Indianapolis, the bustling capital of Indiana, and New Orleans, Louisiana's vibrant port city, each offer unique lifestyles to residents and visitors alike. The choice between the two could depend on your taste in culture, weather preference, professional objectives, or financial situation. While Indy is known for its thriving industries and lower cost of living, NOLA's distinct culture, cuisine, and history make it equally enticing. This article aims to outline the fundamental differences between living in Indianapolis and New Orleans, considering factors such as crime and safety, weather, cost of living amongst other critical parameters.
Distance between
Indianapolis, IN and
New Orleans, LA : 713.4 miles
Indianapolis's population is larger by 134%. Its population has grown by 100,169 people (12.8%) since 2000. The population of New Orleans has decreased by 107,703 people (22.2%) during that time.
Safety is a concern in both cities, with crime rates being higher than the national average. Unfortunately, New Orleans has a higher violent crime rate than Indianapolis. Tourists typically stick to safer areas and core tourist attractions in both cities where crime rates are notably lower than in other neighborhoods. However, it's advisable for residents and visitors alike always to remain cautious and aware of their surroundings.
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 701 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Indianapolis is 10,396 to 1; the ratio in New Orleans is 558 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is a lot smaller in Indianapolis than in New Orleans.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Indianapolis is significantly lower than in New Orleans. Generally, housing, groceries, and healthcare are less expensive in Indianapolis. While New Orleans offers a unique lifestyle that some might find appealing, others might prefer the affordability that Indianapolis provides.
Income Tax
Indiana has a flat state income tax rate of 3.23%, and Indianapolis has an additional county tax of 1.77%. Conversely, Louisiana has a graduated income tax system, with rates ranging from 2% to 6%; New Orleans doesn’t levy any additional city income tax.
Property Tax
Property taxes are typically lower in Indianapolis, with a rate of 0.845% compared to New Orleans, where the rate is 0.964%. These tax considerations could be crucial for potential homebuyers assessing their long-term costs.
Sales Tax
Sales tax in Indianapolis is 7%, while in New Orleans, it’s 9.45%. The higher sales tax in New Orleans might affect the overall cost of living, particularly for those considering relocating.
Income
Type
Indianapolis
New Orleans
Estimated median household income
$58,479
$46,942
Estimated per capita income
$32,792
$35,587
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
87.7
97.9
If you make $50,000 in Indianapolis, you will have to make $55,815 in New Orleans to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Indianapolis is characterized by flat to gentle rolling terrain. Owing to its high altitude, the city has lower humidity and tends to flood less than New Orleans. New Orleans, located below sea level and surrounded by water bodies, is vulnerable to flooding and hurricanes, presenting a significant consideration for potential residents.
Both cities have a range of educational opportunities. Indianapolis is home to several notable institutions, including Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis and Butler University. New Orleans also hosts renowned universities such as Tulane University and Loyola University, making both cities attractive for students and academics.
Indianapolis has a robust economy, with thriving sectors such as healthcare, education, and finance. New Orleans, on the other hand, relies heavily on the tourism industry, but also has significant contributions from healthcare and education. The city's role as a transport hub also provides ample job opportunities.
Biggest Employers
The biggest employers in Indianapolis include Indiana University Health, Eli Lilly and Company, and Cummins Inc. In New Orleans, major employers feature Ochsner Health System, Tulane University, and Entergy Corporation.
There were 1,221 building permits issued in Indianapolis in 2012 (704 more than in 2011) compared to 716 building permits issued in New Orleans in 2012 (1 less than in 2011).
In Indianapolis (Marion County), 60.1% voted for Democrats and 37.9% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In New Orleans (Orleans Parish), 80.5% voted for Democrats and 17.8% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Indianapolis
New Orleans
Indianapolis
New Orleans
Indianapolis
New Orleans
2020
63.7%
83.6%
34.5%
15.1%
1.9%
1.3%
2016
58.2%
81.1%
35.6%
14.7%
6.2%
4.2%
2012
60.1%
80.5%
37.9%
17.8%
2.0%
1.7%
2008
63.8%
79.6%
35.4%
19.1%
0.8%
1.3%
2004
50.6%
77.8%
48.7%
21.8%
0.7%
0.4%
2000
48.0%
76.2%
49.3%
21.8%
2.8%
2.0%
1996
44.6%
90.7%
47.8%
8.2%
7.7%
1.2%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Indianapolis
New Orleans
Indianapolis
New Orleans
CATHOLIC CHURCH
11.1%
30.9%
4.6%
16.0%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
1.6%
4.3%
5.7%
13.0%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
1.2%
0.6%
3.4%
0.6%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.8%
0.5%
1.5%
3.9%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.5%
0.2%
1.6%
0.9%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.5%
1.1%
1.6%
1.8%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.4%
1.5%
1.1%
4.2%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.3%
0.5%
1.1%
1.8%
Weather
Indianapolis typically experiences a seasonal climate, with hot, humid summers and icy winters. On the other hand, New Orleans has a subtropical climate, characterized by hot, humid summers and mild winters. The area is also prone to hurricanes, which is a significant consideration for potential residents. However, for tourists, the warmer temperatures can be a lure, particularly in the off-peak seasons when the city tends to be less crowded.
