($947+) Phoenix, AZ to Indianapolis, IN Movers
Moving from Phoenix, AZ, to Indianapolis, IN, runs anywhere from $947 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $10,123 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,697 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 4 to 15 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 $2,355, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $10,123 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,383 - $5,141, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $947 - $2,647.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Phoenix, AZ, to Indianapolis, IN. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,960 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 Phoenix, AZ to Indianapolis, IN
There are 3 main ways to move from Phoenix 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 $2,960 - $7,237. Moving containers run about 40% less than full-service for the same home size, while rental trucks come in around 64% less, though both put loading on your shoulders. Plan on 4 to 15 days for this 1,697-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 1,697-mile route from Phoenix to Indianapolis, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,355 - $5,366 | $1,383 - $2,768 | $947 - $1,896 | $1,362 - $2,344 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,960 - $7,237 | $1,786 - $3,796 | $1,067 - $2,164 | $1,489 - $3,129 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,531 - $10,123 | $2,513 - $5,141 | $1,413 - $2,647 | $2,031 - $3,948 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated October 30, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Phoenix, AZ to Indianapolis, IN
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 1,697-mile move from Phoenix, Arizona, to Indianapolis, Indiana, with costs ranging from $2,355 - $10,123. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $307 - $2,044. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Phoenix and Indianapolis. Local movers in Phoenix typically start around $140 as a base rate plus $85/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Phoenix to Indianapolis:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,355 - $5,366
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,960 - $7,237
- 4+ bedrooms: $5,531 - $10,123
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 Phoenix to Indianapolis.
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 Phoenix, AZ to Indianapolis, IN
Specialty needs vary by market: 66% of Phoenix movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Indianapolis, 59% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing79% of local movers | $511 - $5,110 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready66% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Camelback Moving | $204 - $1,226/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $307 - $2,453 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage13% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs53% of local movers | $1,022 - $3,066 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,555 - $10,220 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $765 - $1,454 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items26% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Budget Movers | $1,022 - $2,555 |
| Piano | Any piano type35% of local movers40% nationallyTop pick: Assurance Moving And Storage | $818 - $3,577 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling14% of local movers | $307 - $1,533 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect9% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Assurance Moving And Storage | $664 - $2,044 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $307 - $15,330+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $307 - $3,577+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Phoenix to Indianapolis?
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 customer support, and 30 days of free storage are included with every move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list, 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, combining fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national carriers are typically lower-priced than local moving companies in Phoenix, AZ. At that distance, local movers often charge 30% - 40% more because they don't spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments the way national carriers do. If a direct route and faster delivery (averaging 2 days) are priorities, a local mover may be worth considering, but that service comes at a higher price.
Moving container costs from Phoenix, AZ to Indianapolis, IN
Moving containers from Phoenix, Arizona, to Indianapolis, Indiana, cost between $1,383 and $5,141. 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 Phoenix typically costs about $90/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Phoenix to Indianapolis:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,383 - $2,768
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,786 - $3,796
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,513 - $5,141
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $77 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $153 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 $715 in Phoenix, AZ. 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 Arizona 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 $1,383. 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 $1,786 - $3,796.
What are the best moving containers Phoenix 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 Phoenix 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 Phoenix:
- Bellhop Moving (4.2/5), 15 years in business
- Aardvark Movers Inc (4.5/5), 23 years in business
- All My Sons Moving & Storage (4.6/5), 27 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Phoenix, AZ to Indianapolis, IN
Truck rentals from Phoenix, Arizona, to Indianapolis, Indiana, range from $947 - $2,647 for the 1,697-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- Fuel for the drive: $552 - $631
- Daily insurance: $31/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $20
- Phoenix daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.89
| 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 Phoenix to Indianapolis based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $947 - $1,896
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,067 - $2,164
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,413 - $2,647
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Phoenix to Indianapolis starts at $947 - $2,647, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($552 - $631), overnight lodging ($153/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate. Plan for roughly $600 - $1,200 more on top of fuel and lodging to cover meals, equipment, and other extras.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $552 - $631 for the 1,697-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 Phoenix, Arizona, for about 5 hours typically costs around $715.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 1,697-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $153 per night, adding $307 - $460 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $51 and $307.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Phoenix 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 Phoenix, AZ to Indianapolis, IN
If you're moving a larger household from Phoenix, Arizona, and want to stay in control of the loading process, freight trailers offer a practical middle ground between hiring movers and renting a truck yourself. A 28-foot trailer is delivered to your door, you load what you need, and the carrier handles the drive to Indianapolis, Indiana.
Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. A 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route typically falls between $1,489 and $3,129.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Phoenix to Indianapolis:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,362 - $2,344
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,489 - $3,129
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,031 - $3,948
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?
- 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 $77 - $153 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Phoenix, Arizona, for about five hours typically runs $715.
What are the best freight companies from Phoenix to Indianapolis?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the pick for best for large moves. The company is well-regarded as a top moving container option for its load-it-yourself, we-drive-it model, and that same model makes it a strong freight option for larger homes that benefit from the company's 53-foot trucks and footage-based pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Alongside their flagship container service, U-Pack provides a top-notch freight trailer option that follows the same model: no deposits, no upfront fees, and pricing based on the linear footage you actually use.
Pro tip: If speed matters on your move from Phoenix to Indianapolis, freight trailers are one of the fastest interstate options available, second only to renting a truck and driving it yourself. The tradeoff is that freight works best when you're ready to receive your belongings on the other end. If your timeline is tight on the receiving side or you need a short storage buffer, a moving container might be a better fit.
Cost of living: Phoenix, AZ vs Indianapolis, IN
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Indianapolis, side by side with Phoenix on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Phoenix, AZ | Indianapolis, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 113 | 86 |
| Average rent | $1,695/mo | $1,399/mo |
| Median home value | $380,294 | $205,828 |
| Average income | $77,041/yr | $62,995/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 6.6% | 5.6% |
| State income tax | Up to 2.5% | Up to 3.15% |
| Walkability score | 41/100 | 31/100 |
| Safety index | 46.94/100 | 39.29/100 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Indianapolis, IN to Phoenix, AZ guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Arizona 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 228 movers based in Arizona, handy for sizing up options on this 1,697-mile route.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from Phoenix, AZ, 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 $2,355 - $10,123 on the 1,697-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,383 - $5,141 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $947 - $2,647 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $2,960 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 Phoenix, AZ, to Indianapolis, IN
What is the best time of year to move from Phoenix, AZ 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 ($552 - $631), daily insurance ($31/day), and equipment rentals ($7 - $20) on top. Overnight stops can add another $153/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 41 and 56 in Phoenix. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
How much does it cost to move from Phoenix, AZ to Indianapolis, IN?
Costs on this route range from around $947 to $10,123, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,355 and $10,123, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.
What percentage of Phoenix movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 35% of movers in Phoenix handle piano moves, and 26% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 40% and 26% nationally.