Best Movers From California to Indiana (2025 Cost Data)
When planning a move from California to Indiana, professional movers typically run between
$3,305 and $6,881, a moving container averages about
$3,294, and a rental truck is around
$2,109.
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Let’s get moving.
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$1,294 — $6,881 Top local mover
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$1,294 — $10,974 Top long-distance mover
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$1,148 — $5,720 Top container company
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$1,248 — $3,379 Top truck rental
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$61 — $81/hour Top labor-only mover
Best movers by type
Professional
|
Local
|
Container
|
Rental Truck
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from California to Indiana
After analyzing 3,180 movers, the moveBuddha team determined that 2,641 (83%) offer interstate services. Using our thorough rating methodology, our moving experts narrowed the field to the top providers equipped to handle your move from California to Indiana.
Best overall value
Estimated cost to move from California to Indiana
Studio / 1 bedroom
|
2 – 3 bedrooms
|
4+ bedrooms
|
3 Bedrooms
Nov 24, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Nov 14, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Nov 13, 2025
2 Bedrooms
Nov 12, 2025
Studio apartment
Oct 05, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Oct 05, 2025
1 Bedroom (small)
Sep 28, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Sep 12, 2025
1 Bedroom (small)
Sep 08, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Sep 07, 2025
FAQ
How much does it cost to move from California to Indiana?
Here are average cost ranges by home size and service type:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,294 – $5,086 | $1,148 – $2,878 | $1,248 – $2,435 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $3,305 – $6,881 | $2,190 – $4,399 | $1,405 – $2,814 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,143 – $10,974 | $2,979 – $5,720 | $1,656 – $3,379 |
How much does it cost to hire movers (a moving company) for this route?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $1,294 – $5,086
- 2–3 bedrooms: $3,305 – $6,881
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,143 – $10,974
How much do moving containers cost from California to Indiana?
- Small move: $1,148 – $2,878
- 2–3 bedrooms: $2,190 – $4,399
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,979 – $5,720
Learn more about PODS cost.
How much does a rental truck cost for this move?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $1,248 – $2,435
- 2–3 bedrooms: $1,405 – $2,814
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,656 – $3,379
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Which option is usually the cheapest?
A rental truck is generally the cheapest option — but you’ll handle the driving and labor yourself.
Why are these prices ranges (not exact quotes)?
These are approximate estimates for a 2,273-mile move from CA to IN using moveBuddha pricing data as of Dec 17, 2025.
Final costs can vary based on move size, add-on services, parking/access challenges, fuel rates, and scheduling.
How do I get the most accurate price for my exact move?
Compare quotes from multiple movers to dial in a precise number.
What “extra costs” should I plan for after moving from CA to IN?
Beyond the moving bill, your day-to-day budget can change — especially housing and taxes. Here’s a quick side-by-side:
| California | Indiana | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,856 | $844 |
| Average home cost | $771,057 | $228,879 |
| Average income (per capita) | $91,905 | $67,173 |
| Cost of living index | 134 | 91 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.4% | 3.6% |
| Average sales tax | 8.68% | 7.0% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 3.15% |
Will rent be more expensive in Indiana?
Rent is about 55% lower in Indiana than in California.
Avg rent: $1,856 vs. $844
How do home prices compare (if I’m buying after the move)?
Home prices are about 70% lower in Indiana than in California.
Avg home value: $771,057 vs. $228,879
Will my earning power likely change after moving?
Average income is about 27% lower in Indiana than in California.
Avg income (per capita): $91,905 vs. $67,173
Is the overall cost of living higher in Indiana?
The cost of living is 32% lower in Indiana than in California.
Cost of living index: 134 vs. 91
Will sales tax increase my everyday spending?
Sales tax is about 19% lower in Indiana than in California.
Avg sales tax: 8.68% vs. 7.0%
Will state income tax change my take-home pay?
Income taxes are 76% lower in Indiana than in California.
State income tax: 13.3% vs. 3.15%
How is daily life different in Indiana compared to California?
Starting fresh means adjusting to more than logistics — climate, crime, and culture shape the experience.
| Indiana | California | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 6,833,037 | 39,029,342 |
| Political leaning | Republican 57-41 | Democratic 59-41 |
| Summer high | 85ºF | 87ºF |
| Winter low | 19ºF | 59ºF |
| Annual rain | 43″ | 22″ |
| Annual snow | 22″ | 7″ |
| Crime index | 19.72 | 28.43 |
Will Indiana feel more crowded than California?
Indiana is about 82% less populous than California — which can mean more space and a slower pace.
Will the political culture feel different?
In the last presidential election, Indiana voted Republican while California voted Democratic.
How different is the weather (summer and winter)?
Summer: Highs are very similar (85°F vs. 87°F).
Winter: Indiana is colder on average (19°F vs. 59°F).
Will it be wetter or snowier in Indiana?
Rain: Indiana gets more rain (43″ vs. 22″).
Snow: Indiana gets more snow (22 inches vs. 7 inches).
Is Indiana safer than California?
Indiana has a lower crime index than California (19.72 vs. 28.43), which can mean more peace of mind overall.
What are some things to do in Indiana?
Museums in Indiana
- Children’s Museum of Indianapolis
- Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum
- Indianapolis Museum of Art
- French Lick West Baden Museum
- USS LST Ship Memorial
Parks in Indiana
- Brown County State Park
- Washington Park
- Forest Park
- Indiana Dunes State Park
- We Care Park
Sports teams in Indiana
- Fort Wayne Mad Ants (NBA G League)
- Indiana Fever (WNBA)
- Indianapolis Colts (NFL)
- Indiana Pacers (NBA)
- Notre Dame Fighting Irish (NCAA)
Universities in Indiana
- Purdue University
- Indiana University Bloomington
- University of Notre Dame
- Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis
- Ball State University
What other things should I plan for besides the move itself?
Other things to consider for your California to Indiana move
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: A key task to tackle early is booking your building’s elevator and checking out the rules for using it on moving day.
- Parking permits: Some cities require a parking permit for moving trucks, so be sure to check your new local rules before moving day to avoid any surprises.
- 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. Before you book, double-check that your moving company is properly licensed.
- State regulator: Easily verify the status of a Indiana moving license anytime on the official state regulator’s website, here.
- Moving permits: Indiana does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
- Change of address: Submit your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. Get started here.
- Mover’s insurance: Federal law requires interstate moving companies to provide basic insurance for free. 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: Keep moving day simple with our easy-to-use moving checklist.
Do I need to follow HOA or building rules on moving day?
Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
Should I reserve an elevator for moving day?
A key task to tackle early is booking your building’s elevator.
Do I need a parking permit for a moving truck in Indiana?
Some cities require a parking permit for moving trucks.
How can I confirm a mover is properly 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.
You can verify licensing on the state regulator’s official site: check a Indiana moving license here.
Do I need a moving permit in Indiana?
Indiana does not require any moving permits.
What should I do about mail forwarding, insurance, and potential discounts?
Submit your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. Get started here.
Federal law requires basic insurance for interstate moves. 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.
Some movers in California offer discounts: 7 AAA discounts; 7 military discounts; 7 senior discounts; 2 student discounts; 2 educator discounts; 4 law enforcement discounts.
Discount types, amounts, and eligibility vary.
Keep moving day simple with our moving checklist.
Helpful moving resources
California moving services
Popular California routes
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