($270+) St. Louis, MO to Indianapolis, IN Movers
Moving from St. Louis, MO, to Indianapolis, IN, runs anywhere from $270 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $5,251 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 242 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 $937, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $5,251 or more.
- Moving containers run $804 - $2,391, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $270 - $667.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from St. Louis, MO, to Indianapolis, IN. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,423 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 St. Louis, MO to Indianapolis, IN
There are 3 main ways to move from St. Louis to Indianapolis: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service handles labor and transportation for you, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route costing $1,423 - $4,419. Moving containers run about 25% less than full-service for the same home size, while rental trucks come in around 79% less, though both put loading on your shoulders. Plan on 1 to 2 days for this 242-mile route, depending on which option you go with.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 242-mile route from St. Louis to Indianapolis, broken down by home size:
- Studio / 1 bedroom: full-service $937 - $3,301, container $804 - $1,483, rental truck $270 - $494, freight trailer $716 - $1,334.
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: full-service $1,423 - $4,419, container $1,068 - $1,897, rental truck $295 - $614, freight trailer $871 - $1,549.
- 4+ bedrooms: full-service $1,961 - $5,251, container $1,323 - $2,391, rental truck $361 - $667, freight trailer $1,092 - $1,973.
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 St. Louis, MO to Indianapolis, IN
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 242-mile move from St. Louis, Missouri, to Indianapolis, Indiana, with costs ranging from $937 - $5,251. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $254 - $1,696. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between St. Louis and Indianapolis. Local movers in St. Louis typically start around $247 as a base rate plus $145/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from St. Louis to Indianapolis:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $937 - $3,301
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,423 - $4,419
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,961 - $5,251
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 St. Louis to Indianapolis.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Missouri to Indiana. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Avoiding peak moving season dates (May - September) is one of the easiest ways to reduce costs. Off-season moves typically come with lower pricing and more room to negotiate since movers have fewer bookings.
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Specialty moving services from St. Louis, MO to Indianapolis, IN
Specialty needs vary by market: 68% of St. Louis 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 | $424 - $4,240 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready68% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage | $170 - $1,018/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $254 - $2,035 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage13% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs67% of local movers | $848 - $2,544 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,120 - $8,480 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $635 - $1,207 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items31% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: McGuire Moving and Storage | $848 - $2,120 |
| Piano | Any piano type52% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage | $678 - $2,968 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling16% of local movers | $254 - $1,272 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect22% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: ABC Quality Moving & Storage | $551 - $1,696 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $254 - $12,720+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $254 - $2,968+ |
What are the best full-service movers from St. Louis to Indianapolis?
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving offers the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing locks in your cost upfront, and 24/7 customer support is available throughout the move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. Operating since 1995, AVL staffs every move with full-time in-house crews trained on antiques, art, and other high-value items.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. As one of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, real-time shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan.
How much do local movers cost in St. Louis, MO?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from St. Louis to Indianapolis with a local mover averages $1,437 - $4,463. For moves under 500 miles, local moving companies in St. Louis, MO can be a practical and cost-effective alternative to national carriers. Many price shorter moves using hourly or regional rates that may come in lower overall, with leaner operations and tighter service areas often translating to more flexible scheduling and a more personalized experience.
Keep in mind that not every local mover is authorized for moves that cross city or state lines. Always confirm interstate licensing and proper insurance before booking.
ABC Quality Moving & Storage (4.72/5 stars) is a local mover in St. Louis, based on our analysis of feedback from 273 customers, 83.5% of which is positive.
Address: 3050 Armona Dr, St. Louis, MO, 63129 | Founded: 1989
Moving container costs from St. Louis, MO to Indianapolis, IN
Moving containers from St. Louis, Missouri, to Indianapolis, Indiana, cost between $804 and $2,391. A container is delivered to your home and you load it on your own time. Loading windows vary by company: U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30. From there, the company takes over and transports it to Indianapolis. If you go over that window, storage in St. Louis adds around $90/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from St. Louis to Indianapolis:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $804 - $1,483
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,068 - $1,897
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,323 - $2,391
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $64 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $127 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 $594 in St. Louis, MO. 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 Missouri 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 $804. 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 $1,068 - $1,897.
