Manhattan, NY vs Indianapolis, IN - Advanced U.S. city comparison tool

Manhattan, NY vs Indianapolis, IN

This comparison between Manhattan, NY, and Indianapolis, IN, aims to provide comprehensive insight into various aspects of living and visiting these cities. We examine factors such as crime and safety, weather, cost of living, education, economy, infrastructure, job market, real estate, neighborhood quality, commuting options, tax implications, culinary culture, sports teams, geographical differences and health care availability. Understanding these elements can help people deciding to relocate or tourists scheduling a visit to make informed decisions.
 
 
Distance between Manhattan, NY and Indianapolis, IN : 644.7 miles

Manhattan's population is larger by 84%. The population of Indianapolis has grown by 100,169 people (12.8%) during that time.

Population
Type Manhattan Indianapolis
Population 1,621,897 882,039
Female / male percentage 52.5% / 47.5%
52.5%
47.5%
51.2% / 48.8%
51.2%
48.8%
Racial makeup - percentage
Ethnicity ManhattanIndianapolis
White Non-Hispanic 45.8% 51.1%
Hispanic 27.2% 11.2%
Black 15.3% 27.9%
Asian 9.3% 4.1%
Two or more 1.9% 4.8%
American Indian 0.2% 0.0%
Racial makeup - absolute values
Ethnicity ManhattanIndianapolis
White Non-Hispanic 703,873 451,187
Hispanic 417,816 98,852
Black 234,698 246,609
Asian 143,291 36,008
Two or more 28,944 42,035
American Indian 2,465 234
Pacific Islander 572 0

Crime and Safety

Manhattan, NY, has seen a significant reduction in crime over the past few decades, but it remains higher than the national average. It is essential to stay vigilant, especially in highly crowded areas. Conversely, Indianapolis, IN, has a crime rate that's above the national average, with property crimes being more prevalent. Both cities have police forces working diligently to improve safety conditions.

Cost of Living

Living in Manhattan is significantly more expensive than living in Indianapolis. Manhattan holds one of the highest costs of living in the country due to the high cost of housing, groceries, transportation, and even healthcare. In contrast, Indianapolis is one of the most affordable big cities, with housing costs significantly below the national average.

Income Tax

Manhattan residents face a high tax burden with a combined state/city income tax rate that can reach up to 12.7%. Notably lower, Indiana's state income tax is a flat 3.23%, with an additional county tax ranging from 0.02% to 0.03% in Marion County (Indianapolis).

Property Tax

Property taxes in Manhattan can vary greatly depending on the property's market value, but they're generally high compared to the national average. Indianapolis's property taxes are much lower, with Indiana having one of the lowest property tax rates in the country.

Sales Tax

New York City residents pay a combined city/state sales tax rate of 8.875%. Indiana has a state sales tax of 7%, with no additional sales tax in Indianapolis.
Income
Type Manhattan Indianapolis
Estimated median household income $84,435 $58,479
Estimated per capita income $76,589 $32,792
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100) 185.3 87.7

If you make $50,000 in Indianapolis, you will have to make $105,644 in Manhattan to maintain the same standard of living.

Geographical Conditions

Manhattan is an island densely packed with skyscrapers and surrounded by water, with several beautiful parks providing green space. Indianapolis is a landlocked city with gently rolling terrain and an abundance of green spaces and waterways.
Geographical information
Type Manhattan Indianapolis
Land area 23 sq. miles 361.5 sq. miles
Population density 70,629 people per sq. mile 2,440.1 people per sq. mile

