San Jose, California, and Indianapolis, Indiana, are two distinct cities with unique offerings. San Jose, a major hub of the Silicon Valley, is known for its high-tech industry and beautiful California weather. Indianapolis, on the other hand, is known for its thriving sports scene and affordable cost of living. The two cities differ quite significantly in several areas including crime and safety, weather, cost of living, education, economy, infrastructure, industries, housing, neighborhoods, and more. In the following comparison, we’ll delve deeper into these crucial aspects and highlight the unique facets that make each city special.
Distance between
San Jose, CA and
Indianapolis, IN : 1,925.2 miles
San Jose's population is larger by 12%. Its population has grown by 88,546 people (9.9%) since 2000. The population of Indianapolis has grown by 100,169 people (12.8%) during that time.
San Jose generally has a lower crime rate than Indianapolis. While both cities experience crime like any other metropolitan area, statistics show that crime rates in San Jose are considerably below than those in Indianapolis, making San Jose generally safer. However, certain neighborhoods in both cities differ drastically, so research into specific districts can provide tailored information for both residents and tourists. San Jose law enforcement proactively collaborates with local communities to ensure safety, while Indianapolis police actively focus on community relations and crime reduction initiatives.
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 1,806 registered sex offenders living in San Jose and 82 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in San Jose is 568 to 1; the ratio in Indianapolis is 10,396 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is much larger in San Jose than that in Indianapolis.
Cost of Living
Living in San Jose is significantly more expensive than residing in Indianapolis. Everything from housing, groceries, transportation, and health care are pricier in San Jose, largely driven by the city's successful tech industry. On the other hand, Indianapolis has one of the lowest costs of living among major U.S. cities, which can be a major draw for both residents and tourists.
Income Tax
At the state level, California has a progressive income tax system where rates increase with income, up to 13.3%. Indiana, however, has a comparatively lower flat-rate income tax of 3.23%.
Property Tax
California has comparatively low property tax rates than many states despite its high property values. Indianapolis, however, has higher property tax rates but this is offset by the lower cost of property.
Sales Tax
California's state sales tax is 7.25%, with an additional local tax in San Jose totaling to about 9.25%. In contrast, Indiana has a state sales tax of 7%.
Income
Type
San Jose
Indianapolis
Estimated median household income
$126,377
$58,479
Estimated per capita income
$57,357
$32,792
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
127.4
87.7
If you make $50,000 in Indianapolis, you will have to make $72,634 in San Jose to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Located in the Santa Clara Valley, San Jose is shielded by rolling hills and enjoys a pleasant climate year-round. It's also in close proximity to beaches and mountains for outdoor activities. Indianapolis, relatively flat and located in the Great Lakes region, has numerous city parks and close to the picturesque Indiana Dunes.
Both cities offer ample educational opportunities. San Jose is home to several notable universities and has strong public and private school systems. Also, its proximity to prestigious institutions like Stanford University and the University of California, Berkeley is a plus. Indianapolis also boasts an array of education options with over 35 universities and colleges in the region. Public, charter, and private K-12 schools provide a solid foundation for younger students.
San Jose, being part of Silicon Valley, has a robust economy with a strong presence in technology and innovation sectors. Residents often enjoy high wages, but also face stiff competition for jobs. Indianapolis has a diversified economy with sectors including finance, health care, and manufacturing. It's also known for its sporting industry, hosting major events like the Indianapolis 500.
Biggest Employers
In San Jose, some of the biggest employers are high-tech companies, including Apple, Google, and Cisco Systems. The city also hosts a multitude of startups and established tech firms. Indianapolis's largest employers are in the health care, education, and government sectors with companies like Indiana University Health, Eli Lilly and Company, and the state of Indiana leading the way.
There were 299 building permits issued in San Jose in 2012 (216 more than in 2011) compared to 1,221 building permits issued in Indianapolis in 2012 (704 more than in 2011).