What are the best moving containers St. Louis 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 St. Louis 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 St. Louis:
- Simple Moves (4.7/5), 25 years in business
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.8/5), 32 years in business
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.9/5), 14 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from St. Louis, MO to Indianapolis, IN
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 242 miles from St. Louis, Missouri, to Indianapolis, Indiana, running $270 - $667. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $65 - $75
- Daily insurance: $25/day
- Equipment rentals: $6 - $17
- St. Louis 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 St. Louis to Indianapolis based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $270 - $494
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $295 - $614
- 4+ bedrooms: $361 - $667
Pro tip: The base rate of $270 - $667 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from St. Louis to Indianapolis. Fuel ($65 - $75), lodging at around $127/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $65 - $75 for the 242-mile drive, depending on whether your rental truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: You'll handle the heavy lifting unless you bring in help. Two movers in St. Louis, Missouri, for about 5 hours typically costs around $594.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 242-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $127 per night, adding $254 - $382 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $42 and $254.
What are the best moving truck rentals from St. Louis 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 St. Louis, MO 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 St. Louis, Missouri, 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 $871 and $1,549.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from St. Louis to Indianapolis:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $716 - $1,334
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $871 - $1,549
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,092 - $1,973
Pro tip: Freight trailers come with a 4-foot loading ramp, which can be a challenge with bulky furniture. With 8 feet of vertical space available, stacking efficiently often requires a ladder and a plan. Since you're billed per linear foot, packing tight can make a real difference in your final cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight pricing is based on exactly how much of the trailer you fill. If your items take up more than expected, the added footage can increase your cost by between $64 and $127.
- Peak season impact: Moving during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) often means higher trailer rates as demand increases across the board.
- Moving labor: Unless you plan to load everything yourself, factor in labor costs. Two movers in St. Louis, Missouri, for roughly five hours typically average $594.
What are the best freight companies from St. Louis to Indianapolis?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the best for large moves pick. While it's a top moving container option for the DIY hybrid setup (you handle the loading, they handle the driving), the same approach makes it a strong freight choice for 3 to 5+ bedroom homes that need 53 feet of trailer capacity with pay-as-you-go pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer here. In addition to their popular container service, U-Pack delivers a top-tier freight trailer option that uses the same pay-by-the-foot pricing model and skips deposits and upfront fees entirely.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are one of the fastest ways to move your belongings interstate, often beating full-service movers on delivery time. If getting your stuff to Indianapolis quickly is a priority, freight is worth a hard look. That said, freight carriers typically require you to be available to receive your shipment within a set window, so if you need short-term storage or your new place won't be ready right away, a container or full-service mover may give you more flexibility.
Cost of living: St. Louis, MO vs Indianapolis, IN
Good news for your budget: Indianapolis isn't meaningfully more or less expensive to live in than St. Louis. Cost of living index runs 86 there against 84 here. Focus your planning on the move itself rather than a change in monthly expenses. For reference, walkability and safety scores are 66/100 and 30.35/100 here versus 31/100 and 39.29/100 there.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Indianapolis, IN to St. Louis, MO guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Missouri 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 138 movers based in Missouri, handy for sizing up options on this 242-mile route.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from St. Louis, MO, to Indianapolis, IN, comes down to your budget and how much time and work you're able to put into it. Hands-off relocations handled by full-service movers range from $937 - $5,251 on the 242-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $804 - $2,391 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $270 - $667 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $1,423 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and 24/7 live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Anthem and Eli Lilly and Company.
FAQs: Moving from St. Louis, MO, 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 4 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
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 30.35 and 69.65 in St. Louis. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What is the cheapest way to move from St. Louis, MO to Indianapolis, IN?
Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $295 - $614. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
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 long does a move from St. Louis, MO to Indianapolis, IN take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 1 to 2 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are often one of the faster options outside of driving yourself, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.
What percentage of St. Louis movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 52% of movers in St. Louis handle piano moves, and 31% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.