City comparison
Yes. Indianapolis's crime index is 216 versus 242 in Orlando, and its violent crime index is 246 versus 241, using 2024-2025 FBI data for Indianapolis and 2022 FBI data for Orlando.
Indianapolis is cheaper. Median rent is $1,156 a month versus $1,747 in Orlando.
The cost gap between Indianapolis and Orlando is the real story here. Indianapolis comes in 34% cheaper on typical rent ($1,156 vs $1,747), which over a year adds up to $7,092. Median household income runs $66,219 in Indianapolis and $72,336 in Orlando.
Neither city has a clear overall edge here. Indianapolis costs less and Orlando pays more: the right call depends on whether you are optimizing for take-home pay or monthly burn rate. Both are defensible choices for different reasons.
The rent gap is real but neighborhoods matter. Indianapolis at $1,156 average has pockets that run $956 and others at $1,556: your actual number depends on which part of the city you land in.
The move
Indianapolis and Orlando are 822 miles apart in a straight line.
Median rent goes from $1,156 a month in Indianapolis to $1,747 a month in Orlando, up $591 a month (51%).
Median household income goes from $66,219 in Indianapolis to $72,336 in Orlando, up $6,117 (9%).
The crime index goes from 216 in Indianapolis to 242 in Orlando, up 26 points (12%).
The move
Orlando and Indianapolis are 822 miles apart in a straight line.
Median rent goes from $1,747 a month in Orlando to $1,156 a month in Indianapolis, down $591 a month (34%).
Median household income goes from $72,336 in Orlando to $66,219 in Indianapolis, down $6,117 (8%).
The crime index goes from 242 in Orlando to 216 in Indianapolis, down 26 points (11%).
Indianapolis, IN
School quality varies by neighborhood. Check GreatSchools.org for current ratings.
Orlando, FL
School quality varies by neighborhood. Check GreatSchools.org for current ratings.
Comparing Indianapolis and Orlando? Check mortgage rates before you decide where to buy.
Rent
34% cheaper
Indianapolis rent is 34% cheaper than Orlando
Indianapolis
Winner$1,156/mo
Orlando
$1,747/mo
Typical rent runs $1,156 a month in Indianapolis versus $1,747 in Orlando, so Indianapolis is 34% cheaper. That's roughly $591/month back in your pocket ($7,092/year). Over five years that's $35,460 you could redirect toward a down payment, travel, or investments. Housing is the bill you pay before groceries, childcare, or a social life, so that gap shows up in how often you eat out and how panicked a rent hike feels. If you already have a high-paying offer in Orlando, the extra rent can be rational. If you do not, Indianapolis is the easier city to land in without blowing up your budget.
Planning to buy in Indianapolis? Check mortgage rates before you decide.
Median income
9% higher
Orlando's median income is 9% higher than Indianapolis
Indianapolis
$66,219
Orlando
Winner$72,336
Median household income is $72,336 in Orlando versus $66,219 in Indianapolis, so typical pay runs 9% higher in Orlando (about $6,117 more household income a year). The income edge is modest. Treat it as extra negotiating context, not a reason to ignore rent, schools, or climate. Remote workers especially should not treat citywide pay as a personal raise if their employer will not localize salary.
Crime index
11% lower crime
Indianapolis's crime index is 11% lower than Orlando
Indianapolis
Winner216 (100 = avg)
Orlando
242 (100 = avg)
Indianapolis's crime index is 216 versus 242 in Orlando (100 = national average), so citywide crime runs 11% lower in Indianapolis. The difference is noticeable without being night-and-day. You will still want to pick the neighborhood carefully in Indianapolis, but you will usually spend less energy on constant vigilance than you would in Orlando. Tour both cities after dark before you let a modest index gap close the decision.
Typical weather
28% more comfortable
Orlando weather is 28% more comfortable than Indianapolis
Indianapolis
57°F avg · 66°F highs · comfort 78/100
Orlando
Winner71°F avg · 78°F highs · comfort 100/100
Indianapolis averages about 57°F (66°F highs); Orlando averages about 71°F (78°F highs). Indianapolis averages around 57°F, so jackets, heating bills, and shorter outdoor seasons are part of daily life. Orlando sits near 71°F on average, a range where people can be outside without fighting extreme heat or cold. Orlando scores 28% closer to the 65-80°F comfort band on this page, so it is the easier default for year-round outdoor errands and evenings. Choose Indianapolis if you already prefer its hotter or cooler pattern and have budgeted for the AC or heating that comes with it.
Fit check
Families with young children and retirees who prioritize peace of mind over urban energy
Indianapolis is the clearer landing pad if housing cost is what keeps you up at night. Typical rent is 34% cheaper here at about $1,156 a month. Choose Indianapolis if you are stretching a salary, starting over, or want slack for travel and debt instead of a flashier skyline.
Indianapolis is the better fit for families with young children and retirees who prioritize peace of mind over urban energy. The crime index is 11% lower than Orlando (216 vs a 100 national average). That gap shows up in how freely you walk at night and how much attention you spend on the car and the deadbolt.
Fit check
Career-focused movers who want salary upside plus year-round outdoor access
It is also a match for career-focused movers who want salary upside and year-round outdoor access. Median household income runs 9% higher ($72,336), and typical weather is the more comfortable of the two (around 71°F). That pairing is for people who will work hard and then actually use the evenings.
Bottom line
Housing separates these metros first: $1,156/month in Indianapolis versus $1,747 in Orlando. Median income reads $66,219 in Indianapolis and $72,336 in Orlando, which matters when you stack rent against take-home pay.
Indianapolis rent at $1,156/month is still below Orlando's $1,747, so cost-sensitive households should weigh the lease before the paycheck.
Safety scores read 37/100 in Indianapolis and 33/100 in Orlando.
Pick Indianapolis when shaving $591 off rent at $1,156/month is the priority. Otherwise, Orlando's case rests on $1,747/month rent with $72,336 local income.
Common questions
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Next steps
Quotes and listings for Indianapolis when you're ready to act.
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Nearby research
Open full neighborhood reports for Indianapolis and Orlando, plus other cities in IN and FL.