In San Jose (Santa Clara County), 70.0% voted for Democrats and 27.1% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Indianapolis (Marion County), 60.1% voted for Democrats and 37.9% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
San Jose
Indianapolis
San Jose
Indianapolis
San Jose
Indianapolis
2020
72.7%
63.7%
25.2%
34.5%
2.1%
1.9%
2016
72.7%
58.2%
20.6%
35.6%
6.7%
6.2%
2012
70.0%
60.1%
27.1%
37.9%
2.9%
2.0%
2008
69.6%
63.8%
28.6%
35.4%
1.8%
0.8%
2004
64.3%
50.6%
34.8%
48.7%
0.9%
0.7%
2000
60.7%
48.0%
34.4%
49.3%
4.9%
2.8%
1996
56.9%
44.6%
32.2%
47.8%
11.0%
7.7%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
San Jose
Indianapolis
San Jose
Indianapolis
CATHOLIC CHURCH
25.1%
11.1%
6.0%
4.6%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
1.1%
0.3%
1.8%
1.1%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
0.9%
1.6%
7.7%
5.7%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.5%
0.4%
2.3%
1.1%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.4%
0.5%
2.6%
1.6%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.3%
0.5%
2.3%
1.6%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.2%
0.8%
1.4%
1.5%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.1%
1.2%
1.1%
3.4%
Weather
Weather varies dramatically between the two cities. San Jose enjoys a Mediterranean climate with mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers. In contrast, Indianapolis experiences a humid continental climate with hot, humid summer weather and cold, snowy winters. For those who prefer sunshine and milder climates, San Jose may be the more attractive location. However, those who enjoy distinctive changes in seasons may prefer Indianapolis.
Weather and climate
Type
San Jose
Indianapolis
Temperature - Average
60.9°F
52.1°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
77.3%
77%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
35.5%
31%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
87%
86%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
51.6%
55%
Precipitation - Yearly average
16.1 in
40.6 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
0 in
51 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
27.4%
14.7%
Sunshine amount - Average
73.8%
56.2%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
23%
33%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
77.4%
65%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
54.4%
32%
Wind speed - Average
10.3 mph
10.3 mph
Average climate in San Jose, California
Average climate in Indianapolis, Indiana
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
San Jose
Indianapolis
San Jose
Indianapolis
San Jose
Indianapolis
San Jose
Indianapolis
San Jose
Indianapolis
Indianapolis
San Jose
Indianapolis
San Jose
Indianapolis
2018
94
94
0.49
0.58
14.5
13.2
22.2
23.1
0.006
N/A
18.2
N/A
12.5
10.4
0.2
0.3
2017
91
87
0.50
0.82
14.6
12.4
23.5
23.0
0.004
N/A
17.6
N/A
10.2
10.1
0.2
0.4
2016
69
91
0.47
0.62
13.7
13.0
22.4
22.5
0.003
N/A
18.0
N/A
8.8
9.9
0.2
0.4
2015
84
89
0.52
0.73
15.4
14.9
22.3
22.9
0.004
N/A
19.7
N/A
9.2
9.9
0.3
1.1
2014
83
100
0.40
0.62
13.9
16.1
21.5
25.1
0.004
N/A
20.6
N/A
8.2
12.1
0.2
3.2
2013
90
94
0.41
0.69
15.2
11.5
20.8
26.3
0.005
N/A
19.9
N/A
12.4
12.8
0.3
2.6
2012
74
103
0.35
0.65
13.3
10.4
21.8
25.7