Education

Both cities have excellent educational opportunities. Manhattan, home to prestigious universities like Columbia and NYU, has a robust college-going culture. Indianopolis, with schools like Butler University, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI), and Ivy Tech Community College, also has a solid education system. Additionally, Indianapolis is home to promising public and private schools.
School enrollment
Type Manhattan Indianapolis
Nursery, preschool 21,035 (5.9%) 11,998 (5.5%)
Kindergarten 14,962 (4.2%) 11,472 (5.3%)
Grade 1 to 4 60,918 (17%) 45,817 (21.1%)
Grade 5 to 8 56,374 (15.7%) 50,108 (23.1%)
Grade 9 to 12 63,694 (17.8%) 46,328 (21.4%)
College undergrad 91,504 (25.6%) 36,567 (16.9%)
Graduate or professional 49,579 (13.8%) 14,587 (6.7%)
Students in private schools - absolute values
Type Count
Grade ManhattanIndianapolis
Grades 1 to 8 (elementary and middle school) 26,459 21,080
Grades 9 to 12 (high school) 12,853 9,278
Undergraduate colleges 49,743 8,480
Students in private schools - percentage
Type Percentage
Grade ManhattanIndianapolis
Grades 1 to 8 (elementary and middle school) 22.6% 22.0%
Grades 9 to 12 (high school) 20.2% 20.0%
Undergraduate colleges 54.4% 23.2%
Educational attainment
Type Manhattan Indianapolis
Less than high school 21.3% 11.7%
High school or equiv. 13.5% 27.4%
Less than 1 year of college 3.1% 7.3%
1 or more years of college 9.2% 11.4%
Associate degree 3.5% 7.5%
Bachelor's degree 26% 22%
Master's degree 14.3% 8.7%
Profess. school degree 6.4% 2.5%
Doctorate degree 2.7% 1.5%
Education level (25-year-olds and older)
Type Manhattan Indianapolis
Bachelor's degree or higher 49.4% 34.7%
Graduate or professional degree 23.4% 12.7%
High school or higher 78.7% 88.3%

Work and Economy

Manhattan has a diverse economy with leading industries in finance, healthcare, technology, real estate, and entertainment. Indianapolis, commonly known as the "Crossroads of America," has a robust economy centered on manufacturing, healthcare, education, and retail. Though job opportunities are plentiful in both, unemployment rates are slightly lower in Indianapolis than Manhattan.

Biggest Employers

In Manhattan, some of the most significant employers include JPMorgan Chase, Citigroup, Verizon, IBM, and Mount Sinai Health System. In Indianapolis, top employers are Anthem Inc., Indiana University Health, St. Vincent Hospital and Health Services, and Cummins Inc.

In Manhattan (New York County), 83.9% voted for Democrats and 14.9% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Indianapolis (Marion County), 60.1% voted for Democrats and 37.9% for Republicans.

Elections
Type DemocratsRepublicansOther
Year ManhattanIndianapolisManhattanIndianapolisManhattanIndianapolis
2020 86.5% 63.7% 12.2% 34.5% 1.2% 1.9%
2016 86.7% 58.2% 9.7% 35.6% 3.6% 6.2%
2012 83.9% 60.1% 14.9% 37.9% 1.2% 2.0%
2008 86.1% 63.8% 13.5% 35.4% 0.3% 0.8%
2004 82.3% 50.6% 16.8% 48.7% 0.9% 0.7%
2000 80.0% 48.0% 14.5% 49.3% 5.5% 2.8%
1996 80.0% 44.6% 13.8% 47.8% 6.3% 7.7%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type AdherentsCongregations
Religion ManhattanIndianapolisManhattanIndianapolis
CATHOLIC CHURCH 20.4% 11.1% 12.6% 4.6%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE 2.7% 0.3% 2.4% 1.1%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH 1.7% 0.4% 5.3% 1.1%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA 1.6% 1.2% 4.7% 3.4%
REFORMED CHURCH IN AMERICA 0.6% 0.0% 1.2% 0.1%
PATRIAR PARISHE RUSSIAN ORTHODO CHURCH USA 0.4% 0.0% 0.2% 0.0%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA 0.3% 0.5% 2.0% 1.6%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH 0.3% 0.5% 2.4% 1.6%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION 0.2% 1.6% 2.9% 5.7%
LUTHERAN CHURCH 0.0% 0.8% 0.6% 1.5%

