($125+) Dayton, OH to Indianapolis, IN Movers
Moving from Dayton, OH, to Indianapolis, IN, runs anywhere from $125 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $4,409 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 116 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 2 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
- Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $682, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $4,409 or more.
- Moving containers run $694 - $2,026, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $125 - $257.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Dayton, OH, to Indianapolis, IN. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,212 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Dayton, OH to Indianapolis, IN
There are 3 main ways to move from Dayton to Indianapolis: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service is the most expensive but covers everything from labor to transportation, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route averaging $1,212 - $3,409. Containers cost roughly 30% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 60% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 116 miles, expect 1 to 2 days in transit no matter which service you choose.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 116-mile route from Dayton to Indianapolis, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $682 - $2,818 | $694 - $1,273 | $125 - $193 | $637 - $1,135 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,212 - $3,409 | $935 - $1,665 | $127 - $215 | $734 - $1,278 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,562 - $4,409 | $1,235 - $2,026 | $160 - $257 | $912 - $1,686 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Dayton, OH to Indianapolis, IN
For the 116-mile move from Dayton, Ohio, to Indianapolis, Indiana, full-service movers cost between $682 and $4,409. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $247 - $1,648 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost. For scale, local movers in Dayton generally start around $330 plus $140 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Dayton to Indianapolis:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $682 - $2,818
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,212 - $3,409
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,562 - $4,409
Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from Dayton to Indianapolis.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Ohio to Indiana. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: The summer months (May - September) are the busiest time of year for movers during peak moving season, which drives up prices and limits scheduling options. If you can move in the fall or winter, you'll likely find better rates and more flexibility.
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Specialty moving services from Dayton, OH to Indianapolis, IN
Specialty needs vary by market — 88% of Dayton movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Indianapolis, 81% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $412 - $4,120 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready88% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: American Way Van & Storage | $165 - $989/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $247 - $1,978 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage6% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs38% of local movers | $824 - $2,472 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,060 - $8,240 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $617 - $1,173 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items25% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: American Way Van & Storage | $824 - $2,060 |
| Piano | Any piano type44% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: American Way Van & Storage | $659 - $2,884 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling13% of local movers | $247 - $1,236 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect22% nationallyTop pick: | $536 - $1,648 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $247 - $12,360+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $247 - $2,884+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Dayton to Indianapolis?
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list, with flat-rate pricing that holds firm on moving day and a customer support team available around the clock.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here. With 30+ years of interstate moves behind them, AVL uses full-time in-house crews instead of the contracted labor most national carriers rely on.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan available on every long-distance move.
How much do local movers cost in Dayton, OH?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Dayton to Indianapolis with a local mover averages $1,212 - $3,409. For moves under 500 miles, local movers in Dayton, OH can be a smart choice. Many use hourly pricing models that may reduce your total compared to what a national carrier would charge, and tighter coverage areas often mean faster turnaround and more hands-on communication.
That said, licensing requirements still apply. Make sure any company you're considering is properly licensed for interstate moves for the route you need.
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.62/5 stars) is a local mover in Dayton, based on our analysis of feedback from 247 customers, 87.4% of which is positive.
Address: 11807 Reading Road, Cincinnati, OH, 45241 | Founded: 2004
Moving container costs from Dayton, OH to Indianapolis, IN
Moving containers from Dayton, Ohio, to Indianapolis, Indiana, cost between $694 and $2,026. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place. Need more time first? Storage in Dayton typically costs about $60/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Dayton to Indianapolis:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $694 - $1,273
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $935 - $1,665
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,235 - $2,026
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $62 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $124 per month.
- Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in Indianapolis, IN, if you need to retrieve anything while items are still in storage.
- Moving labor: Since you're responsible for loading the container yourself, many customers bring in hourly help. Based on moveBuddha data, hiring 2 movers for approximately 5 hours costs about $577 in Dayton, OH. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection goes beyond the standard minimum and covers repair, replacement, or reimbursement at declared value. Pricing is typically 1% - 2% of your total shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 move.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Ohio to Indiana move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.
Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $694. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $935 - $1,665, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Dayton to Indianapolis?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)
Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in Dayton to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in Dayton:
- Lincoln Storage & Moving Inc (3.9/5), 110 years in business
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.6/5), 25 years in business
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.9/5), 6 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Dayton, OH to Indianapolis, IN
Plan on $125 - $257 for a rental moving truck on the 116-mile route from Dayton, Ohio, to Indianapolis, Indiana. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $30 - $35
- Daily insurance: $25/day
- Equipment rentals: $6 - $16
- Dayton daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.99
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Dayton to Indianapolis based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $125 - $193
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $127 - $215
- 4+ bedrooms: $160 - $257
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Dayton to Indianapolis starts at $125 - $257, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($30 - $35) , overnight lodging ($124/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate. Plan for an additional $600 - $1,200 on top of your base rate to cover those costs.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Dayton, Ohio, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $577.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $30 - $35 for the 116-mile drive, depending on whether your truck takes gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, auto transport trailers, and furniture pads are separate rentals. Expect to spend between $49 and $268, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $124 per night for hotel stops on the 116-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $247 - $371.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Dayton to Indianapolis?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)
The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.
Freight trailer costs from Dayton, OH to Indianapolis, IN
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Dayton, Ohio, to Indianapolis, Indiana, when you want to do the loading yourself without having to drive a massive vehicle. The trailer is delivered, you pack it up, and the carrier handles the long haul.
What sets freight trailers apart is the pay-for-what-you-use pricing model. Each additional foot of trailer space you occupy adds to the cost. Overall pricing for a move of this size and distance typically lands around $734 and $1,278.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Dayton to Indianapolis:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $637 - $1,135
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $734 - $1,278
- 4+ bedrooms: $912 - $1,686
Pro tip: Freight trailers offer generous space but reward good packing strategy. The 4-foot ramp can be challenging for large or heavy pieces, and using the full 8-foot height takes careful stacking. Because you're billed by the linear foot, maximizing vertical space keeps your costs lower.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Demand cycles: Trailer costs climb during peak moving season, especially from mid-May through mid-September when demand is at its highest.
- More space: You're billed only for the linear feet you use, but underestimating your inventory means paying for extra space, typically around $62 - $124 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Dayton, Ohio, for about five hours typically runs $577.
What are the best freight companies from Dayton to Indianapolis?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Primarily known as a top moving container option for its DIY hybrid model where customers load and the company drives, MovingYourself also functions as a strong freight option thanks to its 53-foot trucks and pay-only-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. Best known for its container service, U-Pack also runs a top-notch freight trailer operation with the same no-deposit, pay-by-the-foot approach that keeps overall costs lower than most freight competitors.
- ACE Doran Hauling & Rigging Co (4.88/5 stars): ACE Doran Hauling & Rigging Co is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned facilities and accessible live support staff make scheduling and route coordination easier on local-area routes than what most national freight providers can offer.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Indianapolis fast. For interstate moves, freight is one of the quickest delivery methods out there. Just keep in mind that freight carriers expect you to be available to receive your shipment, so it works best when your move-in is locked in and you don't need temporary storage on either end.
Cost of living: Dayton, OH vs Indianapolis, IN
There's not a big cost-of-living gap between Dayton and Indianapolis to plan around. Cost of living index: 80 vs. 86. Average rent: $925/mo vs. $1,399/mo. The bigger factor in your budget is the one-time cost of the move itself, covered above. Walkability: 45 vs. 31. Safety index: 40.68 vs. 39.29.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Indianapolis, IN to Dayton, OH guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Ohio to Indiana in the past 3 months alone, keeping our pricing data current. Run your numbers through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. For context, we track 103 movers based in Ohio, handy for sizing up options on this 116-mile route.
Our take
The 116-mile move from Dayton, OH, to Indianapolis, IN, costs between $682 and $4,409 with full-service movers, $694 - $2,026 with a moving container, and $125 - $257 for a rental truck. Your budget and how much heavy lifting you want to do are the two biggest factors in choosing the right option. If you go with full-service movers, Safeway Moving is our top recommendation, with transparent flat-rate pricing starting around $1,212 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Anthem and Eli Lilly and Company.
FAQs: Moving from Dayton, OH, to Indianapolis, IN
What size moving truck do I need for this route?
Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 3 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
What is the best time of year to move from Dayton, OH to Indianapolis, IN?
Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
How do I know a mover is licensed in Indiana?
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.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($30 - $35), daily insurance ($25/day), and equipment rentals ($6 - $16) on top. Overnight stops can add another $124/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How walkable is Indianapolis?
Indianapolis has a walkability score of 31 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 43, compared to 45 and 47 in Dayton. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What percentage of Dayton movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 44% of movers in Dayton handle piano moves, and 25% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