0.003
N/A
20.8
N/A
10.1
12.9
0.3
2.9
2011
83
105
0.37
0.68
14.8
11.3
20.6
22.9
0.003
N/A
N/A
N/A
12.3
16.3
0.3
2.4
2010
88
101
0.35
0.54
14.4
12.7
20.4
21.6
0.004
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.0
15.9
0.4
3.3
2009
89
97
0.40
0.73
14.7
11.4
18.2
23.2
0.004
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.3
13.8
0.3
1.9
2008
100
91
0.45
0.62
16.7
11.5
20.6
N/A
N/A
0.010
N/A
N/A
12.6
13.2
N/A
3.0
2007
92
103
0.44
0.69
16.6
13.1
20.0
N/A
0.009
0.011
N/A
N/A
11.1
14.9
N/A
3.6
2006
100
95
0.46
0.59
18.0
14.5
21.8
N/A
N/A
0.009
N/A
N/A
11.1
14.5
N/A
3.6
2005
95
121
0.68
0.65
18.6
15.2
20.0
N/A
N/A
0.014
N/A
N/A
11.6
18.0
N/A
4.3
2004
98
104
0.63
0.62
18.5
15.8
20.4
N/A
N/A
0.010
N/A
N/A
9.9
15.1
N/A
4.6
2003
87
113
0.73
0.67
20.6
16.6
19.1
N/A
N/A
0.010
N/A
N/A
N/A
15.8
N/A
4.2
2002
78
125
0.65
0.76
19.5
17.4
18.0
N/A
0.006
0.009
N/A
N/A
N/A
16.8
N/A
3.9
2001
75
105
0.61
0.81
18.5
16.6
16.8
N/A
0.008
0.031
N/A
N/A
N/A
16.3
N/A
3.8
2000
65
98
0.66
0.87
18.9
17.3
15.6
N/A
0.009
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
4.5
Natural disasters
Type
San Jose
Indianapolis
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
9%
226.7%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
7,785.3%
179.6%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
19%
16%
Transportation
San Jose's transportation system is well developed with light rails and buses run by the Valley Transportation Authority. The city is also bike-friendly. Indianapolis predominantly relies on car commutes but is improving public transit with its IndyGo bus network and the development of the Red line rapid transit.
Transport
Type
San Jose
Indianapolis
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
3
1
FAA registered aircraft
553
739
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
13
18
Means of transportation to work
Type
San Jose
Indianapolis
Bicycle
1%
0.5%
Bus
1.1%
1.2%
Carpooled
11.4%
8.5%
Car alone
80.5%
87.3%
Motorcycle
0.2%
0%
Railroad
0.2%
0%
Subway
0.2%
0%
Walked
3.3%
1.6%
Average travel time to work
Type
San Jose
Indianapolis
Average
29.2 min
28.1 min
Other means
27.9 min
22.5 min
Public transportation
48.5 min
40.2 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
San Jose
Indianapolis
Average
1.2
1.2
Drove alone
87.3%
88.2%
In 2 person carpool
8.9%
9.4%
In 3 person carpool
1.9%
1.3%
In 4 person carpool
1.1%
0.5%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.6%
0.4%
In 7+ person carpool
0.2%
0.1%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
The housing market in San Jose is significantly pricier than Indianapolis. San Jose is one of the most expensive cities for real estate in the US, attributed to the high-income levels in the tech industry. You will find high-end condos, lavish homes, and more. Indianapolis, conversely, offers affordable homes and rental prices, which are attractive for newcomers and long-time residents alike.
Neighborhoods
Both cities have a wide variety of neighborhoods to fit different lifestyles. San Jose is home to diverse neighborhoods like the luxurious Willow Glen, tech-centered Santa Clara, and buzzing Downtown. Indianapolis also boasts a mix of neighborhoods like trendy Fountain Square, historic Meridian-Kessler, and artsy Mass Ave.
