Indianapolis and Nashville-Davidson are two vibrant, culturally rich cities each with their own unique characteristics. Comparing them embraces numerous facets, from crime/safety, climate, standard of living, education, work opportunities, infrastructure, to culture and food. Both cities have their outstanding features and, depending on one's priorities, each could be a perfect place to reside or visit.
Indianapolis's population is larger by 30%. Its population has grown by 100,169 people (12.8%) since 2000. The population of Nashville-Davidson has grown by 133,327 people (24.4%) during that time.
According to FBI data, both Indianapolis and Nashville-Davidson have higher than national average crime rates. However, Nashville-Davidson's overall crime rate falls slightly lower than that of Indianapolis. Like any other city, crime in both areas tends to be concentrated in certain neighborhoods, overall safety can be improved by staying observant of one's surroundings and avoiding dangerous areas.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Indianapolis is generally lower than Nashville. According to cost-of-living indexes, housing costs are significantly lower in Indianapolis, making it more affordable. Moreover, the overall cost of goods, services, and transportation are also marginally lower in comparison to Nashville.
Income Tax
Indiana has a flat state income tax of 3.23%, plus local income taxes that could range from 0.10% to 3.13%. Tennessee, on the other hand, doesn't impose state income tax on wages and salaries, which could be a significant advantage for higher-income individuals.
Property Tax
Property taxes in Nashville-Davidson County are generally lower than those in Indianapolis. However, homes in Nashville tend to be more expensive, which could potentially offset the benefits of lower property tax rates.
Sales Tax
Indiana has a flat state sales tax of 7%, while Tennessee imposes a 7% state sales tax plus up to 2.75% in local sales tax. Nashville itself has a combined city and state sales tax rate of 9.25%, making it significantly higher than Indianapolis.
Income
Type
Indianapolis
Nashville-Davidson
Estimated median household income
$58,479
$64,857
Estimated per capita income
$32,792
$42,268
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
87.7
90.9
If you make $50,000 in Indianapolis, you will have to make $51,824 in Nashville-Davidson to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Geographically, Nashville is hilly and situated near the Cumberland River, offering unique opportunities for outdoor activities and water sports. Indianapolis, on the other hand, is in the heart of the Midwest, known for its flat terrain and fertile soil.
Both Indianapolis and Nashville-Davidson offer quality education, with strong public and private school systems. However, Indianapolis is home to more prominent universities like Butler University, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI), and Marion University. Nashville boasts prestigious institutions like Vanderbilt University and Tennessee State University, offering strong education opportunities.
Both cities have robust economies. Nashville's economy is quite diversified, with strong healthcare, education, music, publishing, banking, and transportation industries. Indianapolis economy leans more on the trade, transportation, and utilities sector, followed by education and health services. Both cities also offer a robust job market for professionals in these industries.
Biggest Employers
In Indianapolis, some of the largest employers include Indiana University Health, Eli Lilly and Company, and St. Vincent Health. On the other hand, Nashville's robust healthcare sector has led to companies like Vanderbilt University Medical Center, HCA Healthcare, and Saint Thomas Health being major employers.
There were 1,221 building permits issued in Indianapolis in 2012 (704 more than in 2011) compared to 3,932 building permits issued in Nashville-Davidson in 2012 (2854 more than in 2011).
In Indianapolis (Marion County), 60.1% voted for Democrats and 37.9% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Nashville-Davidson (Davidson County), 58.5% voted for Democrats and 39.9% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Indianapolis
Nashville-Davidson
Indianapolis
Nashville-Davidson
Indianapolis
Nashville-Davidson
2020
63.7%
65.0%
34.5%
32.6%
1.9%
2.3%
2016
58.2%
60.1%
35.6%
34.1%
6.2%
5.7%
2012
60.1%
58.5%
37.9%
39.9%
2.0%
1.6%
2008
63.8%
60.0%
35.4%
39.0%
0.8%
1.0%
2004
50.6%
54.9%
48.7%
44.6%
0.7%
0.4%
2000
48.0%
57.9%
49.3%
40.4%
2.8%
1.7%
1996
44.6%
79.3%
47.8%
18.1%
7.7%
2.6%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Indianapolis
Nashville-Davidson
Indianapolis
Nashville-Davidson
CATHOLIC CHURCH
11.1%
4.9%
4.6%
2.3%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
1.6%
14.1%
5.7%
19.6%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
1.2%
0.1%
3.4%
0.3%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.8%
0.3%
1.5%
0.9%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.5%
0.2%
1.6%
0.8%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.5%
1.1%
1.6%
1.7%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.4%
1.5%
1.1%
1.8%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.3%
0.8%
1.1%
1.4%
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.1%
0.8%
0.5%
0.9%
CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
0.0%
0.4%
0.1%
1.3%
Weather
In terms of weather, Nashville experiences a more moderate climate due to its southern location. It has hot summers and mild winters, with an average temperature of 45 degrees Fahrenheit in winter, and 80 degrees in summer. Indianapolis, on the other hand, contends with colder winters, with temperatures often dropping below freezing point, and hotter summers.
