%
In 2 person carpool
9.4%
9.2%
In 3 person carpool
1.3%
0.9%
In 4 person carpool
0.5%
0.4%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.4%
0.3%
In 7+ person carpool
0.1%
0.2%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Real estate in Indianapolis is more affordable than in Miami. A diverse range of property types is available in both cities, catering to an individual's lifestyle needs.
Neighborhoods
Indianapolis has friendly, tight-knit neighborhoods like Meridian Kessler and Broad Ripple Village. Miami's neighborhoods such as South Beach and Coral Gables are diverse and vibrant, reflecting its multicultural populace.
Houses and residents
Type
Indianapolis
Miami
Houses
399,820
219,775
Average household size (people)
2.4
2.5
Median year apartment built
1977
1981
Median year house/condo built
1971
1968
Length of stay in the house since moving in
13 years
13.8 years
Houses occupied
358,150 (89.6%)
192,219 (87.5%)
Houses occupied by owners
201,149 (56.2%)
58,463 (30.4%)
Houses occupied by renters
157,001 (43.8%)
133,756 (69.6%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$876.58
$2,006
Median monthly housing costs
$980
$1,456
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$283,027
$1,201,540
Estimated median house or condo value
$188,700
$411,300
Median numbers of rooms
5.5
3.8
Median number of rooms in apartments
4.3
3.4
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.5
5
Median house price - detached houses
$231,490
$499,839
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$257,253
$427,603
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$240,688
$107,725
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$247,275
$570,126
Median house price - mobile homes
$58,413
$238,353
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$222,424
$768,446
Median house price - All housing units
$229,666
$550,392
Median house age
48
43
Renting percentage
44.2%
67.7%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,106.1
6,160.8
House value disparities
36.1%
31.5%
Household income disparities
44.4%
51.3%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$86,008
$92,897
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$61,922
$52,201
Housing units without a mortgage
4,552 (3.2%)
686 (2.1%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
9,787 (6.8%)
1,692 (5.1%)
Housing units with a mortgage
138,622 (96.8%)
32,656 (97.9%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
271 (0.2%)
36 (0.1%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
12,987 (9.1%)
2,892 (8.7%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
11
10
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
2
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
3.4%
1.6%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
1.1%
0.8%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Indianapolis
Miami
One, detached
59.0%
22.6%
One, attached
9.2%
9.7%
Two
2.5%
3.3%
3 or 4
6.2%
4.0%
5 to 9
7.7%
5.8%
10 to 19
6.3%
6.9%
20 to 49
3.1%
8.3%
50 or more
5.0%
39.2%
Mobile homes
1.0%
0.2%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
17,131
26,340
State government workers
15,502
3,509
Unpaid family workers
1,601
695
Industries and Occupations
Major industries in Indianapolis include health care, education, and finance, offering opportunities for professionals in these fields. Miami, known as the "Cruise Capital of the World," has a thriving tourism industry along with finance and international trade.
Indianapolis has topnotch healthcare systems with facilities like Indiana University Health ranking high. Miami is home to nationally ranked hospitals like UHealth - University of Miami Health System.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Indianapolis
Miami
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Indianapolis has a well-developed infrastructure including roads, telecommunications, and public utilities. Miami's coastal area is developed too, but it's prone to traffic congestion. Both cities are investing in infrastructure improvements.
Infrastructure
Type
Indianapolis
Miami
Hospitals
76
47
TV stations
19
26
Arenas or stadiums
3
3
Bank branches located here
259
346
Bank institutions located here
27
53
Main business address for public companies
28
29
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
1
9
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Indianapolis
Miami
1999
3,358
0
2000
3,562
1,368
2001
2,649
1,354
2002
1,915
1,274
2003
2,519
1,618
2004
3,702
2,862
2005
6,057
4,991
2006
5,811
7,400
2007
3,456
5,318
2008
1,247
3,212
2009
565
888
Culture and Food
Indianapolis is known for its midwestern charm, enriched with cultural institutions, and comforting food scene with barbecues and pies being local favorites. Miami's culture is eclectic, heavily influenced by Latin and Caribbean cultures, reflected in its vibrant music, art, and food scenes like ceviche and Cuban sandwiches.
Sports Teams
Sports enthusiasts might lean towards Indianapolis, home to NFL's Colts and NBA's Pacers, and of course, the renowned Indianapolis 500. Miami isn't behind, hosting teams such as NFL’s Dolphins, NBA's Heat and MLB’s Marlins.
Indianapolis, IN and 
Miami, FL : 1,026.2 miles
Indianapolis, IN and 
Miami, FL : 1,026.2 miles