Houses and residents
Type
San Jose
Indianapolis
Houses
340,561
399,820
Average household size (people)
3.1
2.4
Median year apartment built
1979
1977
Median year house/condo built
1973
1971
Length of stay in the house since moving in
15.6 years
13 years
Houses occupied
322,881 (94.8%)
358,150 (89.6%)
Houses occupied by owners
179,797 (55.7%)
201,149 (56.2%)
Houses occupied by renters
143,084 (44.3%)
157,001 (43.8%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$3,214
$876.58
Median monthly housing costs
$2,463
$980
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$1,197,016
$283,027
Estimated median house or condo value
Over $1,000,000
$188,700
Median numbers of rooms
4.9
5.5
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.6
4.3
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6
6.5
Median house price - detached houses
Over $1,000,000
$231,490
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$753,788
$257,253
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$680,453
$240,688
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$688,625
$247,275
Median house price - mobile homes
$240,963
$58,413
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$892,629
$222,424
Median house price - All housing units
Over $1,000,000
$229,666
Median house age
45
48
Renting percentage
41.5%
44.2%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,947.6
1,106.1
House value disparities
21.2%
36.1%
Household income disparities
38.3%
44.4%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$197,583
$86,008
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$103,711
$61,922
Housing units without a mortgage
2,632 (2.1%)
4,552 (3.2%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
13,499 (10.6%)
9,787 (6.8%)
Housing units with a mortgage
124,224 (97.9%)
138,622 (96.8%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
346 (0.3%)
271 (0.2%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
16,249 (12.8%)
12,987 (9.1%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
14
11
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
3
1
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1.2%
3.4%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
0.6%
1.1%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
San Jose
Indianapolis
One, detached
50.9%
59.0%
One, attached
11.5%
9.2%
Two
1.1%
2.5%
3 or 4
5.0%
6.2%
5 to 9
5.1%
7.7%
10 to 19
4.5%
6.3%
20 to 49
4.5%
3.1%
50 or more
14.2%
5.0%
Mobile homes
3.1%
1.0%
Boats, RVs, vans, etc.
0.1%
0.0%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
28,517
17,131
State government workers
10,222
15,502
Unpaid family workers
472
1,601
Industries and Occupations
San Jose is globally renowned for its tech industry. Occupations in information technology, engineering, and related sectors are prevalent. Indianapolis, known as the crossroads of America, is a major hub for transportation and logistics. It also thrives in the manufacturing, health care, and sports sectors.
San Jose has a highly-ranked health care system with notable establishments like the Stanford Hospital and Kaiser Permanente. Indianapolis is home to the prominent IU Health system, one of the top-rated health systems in the nation.
Health (county statistics)
Type
San Jose
Indianapolis
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
San Jose's infrastructure is progressive and advanced, reflecting its tech-forward culture. The city boasts advanced public transit systems and an array of cycling routes. Indianapolis, on the other hand, has a more traditional infrastructure. It is known for its Speedway and motorsports industries and has been investing in transportation and downtown redevelopment.
Infrastructure
Type
San Jose
Indianapolis
Hospitals
20
76
TV stations
9
19
Arenas or stadiums
2
3
Bank branches located here
145
259
Bank institutions located here
25
27
Main business address for public companies
74
28
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
21
1
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
San Jose
Indianapolis
1999
3,839
3,358
2000
2,577
3,562
2001
1,953
2,649
2002
1,908
1,915
2003
3,578
2,519
2004
5,489
3,702
2005
6,994
6,057
2006
6,324
5,811
2007
4,298
3,456
2008
2,419
1,247
2009
1,631
565
Culture and Food
San Jose has a rich fusion of cultures represented in its food, art, and festivals, heavily influenced by its Asian and Hispanic communities. It also has several museums and theaters. Indianapolis, known for its Hoosier hospitality, has a burgeoning food scene and hosts several cultural events like the Indy 500 Festival.
Sports Teams
Indianapolis is well-known in the sports world, home to popular teams such as the Colts (NFL), Pacers (NBA), and the yearly IndyCar Series. San Jose, though lacking in professional football or baseball teams, hosts the Sharks (NHL), and is close to San Francisco's Giants (MLB) and 49ers (NFL).
San Jose, CA and 
Indianapolis, IN : 1,925.2 miles
San Jose, CA and 
Indianapolis, IN : 1,925.2 miles
