($115+) Dayton, OH to Indianapolis, IN Movers
Moving from Dayton, OH, to Indianapolis, IN, runs anywhere from $115 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $4,159 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ 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 $613, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $4,159 or more.
- Moving containers run $688 - $2,006, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $115 - $226.
- 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 $1,110 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
Moving options from Dayton to Indianapolis fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $1,110 - $3,347 on this route, with movers handling all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 25% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 89% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This 116-mile route typically takes 1 to 2 days door to door.
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 | $613 - $2,741 | $688 - $1,120 | $115 - $187 | $632 - $998 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,110 - $3,347 | $830 - $1,508 | $117 - $202 | $692 - $1,193 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,551 - $4,159 | $1,120 - $2,006 | $145 - $226 | $860 - $1,483 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Dayton, OH to Indianapolis, IN
Full-service movers for the 116-mile relocation from Dayton, Ohio, to Indianapolis, Indiana, cost between $613 and $4,159. With a long-distance moving company, loading, transportation, and unloading are all taken care of. If you want to skip packing boxes, too, that can be added for $247 - $1,648, depending on your home size. What you pay in the end is mainly a function of how much your shipment weighs and how far it's traveling. As a point of reference, local movers in Dayton typically charge a base rate 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: $613 - $2,741
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,110 - $3,347
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,551 - $4,159
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.
Pro tip: Peak moving season (May - September) limits truck availability and pushes up full-service moving costs. Booking during slower months can give you more scheduling room and a lower final price.
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Specialty moving services from Dayton, OH to Indianapolis, IN
Specialty needs vary by market: 63% of Dayton movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Indianapolis, 57% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing71% of local movers | $412 - $4,120 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready63% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Lewis & Michael Moving & Storage, Inc. | $165 - $989/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $247 - $1,978 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage13% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs46% 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 items15% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: You Move Me | $824 - $2,060 |
| Piano | Any piano type39% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Lincoln Storage & Moving Inc | $659 - $2,884 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling3% of local movers | $247 - $1,236 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect18% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | $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 route. Flat-rate pricing means no surprise charges on moving day, and their support team is consistently rated among the most responsive in the industry.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
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 $1,154 - $3,480. 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.
Leaders Moving & Storage Co. (4.64/5 stars) is a local mover in Dayton, based on our analysis of feedback from 1,018 customers, 92.9% of which is positive.
Address: 10836 Kenwood Road, Blue Ash, OH, 45242 | Founded: 1994
Moving container costs from Dayton, OH to Indianapolis, IN
Moving containers from Dayton, Ohio, to Indianapolis, Indiana, cost between $688 and $2,006. The container gets dropped at your door and you load it at your own pace. U-Haul gives you 3 days to load and PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're done, the company handles all the transportation. If you need extra time, storage in Dayton runs about $60/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Dayton to Indianapolis:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $688 - $1,120
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $830 - $1,508
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,120 - $2,006
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Because loading is on you with a container move, hourly labor help is a popular add-on. In Dayton, OH, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $577, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: After the first month, ongoing rental fees kick in. A small container (7 - 8 feet) averages about $62 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $124 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Dayton, OH, and Indianapolis, IN, but confirm a facility is within reasonable distance if you need to retrieve items while in storage.
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection provides broader coverage than the standard liability in your contract. It typically costs 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on $50,000 worth of belongings.
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 $688. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $830 - $1,508.
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:
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.6/5), 25 years in business
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.9/5), 6 years in business
- You Move Me (4.9/5), 13 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Dayton, OH to Indianapolis, IN
Truck rentals from Dayton, Ohio, to Indianapolis, Indiana, range from $115 - $226 for the 116-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- 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: $115 - $187
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $117 - $202
- 4+ bedrooms: $145 - $226
Pro tip: The base rate of $115 - $226 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Dayton to Indianapolis. Fuel ($30 - $35), lodging at around $124/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that.
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 a good fit for medium-to-large moves where you need more space than a container but don't want to drive a rental truck from Dayton, Ohio, to Indianapolis, Indiana. The trailer is delivered to your address, you load it, and the carrier takes it the rest of the way.
Unlike truck rentals with flat rates, freight trailers scale with your shipment. Every additional section of trailer space you fill increases your total. A 2 - 3 bedroom long-distance move using this method runs roughly between $692 and $1,193.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Dayton to Indianapolis:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $632 - $998
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $692 - $1,193
- 4+ bedrooms: $860 - $1,483
Pro tip: Freight pricing rewards efficient packing. Trailers are 8 feet tall and accessed via a 4-foot ramp, so technique matters, especially for heavy pieces. Since each additional linear foot adds to your quote, packing strategically is one of the easiest ways to control costs.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Dayton, Ohio, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $577.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $62 - $124 per additional foot to your total.
- Time of year: Rates tend to climb during peak moving season (mid-May through mid-September) when trailer demand is at its highest.
What are the best freight companies from Dayton to Indianapolis?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Best known as a top moving container option thanks to its DIY hybrid model (you load, they drive), MovingYourself also doubles as a strong freight choice with their 53-foot trucks and pay-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. In addition to their well-known container service, U-Pack offers freight trailers that follow the same pay-by-the-foot model with no deposits or upfront fees, making them one of the most flexible freight options for budget-conscious moves.
Pro tip: One of the biggest advantages of freight trailers is speed. For an interstate move, freight delivery is one of the fastest options you have short of driving a rental truck yourself. It's a smart choice when your timeline is firm and you'll be ready to receive your shipment. If there's any chance your new place won't be ready or you need a few weeks of storage, a moving container with built-in storage may serve you better.
Cost of living: Dayton, OH vs Indianapolis, IN
Good news for your budget: Indianapolis isn't meaningfully more or less expensive to live in than Dayton. Cost of living index runs 86 there against 80 here. Focus your planning on the move itself rather than a change in monthly expenses. For reference, walkability and safety scores are 45/100 and 40.68/100 here versus 31/100 and 39.29/100 there.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Indianapolis, IN to Dayton, OH guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 real quotes from Ohio to Indiana over the past 3 months, giving us some of the most up-to-date pricing data around. Running your move through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. There are 282 movers in our Ohio network to compare for this 116-mile move.
Our take
A move from Dayton, OH, to Indianapolis, IN, gives you several options depending on your budget and how much you want to do yourself. Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most, ranging from $613 - $4,159 on the 116-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $688 - $2,006, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $115 - $226. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $1,110 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live 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
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 are the best neighborhoods in Indianapolis?
For families, Avon, Brownsburg, and Carmel are worth a look in Indianapolis. If you're moving solo or without kids, Broad Ripple Village, Fountain Square, and Mile Square tend to be popular picks instead.
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.
Is Indianapolis a safe place to live?
Indianapolis has a safety index of 39.29 out of 100 and a crime index of 60.71, compared to 40.68 and 4.0 in Dayton. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Dayton, OH to Indianapolis, IN?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.
What percentage of Dayton movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 39% of movers in Dayton handle piano moves, and 15% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.