I suppose statistically indoor cats live longer since they're exposed to fewer dangers: disease, foxes, cars etc. But all three of my cats have lived to 18 years plus, one's still going, and they have always had outdoor access.
Some breeds of cat are more suited to indoor life, or require it, due to either: their inherant natures; long hair (persian + dirt = problems) or pure value of the animal as a pedigree. However I think in virtually all cases cats are outdoor animals and will always have a higher quality of life with freedom to roam, even if that means being exposing them to more possible risk.
Cleanliness isn't much of an issue.... cats are pretty well the cleanest mammal you could ever hope to share a house with... and I include humans in that statement.
If you do decide to have an indoor only cat then please consider getting two of them, ideally sisters from the same litter, though brothers will often be ok too in the absense of any females. Cats have a reputation as solitary animals but they can also keep each other company quite well. There's a definite pride instinct left over in them. I don't believe anyone who doesnt spend most of the day at home should have a single indoor cat personally.
If you have only one cat indoors then you may freely expect your furniture to suffer as a consequence, they will shred everything, and most likely spray it too. Having two of them decreases this problem a fair bit, but perhaps not altogether.
Whatever you decide I would urge you to consider adopting a cat from the rspca or cats protection league and making a donation as a "payment"