($1,146) Cost to Move From Des Moines, IA to Indianapolis, IN

1. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.48 out of 5 stars
2. All Mighty Movers LLC: 4.38 out of 5 stars
3. College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.38 out of 5 stars
4. Black Belt Movers: 4.38 out of 5 stars
5. Adamantine Spine Moving: 4.36 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from Des Moines to Indianapolis

If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Des Moines to Indianapolis, you can expect to spend between $1,146 and $2,975. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $1,950 to $5,081 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Des Moines to Indianapolis typically runs between $3,550 and $7,966.

Cost of moving containers from Des Moines to Indianapolis

When moving from Des Moines to Indianapolis, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $657 and $1,516. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $1,245 to $2,243. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $1,609 up to $2,791. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.

Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from Iowa.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Des Moines to Indianapolis

Renting a moving truck in Des Moines is usually your cheapest option to get to Indianapolis. Just keep in mind that you’ll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.

If you’re moving out of a studio or one-bedroom and renting a truck, plan to spend between $409 and $757. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $415 and $889. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $538 and $1,092.

These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.

• As you consider relocating to Indianapolis, note that rent can be roughly 22% more expensive than it is in Des Moines; adjust your financial plans to accommodate this change.
• Be sure to budget for a higher monthly mortgage payment, as home prices are about 15% higher in Indianapolis than in Des Moines.
• The average income in Indianapolis and Des Moines is quite similar, within about 5%, so your finances should remain fairly stable.
• Plan for higher expenses in Indianapolis, since the cost of living for a single person is 48% more than in Des Moines. This encompasses usual costs like utilities, groceries, apparel, and transit.
• If your journey leads to Indianapolis, be prepared for higher living expenditures. The cost of living for a family in Indianapolis is 52% more than it is in Des Moines.
• Both Indianapolis and Des Moines present nearly identical unemployment rates, within a 5% range, signifying stability in employment conditions.
• Sales taxes are similar in Indianapolis and Des Moines (within about 5%), meaning this is one less financial adjustment to worry about on your move.
• Income taxes are 28% lower in Indiana compared to Iowa. With these reduced income tax rates, your paycheck will reflect more of your earnings, allowing you greater freedom in managing your finances.

• Indianapolis’s population is about 27% greater than Des Moines.
• Indianapolis’s public transportation score is within about 5% of Des Moines, making them very similar.
• Indianapolis is less walkable than Des Moines with a score of 31 out of 100 vs Des Moines’s 45 out of 100.
• With a score of 43 out of 100, Indianapolis is more bike-friendly than Des Moines, which has a score of 39 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
• Indianapolis’s crime rate is higher than Des Moines with a score of 60.71 compared to Des Moines’s 5.0. This means that Indianapolis neighborhoods are safer than 60.71% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0%.
• Indianapolis is considered to be less safe than Des Moines with a score of 39.29 vs Des Moines’s 57.8.
• Air quality in Indianapolis is Good, and in Des Moines it’s Good.

• HOA rules: It’s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
• Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving day.
• Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
• State licensing: The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) regulate movers operating within Indiana and issue moving companies Indiana Households Goods Carriers Numbers. Check to make sure prospective movers have one and that it’s up to date. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
• State regulator: You can verify a Indiana moving company’s license by visiting the state’s public utilities commission.
• Moving Permits: While Indiana doesn’t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
• Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches Indianapolis smoothly. Start the process here.
• Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. Opt for Released Value Protection – a budget-friendly choice with no extra cost from movers, though coverage is limited to 60 cents per pound. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, reimbursement is just $15. To ensure coverage for your items’ full value, discuss alternative options with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance providers.
• Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.

Best neighborhoods for singles

• Broad Ripple Village
• Fountain Square
• Mile Square
• Meridian-Kessler
• Old Northside

Best neighborhoods for families

• Avon
• Brownsburg
• Carmel
• Fishers
• Westfield

Things to do in Indianapolis

After getting comfortable in your new Indiana home, it’s time to see what Indianapolis is all about. Whether you’re into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there’s plenty to check out:

• Arts and culture: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, Indianapolis offers cultural landmarks like the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, Indianapolis Museum of Art, and The Eiteljorg Museum.
• Outdoor recreation: The city’s Eagle Creek Park, White River State Park, Broad Ripple Park, and Krannert Park — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
• Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Indianapolis Colts (NFL)Indianapolis Pacers (NBA)Indianapolis Fever (WNBA) game.