Weather and climate
Type
Indianapolis
New Orleans
Temperature - Average
52.1°F
69.6°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
77%
80.8%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
31%
32%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
86%
91%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
55%
59%
Precipitation - Yearly average
40.6 in
62.2 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
51 in
0.2 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
14.7%
16.9%
Sunshine amount - Average
56.2%
63.7%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
33%
22%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
65%
70%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
32%
48%
Wind speed - Average
10.3 mph
8.7 mph
Average climate in Indianapolis, Indiana
Average climate in New Orleans, Louisiana
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Indianapolis
New Orleans
Indianapolis
New Orleans
Indianapolis
New Orleans
Indianapolis
New Orleans
Indianapolis
Indianapolis
New Orleans
Indianapolis
New Orleans
Indianapolis
New Orleans
2018
94
75
0.58
N/A
13.2
5.5
23.1
27.9
N/A
N/A
18.2
19.6
10.4
9.5
0.3
1.1
2017
87
73
0.82
N/A
12.4
6.0
23.0
27.6
N/A
N/A
17.6
18.8
10.1
9.5
0.4
1.6
2016
91
71
0.62
N/A
13.0
6.7
22.5
29.1
N/A
N/A
18.0
16.5
9.9
9.4
0.4
1.7
2015
89
76
0.73
N/A
14.9
6.3
22.9
26.5
N/A
N/A
19.7
17.5
9.9
8.8
1.1
1.3
2014
100
79
0.62
N/A
16.1
6.7
25.1
25.6
N/A
N/A
20.6
17.7
12.1
7.7
3.2
2.0
2013
94
73
0.69
N/A
11.5
6.5
26.3
25.8
N/A
N/A
19.9
17.8
12.8
7.4
2.6
2.6
2012
103
84
0.65
N/A
10.4
7.8
25.7
26.8
N/A
N/A
20.8
24.0
12.9
10.0
2.9
2.5
2011
105
93
0.68
N/A
11.3
7.8
22.9
27.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
24.9
16.3
8.8
2.4
2.1
2010
101
89
0.54
N/A
12.7
7.8
21.6
27.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
26.7
15.9
9.5
3.3
2.9
2009
97
81
0.73
N/A
11.4
7.6
23.2
26.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
13.8
9.1
1.9
2.8
2008
91
81
0.62
N/A
11.5
9.3
N/A
27.3
0.010
N/A
N/A
N/A
13.2
10.0
3.0
3.0
2007
103
97
0.69
N/A
13.1
9.1
N/A
28.4
0.011
N/A
N/A
N/A
14.9
10.2
3.6
3.6
2006
95
93
0.59
N/A
14.5
9.7
N/A
28.7
0.009
N/A
N/A
N/A
14.5
11.2
3.6
N/A
2005
121
93
0.65
0.58
15.2
9.0
N/A
24.7
0.014
N/A
N/A
N/A
18.0
10.6
4.3
N/A
2004
104
96
0.62
0.68
15.8
9.5
N/A
21.3
0.010
N/A
N/A
N/A
15.1
10.3
4.6
N/A
2003
113
91
0.67
0.84
16.6
9.9
N/A
19.5
0.010
N/A
N/A
N/A
15.8
11.5
4.2
N/A
2002
125
68
0.76
0.61
17.4
9.3
N/A
20.2
0.009
N/A
N/A
N/A
16.8
N/A
3.9
N/A
2001
105
88
0.81
0.81
16.6
10.2
N/A
20.6
0.031
N/A
N/A
N/A
16.3
N/A
3.8
N/A
2000
98
105
0.87
0.55
17.3
11.3
N/A
24.5
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
4.5
N/A
Natural disasters
Type
Indianapolis
New Orleans
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
226.7%
125.4%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
179.6%
44.4%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
16%
21%
Transportation
Both Indianapolis and New Orleans offer public transportation options, with Indianapolis focusing on its bus system and New Orleans offering historic streetcars. Indianapolis has an average commute time that's lower than the national average, while commute times in New Orleans tend to be lower than in Indianapolis.
Transport
Type
Indianapolis
New Orleans
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
1
1
FAA registered aircraft
739
201
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
18
2
Means of transportation to work
Type
Indianapolis
New Orleans
Bicycle
0.5%
1.4%
Bus
1.2%
3.3%
Carpooled
8.5%
9%
Car alone
87.3%
79.9%
Ferryboat
0%
0.1%
Motorcycle
0%
0.1%
Railroad
0%
0.2%
Taxicab
0.1%
0.5%
Walked
1.6%
3.6%
Average travel time to work
Type
Indianapolis
New Orleans
Average
28.1 min
27.7 min
Other means
22.5 min
23.4 min
Public transportation
40.2 min
42.3 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Indianapolis
New Orleans
Average
1.2
1.2
Drove alone
88.2%
89.9%
In 2 person carpool
9.4%
8.2%
In 3 person carpool
1.3%
0.8%
In 4 person carpool
0.5%
0.4%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.4%
0.1%
In 7+ person carpool
0.1%
0.6%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Real estate prices are generally lower in Indianapolis compared to New Orleans. However, property values in both cities can vary greatly depending on the neighborhood. The rental market in both cities also reflect a similar trend, with Indianapolis being the more affordable option.