Weather and climate
Type
Indianapolis
Nashville-Davidson
Temperature - Average
52.1°F
58.5°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
77%
75.9%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
31%
38%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
86%
89%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
55%
51%
Precipitation - Yearly average
40.6 in
49 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
51 in
17.8 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
14.7%
17.1%
Sunshine amount - Average
56.2%
59.7%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
33%
23%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
65%
65%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
32%
42%
Wind speed - Average
10.3 mph
7.7 mph
Average climate in Indianapolis, Indiana
Average climate in Nashville-Davidson, Tennessee
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Indianapolis
Nashville-Davidson
Indianapolis
Nashville-Davidson
Indianapolis
Nashville-Davidson
Indianapolis
Nashville-Davidson
Indianapolis
Nashville-Davidson
Indianapolis
Nashville-Davidson
Indianapolis
Nashville-Davidson
Indianapolis
Nashville-Davidson
2018
94
71
0.58
0.40
13.2
13.8
23.1
24.1
N/A
N/A
18.2
15.2
10.4
9.2
0.3
0.2
2017
87
70
0.82
0.38
12.4
14.4
23.0
26.8
N/A
N/A
17.6
15.3
10.1
8.7
0.4
0.1
2016
91
90
0.62
0.42
13.0
16.1
22.5
26.4
N/A
N/A
18.0
N/A
9.9
10.1
0.4
0.0
2015
89
68
0.73
0.43
14.9
15.5
22.9
23.6
N/A
N/A
19.7
N/A
9.9
10.8
1.1
0.1
2014
100
66
0.62
N/A
16.1
N/A
25.1
26.3
N/A
N/A
20.6
N/A
12.1
9.8
3.2
1.4
2013
94
62
0.69
N/A
11.5
N/A
26.3
N/A
N/A
N/A
19.9
N/A
12.8
9.7
2.6
N/A
2012
103
81
0.65
N/A
10.4
N/A
25.7
28.3
N/A
N/A
20.8
N/A
12.9
11.0
2.9
2.3
2011
105
81
0.68
N/A
11.3
N/A
22.9
25.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
16.3
11.0
2.4
1.7
2010
101
80
0.54
N/A
12.7
N/A
21.6
24.3
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
15.9
12.2
3.3
2.2
2009
97
72
0.73
N/A
11.4
N/A
23.2
22.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
13.8
11.5
1.9
2.4
2008
91
81
0.62
N/A
11.5
N/A
N/A
25.7
0.010
N/A
N/A
N/A
13.2
13.4
3.0
2.5
2007
103
99
0.69
N/A
13.1
N/A
N/A
27.4
0.011
N/A
N/A
N/A
14.9
15.5
3.6
2.7
2006
95
93
0.59
0.69
14.5
N/A
N/A
24.9
0.009
N/A
N/A
N/A
14.5
14.9
3.6
2.9
2005
121
104
0.65
0.56
15.2
N/A
N/A
23.5
0.014
N/A
N/A
N/A
18.0
16.9
4.3
3.1
2004
104
83
0.62
0.61
15.8
N/A
N/A
22.0
0.010
0.006
N/A
N/A
15.1
N/A
4.6
2.6
2003
113
93
0.67
0.67
16.6
N/A
N/A
18.5
0.010
0.005
N/A
N/A
15.8
15.8
4.2
3.8
2002
125
92
0.76
0.67
17.4
N/A
N/A
20.2
0.009
N/A
N/A
N/A
16.8
15.3
3.9
4.3
2001
105
95
0.81
0.89
16.6
N/A
N/A
19.5
0.031
N/A
N/A
N/A
16.3
15.6
3.8
4.5
2000
98
97
0.87
0.74
17.3
N/A
N/A
19.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
4.5
4.1
Natural disasters
Type
Indianapolis
Nashville-Davidson
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
226.7%
169.1%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
179.6%
296.1%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
16%
17%
Transportation
Indianapolis has a robust public transportation system served by IndyGo, while Nashville is served by the Metropolitan Transit Authority. Commuting times in both cities are comparable, although Nashville's growing population may present future challenges.