Weather

In Manhattan, residents experience a temperate climatic cycle with hot summers and cold winters. Similarly, Indianapolis also offers a four-season climate, but it is generally more severe with colder winters and hotter summers. Both cities receive substantial precipitation throughout the year.
Weather and climate
Type Manhattan Indianapolis
Temperature - Average 54.6°F 52.1°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity 67.4% 77%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity 30% 31%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity 77% 86%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity 47% 55%
Precipitation - Yearly average 49.6 in 40.6 in
Snowfall - Yearly average 57.4 in 51 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds 17.8% 14.7%
Sunshine amount - Average 60.2% 56.2%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year 20% 33%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly 64% 65%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly 44% 32%
Wind speed - Average 6.7 mph 10.3 mph

Average climate in Manhattan, New York

Chicago, Illinois average temperatures Chicago, Illinois average precipitation Chicago, Illinois humidity Chicago, Illinois wind speed Chicago, Illinois snowfall Chicago, Illinois sunshine Chicago, Illinois clear and cloudy days
 

Average climate in Indianapolis, Indiana

Chicago, Illinois average temperatures Chicago, Illinois average precipitation Chicago, Illinois humidity Chicago, Illinois wind speed Chicago, Illinois snowfall Chicago, Illinois sunshine Chicago, Illinois clear and cloudy days
 

Air pollution
Type AQICONO2OZONEPBPM10PM25SO2
Year ManhattanIndianapolisManhattanIndianapolisManhattanIndianapolisManhattanIndianapolisManhattanIndianapolisManhattanIndianapolisManhattanIndianapolisManhattanIndianapolis
2018 94 94 0.29 0.58 17.3 13.2 23.9 23.1 N/A N/A N/A 18.2 7.9 10.4 0.5 0.3
2017 97 87 0.16 0.82 17.4 12.4 24.0 23.0 N/A N/A N/A 17.6 7.7 10.1 0.4 0.4
2016 94 91 0.28 0.62 18.1 13.0 24.2 22.5 N/A N/A N/A 18.0 7.7 9.9 0.6 0.4
2015 100 89 0.36 0.73 18.9 14.9 23.0 22.9 N/A N/A N/A 19.7 8.6 9.9 1.0 1.1
2014 95 100 0.40 0.62 19.1 16.1 22.3 25.1 N/A N/A N/A 20.6 8.3 12.1 1.1 3.2
2013 97 94 0.43 0.69 19.5 11.5 22.6 26.3 N/A N/A N/A 19.9 9.0 12.8 1.1 2.6
2012 99 103 0.46 0.65 18.6 10.4 23.4 25.7 N/A N/A N/A 20.8 9.3 12.9 1.7 2.9
2011 108 105 0.46 0.68 20.7 11.3 22.2 22.9 N/A N/A N/A N/A 10.9 16.3 2.7 2.4
2010 113 101 0.45 0.54 19.3 12.7 23.3 21.6 N/A N/A N/A N/A 10.4 15.9 2.7 3.3
2009 104 97 0.51 0.73 21.9 11.4 18.8 23.2 N/A N/A N/A N/A 10.7 13.8 3.8 1.9
2008 110 91 0.49 0.62 23.0 11.5 19.8 N/A 0.013 0.010 N/A N/A 12.3 13.2 4.6 3.0
2007 121 103 0.56 0.69 24.4 13.1 19.4 N/A 0.016 0.011 N/A N/A 13.1 14.9 5.5 3.6
2006 116 95 0.64 0.59 24.6 14.5 18.9 N/A 0.018 0.009 N/A N/A 12.9 14.5 6.5 3.6
2005 112 121 0.77 0.65 26.7 15.2 18.4 N/A N/A 0.014 N/A N/A N/A 18.0 8.2 4.3
2004 108 104 0.77 0.62 26.7 15.8 17.3 N/A 0.030 0.010 N/A N/A N/A 15.1 8.0 4.6
2003 107 113 0.83 0.67 27.8 16.6 17.5 N/A 0.024 0.010 26.9 N/A N/A 15.8 8.2 4.2
2002 122 125 0.78 0.76 27.9 17.4 18.7 N/A 0.008 0.009 25.9 N/A N/A 16.8 7.3 3.9
2001 123 105 0.79 0.81 29.4 16.6 19.4 N/A 0.020 0.031 25.0 N/A N/A 16.3 8.7 3.8
2000 115 98 0.90 0.87 30.2 17.3 15.0 N/A 0.022 N/A 22.2 N/A N/A N/A 8.4 4.5
Natural disasters
Type Manhattan Indianapolis
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average 59.1% 226.7%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average 31.1% 179.6%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average 18% 16%