Neighborhoods
Indianapolis is known for its family-friendly neighborhoods, like Carmel and Fishers, while Downtown Indianapolis offers a vibrant city life. New Orleans has a mixture of residential and commercial locales, with distinct neighborhoods like the French Quarter, known for its vibrant nightlife and history, and the Garden District, which hosts some of the city's most beautiful homes.
Houses and residents
Type
Indianapolis
New Orleans
Houses
399,820
194,701
Average household size (people)
2.4
2.3
Median year apartment built
1977
1966
Median year house/condo built
1971
1960
Length of stay in the house since moving in
13 years
15.5 years
Houses occupied
358,150 (89.6%)
158,827 (81.6%)
Houses occupied by owners
201,149 (56.2%)
83,516 (52.6%)
Houses occupied by renters
157,001 (43.8%)
75,311 (47.4%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$876.58
$1,126
Median monthly housing costs
$980
$1,106
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$283,027
$470,732
Estimated median house or condo value
$188,700
$279,100
Median numbers of rooms
5.5
5.2
Median number of rooms in apartments
4.3
4.4
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.5
6.3
Median house price - detached houses
$231,490
$360,278
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$257,253
$499,015
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$240,688
$347,348
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$247,275
$400,453
Median house price - mobile homes
$58,413
$25,502
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$222,424
$365,362
Median house price - All housing units
$229,666
$369,282
Median house age
48
61
Renting percentage
44.2%
52.2%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,106.1
1,078.3
House value disparities
36.1%
38.2%
Household income disparities
44.4%
53.1%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$86,008
$89,566
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$61,922
$53,790
Housing units without a mortgage
4,552 (3.2%)
629 (1.3%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
9,787 (6.8%)
3,326 (6.9%)
Housing units with a mortgage
138,622 (96.8%)
47,733 (98.7%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
271 (0.2%)
296 (0.6%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
12,987 (9.1%)
4,588 (9.5%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
11
14
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
3
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
3.4%
5.6%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
1.1%
4.6%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Indianapolis
New Orleans
One, detached
59.0%
48.0%
One, attached
9.2%
9.7%
Two
2.5%
15.1%
3 or 4
6.2%
6.9%
5 to 9
7.7%
4.1%
10 to 19
6.3%
3.8%
20 to 49
3.1%
3.9%
50 or more
5.0%
8.1%
Mobile homes
1.0%
0.4%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
17,131
9,492
State government workers
15,502
9,130
Unpaid family workers
1,601
527
Industries and Occupations
In Indianapolis, healthcare and social assistance are the largest industries, followed by manufacturing. In New Orleans, the largest industries include healthcare, accommodation, food services, and education. Due to its port, New Orleans also has many opportunities in maritime-related sectors.
Both cities offer high-quality healthcare services, with impressive hospital systems. Indianapolis has the nationally ranked Indiana University Health, while New Orleans is home to the acclaimed Ochsner Medical Center.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Indianapolis
New Orleans
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Indianapolis prides itself on its vast parks system and efficient public transportation. With a centralized city design, Indy residents can easily access different parts of the town. New Orleans, with its historic infrastructure and charming streetcar system, offers a uniquely picturesque urban experience. However, the city also struggles with aging infrastructure.
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Indianapolis
New Orleans
1999
3,358
1,021
2000
3,562
942
2001
2,649
820
2002
1,915
820
2003
2,519
991
2004
3,702
1,379
2005
6,057
1,899
2006
5,811
1,426
2007
3,456
1,245
2008
1,247
683
2009
565
378
Culture and Food
New Orleans is celebrated worldwide for its exceptional food, vibrant music scene, and rich history, fine examples being the famous Mardi Gras festival and Creole cuisine. While Indianapolis may not enjoy the same level of culinary fame, it still boasts a diverse food scene, vibrant arts districts, and substantial cultural events like the Indy 500.
Sports Teams
Sports enthusiasts will find both cities appealing. Indianapolis is home to the Indianapolis Colts (NFL) and Indiana Pacers (NBA). New Orleans hosts the New Orleans Saints (NFL) and New Orleans Pelicans (NBA). Motor sports are particularly important in Indianapolis, famous for the Indianapolis 500, while New Orleans has a convincing track record in football.
Indianapolis, IN and 
New Orleans, LA : 713.4 miles
Indianapolis, IN and 
New Orleans, LA : 713.4 miles