Transport
Type
Indianapolis
Nashville-Davidson
Amtrak stations
1
0
Amtrak stations nearby
1
1
FAA registered aircraft
739
0
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
18
0
Means of transportation to work
Type
Indianapolis
Nashville-Davidson
Bicycle
0.5%
0.3%
Bus
1.2%
1.2%
Carpooled
8.5%
9.8%
Car alone
87.3%
85.5%
Taxicab
0.1%
0.1%
Walked
1.6%
1.8%
Average travel time to work
Type
Indianapolis
Nashville-Davidson
Average
28.1 min
31.3 min
Other means
22.5 min
23.4 min
Public transportation
40.2 min
38.9 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Indianapolis
Nashville-Davidson
Average
1.2
1.2
Drove alone
88.2%
88.7%
In 2 person carpool
9.4%
8.5%
In 3 person carpool
1.3%
1.6%
In 4 person carpool
0.5%
0.7%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.4%
0.5%
In 7+ person carpool
0.1%
0%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Real estate prices are generally lower in Indianapolis, making home ownership more attainable. However, Nashville's real estate market has been growing rapidly in recent years, appreciating at a faster rate. This makes it potentially more lucrative for individuals looking to invest in property.
Neighborhoods
Both cities boast varied neighborhoods, catering to a mix of lifestyles. Downtown Indianapolis is lively and filled with attractions, while Broad Ripple Village is more laid-back and cultural. In Nashville, neighbourhoods like East Nashville and The Gulch tend to appeal to young professionals for their eclectic mix of music, food, and nightlife.
Houses and residents
Type
Indianapolis
Nashville-Davidson
Houses
399,820
331,262
Average household size (people)
2.4
2.3
Median year apartment built
1977
1986
Median year house/condo built
1971
1984
Length of stay in the house since moving in
13 years
12.2 years
Houses occupied
358,150 (89.6%)
305,247 (92.1%)
Houses occupied by owners
201,149 (56.2%)
162,426 (53.2%)
Houses occupied by renters
157,001 (43.8%)
142,821 (46.8%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$876.58
$1,391
Median monthly housing costs
$980
$1,291
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$283,027
$221,129
Estimated median house or condo value
$188,700
$346,700
Median numbers of rooms
5.5
5.2
Median number of rooms in apartments
4.3
4.2
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.5
6.3
Median house price - detached houses
$231,490
$437,686
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$257,253
$320,904
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$240,688
$319,119
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$247,275
$305,249
Median house price - mobile homes
$58,413
$133,346
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$222,424
$328,258
Median house price - All housing units
$229,666
$412,434
Median house age
48
35
Renting percentage
44.2%
44.6%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,106.1
699.9
House value disparities
36.1%
31%
Household income disparities
44.4%
45.4%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$86,008
$93,092
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$61,922
$68,871
Housing units without a mortgage
4,552 (3.2%)
3,189 (2.8%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
9,787 (6.8%)
10,988 (9.6%)
Housing units with a mortgage
138,622 (96.8%)
110,850 (97.2%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
271 (0.2%)
333 (0.3%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
12,987 (9.1%)
13,192 (11.6%)
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%
1.3%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
1.1%
0.5%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Indianapolis
Nashville-Davidson
One, detached
59.0%
50.9%
One, attached
9.2%
8.4%
Two
2.5%
3.3%
3 or 4
6.2%
3.1%
5 to 9
7.7%
7.1%
10 to 19
6.3%
8.7%
20 to 49
3.1%
5.3%
50 or more
5.0%
11.9%
Mobile homes
1.0%
1.2%
Boats, RVs, vans, etc.
0.0%
0.1%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
17,131
31,952
State government workers
15,502
15,693
Unpaid family workers
1,601
463
Industries and Occupations
Nashville's economy is anchored in healthcare, music, and education industries, offering extensive roles in entertainment, education, and health services. Meanwhile, manufacturing and retail trade are key players in Indianapolis' economy. Key occupations in Indianapolis revolve around trade, transportation, production, and office-administrative support roles.
Both Indianapolis and Nashville-Davidson are served by high-quality healthcare systems. Indianapolis's largest healthcare provider is Indiana University Health, while Nashville boasts a larger number of hospitals, including the esteemed Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Indianapolis
Nashville-Davidson
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Indianapolis' infrastructure is rated slightly higher than Nashville. The city features an extensive highway system and a solid public transportation network. However, Nashville has made significant strides in recent years to improve its infrastructure, including expanding its public transportation network.
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Indianapolis
Nashville-Davidson
1999
3,358
2,397
2000
3,562
1,451
2001
2,649
1,130
2002
1,915
1,075
2003
2,519
2,231
2004
3,702
2,731
2005
6,057
3,231
2006
5,811
3,720
2007
3,456
2,419
2008
1,247
952
2009
565
532
Culture and Food
Both cities are rich in culture and food. Nashville is particularly famous for its music scene, being the country music capital of the world, along with its southern cuisine. Indianapolis, on the other hand, boasts a lively sports culture, and is particularly known for its affinity for auto racing, given its annual hosting of the Indy 500 race.
Sports Teams
In terms of sports, Indianapolis is home to the Colts (NFL) and Pacers (NBA), while Nashville has the Titans (NFL) and Predators (NHL). Both cities have passionate sports fans and host numerous sporting events throughout the year.
