Performance
Score Breakdown
Indianapolis
Tigard
Livability
Affordability
Business
Growth
Expenses
Cost of Living
Tigard is the more affordable option overall — monthly living expenses run approximately
4% higher compared to Indianapolis.
Housing costs are a major driver: Indianapolis's average rent is
38% lower than Tigard's.
| Metric | Indianapolis | Tigard | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Rent | $1,123 | $1,800 | -38% |
| Groceries | $450 | $450 | 0% |
| Utilities | $327 | $180 | +82% |
| Transport | $120 | $120 | 0% |
| Healthcare | $900 | $250 | +260% |
| Monthly Total | $2,920 | $2,800 | +4% |
| Cost Index | 90 | 121 | out of 100 |
Income
Salary & Income
Indianapolis offers 17% higher average salaries.
However, when adjusted for local cost of living, Indianapolis delivers stronger purchasing power —
meaning your dollar stretches further day-to-day.
The minimum comfortable salary in Indianapolis is estimated at
$55,000 vs $55,000 in Tigard.
| Metric | Indianapolis | Tigard |
|---|---|---|
| Average Salary | $76,000 | $65,000 |
| Salary Needed | $55,000 | $55,000 |
| Purchasing Power | 84,444 idx | 53,719 idx |
| Household Income | $66,219 | $108,823 |
Weather
Climate Comparison
Both cities share a similar average temperature, within 0°F of each other.
| Metric | Indianapolis | Tigard |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Temp | °F | °F |
| Summer High | °F | °F |
| Winter Low | °F | °F |
| Rainfall | in | in |
| Snowfall | in | in |
| Sunny Days | ||
| Humidity | 73.00% | 73.00% |
Mobility
Commute & Transport
Both cities have comparable commute times, within 2 minutes of each other.
Tigard scores higher for public transit, making it the better choice for car-free living.
For walkability, Tigard leads — a better score here means more amenities reachable on foot.
| Metric | Indianapolis | Tigard |
|---|---|---|
| Commute Time | 25 min | 23 min |
| Transit Score | 0.0/10 | 40.0/10 |
| Walkability | 31.0/10 | 70.0/10 |
| Traffic Index | 29.36 | 60.00 |
| Car Dependency | High | High |
Population
Economy & Demographics
Indianapolis is the larger city
— approximately 16.3x the population of Tigard.
From a growth perspective, Tigard is expanding faster, signaling stronger demand for housing, jobs, and services.
On the employment side, Indianapolis has a lower unemployment rate, reflecting a tighter and more competitive job market.
| Metric | Indianapolis | Tigard |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 910,638 | 56,011 |
| Pop. Growth | 0.33% | 1.00% |
| Median Age | 34.3 | 39.4 |
| Unemployment | 3.40% | 4.20% |
| GDP | $0.0B | $0.0B |
At a Glance
Pros & Cons
Indianapolis
Advantages
The cost of living in Indianapolis is approximately 10.3% lower than the national average, making it a highly affordable city.
Indianapolis boasts a diverse and growing job market, particularly in Healthcare & Life Sciences, Logistics, and Advanced Manufacturing.
The average commute time in Central Indiana is relatively short at 24.6 minutes, contributing to a better work-life balance.
The city has a thriving sports and hospitality sector, attracting major events and offering numerous entertainment options.
Housing inventory is increasing, providing more options for buyers, and median home prices remain competitive.
Drawbacks
Indianapolis has a higher crime rate compared to many U.S. cities, with a BaseScore of 44/100 and a safety index indicating it's safer than only 3% of American cities.
The city is largely car-dependent, with limited walkability and public transit options outside of the downtown core.
The average salary in Indianapolis, at $76,000 annually, is lower than the national average.
Rental prices have experienced rapid growth in recent years, impacting affordability for some residents.
Traffic congestion is increasing, leading to more time lost in traffic for commuters.
Tigard
Advantages
Tigard boasts a strong economy with a high number of local jobs and a short commute to major employment centers like Silicon Forest and downtown Portland.
The city offers an exceptional quality of life, with a livability score of 87 out of 100, ranking in the 99th percentile of all US cities.
Tigard provides abundant green spaces, including over 16 miles of paved trails and nearly 550 acres of parks, such as Cook Park and the Fanno Creek Trail.
Healthcare and utilities costs are lower than in most U.S. cities, contributing to overall affordability despite higher housing costs.
The public schools in Tigard are highly rated, making it a desirable location for families.
Drawbacks
Tigard has a higher overall crime rate compared to the national average, primarily driven by property crime in commercial areas.
The cost of living in Tigard is significantly higher than the national average, particularly due to housing expenses.
Traffic congestion on major routes like US 217 and Highway 99W can be very heavy during rush hour.
Despite public transit options, Tigard is largely car-dependent, with limited light rail access in many areas.
Some commercial corridors in Tigard can feel dated, and the city may have a less distinct community identity compared to some other suburbs.
Explore
Dive Deeper
Key figures side by side — see which city wins each category at a glance.
Indianapolis
#64Indiana, USA
68.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,123
Avg Salary
$76,000
Cost Index
90
Commute
25 min
Transit Score
0.0/10
Walkability
31.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
0.33%
Unemployment
3.40%
Livability
74
Business
70
Tigard
#21Oregon, USA
72.0 / 100 overall
Avg Rent
$1,800
Avg Salary
$65,000
Cost Index
121
Commute
23 min
Transit Score
40.0/10
Walkability
70.0/10
Sunny Days
/yr
Avg Temp
°F
Pop. Growth
1.00%
Unemployment
4.20%
Livability
87
Business
68
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