Transportation

Manhattan's public transit system is extensive and well-developed, with a network of subways, buses, and ferries. Indianapolis offers public buses and a newly developed rapid-transit system, but it is more car-reliant than Manhattan. Commute times are generally longer in Manhattan due to traffic and distance.
Transport
Type Manhattan Indianapolis
Amtrak stations 0 1
Amtrak stations nearby 3 1
FAA registered aircraft 2 739
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers 0 18
Means of transportation to work
Type Manhattan Indianapolis
Bicycle 0.9% 0.5%
Bus 10.1% 1.2%
Carpooled 3.4% 8.5%
Car alone 7.6% 87.3%
Railroad 1.1% 0%
Streetcar 0.1% 0%
Subway 43.6% 0%
Taxicab 4.7% 0.1%
Walked 21.9% 1.6%
Means of transportation to work
Means of transportation to work
Average travel time to work
Type Manhattan Indianapolis
Average 30.3 min 28.1 min
Travel time to work
Time leaving to work
Travel time to work
Time leaving to work

Real Estate

Manhattan's real estate is among the most expensive in the world, featuring an array of apartments, condos, and townhouses. In sharp contrast, real estate in Indianapolis is significantly more affordable, with diverse offerings from urban apartments to suburban homes.

Neighborhoods

Manhattan is known for its vibrant neighborhoods, each with its unique character - from the luxurious Upper East Side to the artsy SoHo. Indianapolis neighborhoods range from the urban downtown to historic Meridian-Kessler and Broad Ripple, each offering a different lifestyle to its residents.
Houses and residents
Type Manhattan Indianapolis
Houses 798,144 399,820
Average household size (people) 2 2.4
Houses occupied 738,644 (92.5%) 358,150 (89.6%)
Houses occupied by owners 148,695 (20.1%) 201,149 (56.2%)
Houses occupied by renters 589,949 (79.9%) 157,001 (43.8%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units $1,690 $876.58
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos $3,393,315 $283,027
Estimated median house or condo value $940,900 $188,700
Median number of rooms in apartments 3.2 4.3
Median number of rooms in houses and condos 4 6.5
Renting percentage 77.2% 44.2%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile) 34,757 1,106.1
Household income disparities 47.8% 44.4%
Housing units without a mortgage 1,104 (40.3%) 4,552 (3.2%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan 13 (0.5%) 9,787 (6.8%)
Housing units with a mortgage 1,636 (59.7%) 138,622 (96.8%)
Housing units with a home equity loan 140 (5.1%) 271 (0.2%)
Housing units with a second mortgage 140 (5.1%) 12,987 (9.1%)
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities 2% 3.4%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities 1.7% 1.1%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures ManhattanIndianapolis
One, detached 0.3% 59.0%
One, attached 0.5% 9.2%
Two 0.6% 2.5%
3 or 4 2.1% 6.2%
5 to 9 6.3% 7.7%
10 to 19 12.6% 6.3%
20 to 49 24.5% 3.1%
50 or more 53.0% 5.0%
Mobile homes 0.0% 1.0%
Marital status
Type Manhattan Indianapolis
Divorced 9% 13.2%
Never married 45.5% 39%
Now married 39.4% 41.9%
Separated 3.9% 1.5%
Widowed 6.1% 4.4%
Class of workers - percentage
Class of Workers ManhattanIndianapolis
Employee of private company 64.4% 69.2%
Private not-for-profit wage and salary workers 11.6% 11.1%
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business 9.0% 3.9%
Local government workers 6.2% 5.7%
Self-employed in own incorporated business 4.6% 3.2%
State government workers 2.0% 3.5%
Federal government workers 1.9% 3.0%
Unpaid family workers 0.2% 0.4%
Class of workers - absolute values
Class of Workers ManhattanIndianapolis
Employee of private company 495,905 302,893
Federal government workers 14,721 13,085
Local government workers 47,808 24,951
Private not-for-profit wage and salary workers 89,691 48,421
Self-employed in own incorporated business 35,236 13,885
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business 69,517 17,131
State government workers 15,544 15,502
Unpaid family workers 1,861 1,601

Industries and Occupations

Manhattan's economy is driven by finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and entertainment. Therefore, many residents work in these sectors, with significant employment in services industries. Indianapolis is known for its manufacturing, healthcare, retail, and education sectors.
Food environment data per 10,000 residents
Food environment statistics ManhattanIndianapolis
Number of convenience stores (no gas) 0.1 3.0
Number of convenience stores (with gas) 0.6 0.4
Number of full-service restaurants 24.4 7.2
Number of grocery stores 7.1 1.7
Number of supercenters and club stores 0.0 0.2
Food environment - absolute values
Food environment statistics ManhattanIndianapolis
Number of convenience stores (no gas) 22 264
Number of convenience stores (with gas) 99 31
Number of full-service restaurants 3,961 634
Number of grocery stores 1,161 150
Number of supercenters and club stores 1 20
Obesity and diabetes
Food environment statistics rate ManhattanIndianapolis
Adult diabetes rate 5.6% 9.0%
Adult obesity rate 15.4% 28.5%
Low-income preschool obesity rate 13.4% 15.0%

Health Care

Manhattan has some of the best healthcare facilities in the country, with prestigious hospitals such as NewYork-Presbyterian and Mount Sinai. Indianapolis also has a strong healthcare sector, led by facilities like Indiana University Health and St. Vincent Hospitals.
Health (county statistics)
Type Manhattan Indianapolis
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent) 3.6 3.4
Average weight of females (lbs) 150.1 lbs 165.5 lbs
Average weight of males (lbs) 180.1 lbs 200.3 lbs
Residents visited a dentist within the past year 77.7% 68.8%
Residents exercised in the past month 79% 69.9%
Adult residents drank alcohol in the past 30 days 84% 49.9%
Residents smoked 100+ cigarettes in their lives 46.3% 43%
Mechanisms of suicide per 1,000,000 residents
Mechanism ManhattanIndianapolis
Suicides from 2000 to 2006 79.8 120.8
Cut / Pierce 2.9 0
Drowning 2.7 0
Fall 24.0 0
Firearm 8.9 67.8
Poisoning 16.4 20.3
Suffocation 19.9 25.7

Infrastructure

Manhattan's infrastructure is both old and new, reflecting the city's dynamic history. Its towering skyscrapers and historic buildings make it one of the most recognizable cityscapes globally. However, this comes with congested roads and aging public infrastructure. Indianapolis, known for its well-planned city layout and open spaces, is less congested and more spread out.
Infrastructure
Type Manhattan Indianapolis
TV stations 30 19

Culture and Food

Manhattan boasts a vibrant and diverse cultural scene, featuring numerous art galleries, museums, theaters, and restaurants offering a multitude of cuisine options. Indianapolis, while smaller, has a growing culinary and arts scene, with an emphasis on local, farm-to-table food and a rich sports culture.

Sports Teams

Manhattan is home to several professional sports teams, including the New York Knicks (NBA) and New York Rangers (NHL). Indianapolis is proud to house the Indianapolis Colts (NFL) and Indiana Pacers (NBA).