Bakersfield, CA to Indianapolis, IN Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Bakersfield to Indianapolis typically costs $3,900–$8,500 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 2,082 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Bakersfield to Indianapolis
Moving from Bakersfield, CA to Indianapolis, IN typically costs $3,900–$8,500 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 2,082-mile move from Bakersfield to Indianapolis, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
Studio / 1 bedroom
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2-3 bedrooms
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4+ bedrooms
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Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- Mayzlin Relocation recently quoted $8,223 for a 5+ bedroom using professional movers.
- Roadway Moving recently quoted $3,879 for a 1 bedroom (large) using professional movers.
- PODS recently quoted $2,139 for a 1 bedroom (small) using a moving container.
5+ Bedrooms
Feb 06, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Jan 26, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Jan 20, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Jan 10, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Jan 05, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Jan 04, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Dec 09, 2025
2 Bedrooms
Dec 07, 2025
4 Bedrooms
Nov 27, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Nov 25, 2025
Key factors that influence moving costs from Bakersfield to Indianapolis
Your total cost will depend on:
- The size of your home: Smaller moves (like one-bedrooms) cost less, sometimes just $2,800, while larger moves (four-bedrooms) can hit $12,800.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Bakersfield, which means higher prices.
- The type of mover you choose: Renting a truck ($1,400–$3,800) saves money but adds work compared to hiring pros.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Indianapolis, IN to Bakersfield, CA guide.
Best Bakersfield to Indianapolis movers by type
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Local
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Bakersfield to Indianapolis
If you want to simplify your interstate move from Bakersfield to Indianapolis, consider hiring a full-service mover. These professionals will take care of everything, so you can prioritize settling into your new environment without the extra hassle.
Want a deeper breakdown of the top long-distance movers? See our best interstate movers guide.
- Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Best overall value
How we chose the best CA→IN movers
At moveBuddha, our specialists conducted a thorough evaluation of 372 California moving companies, identifying the leading ones by examining client satisfaction, reviews, and value.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Errors happen in moving. The best companies acknowledge them quickly and take real steps to resolve any problems for their customers.
- Industry reputation (15%): Within the moving field, the company has earned respect and regularly engages in conferences and trade groups.
- Online reputation (15%): The organization ensures its website is reliable and actively addresses online customer inquiries in a professional manner.
- Service options (10%): Top movers provide versatile offerings including packing, storage, special-item handling, and the option for faster delivery when needed.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Bakersfield to Indianapolis
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Indianapolis runs about 12% higher for singles and -4% higher for families than Bakersfield.
Singles spend around $2,804 in Indianapolis versus $2,493 in Bakersfield; families pay $6,667 compared with $6,940.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Bakersfield | Indianapolis | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,850 | $1,688 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,450 | $2,708 |
| Average home value | $389,732 | $220,467 |
| Average income (per capita) | $73,827 | $59,110 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,493 | $2,804 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $6,940 | $6,667 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 5.6% |
| Sales tax | 8.25% | 7.0% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 3.15% |
- If you're heading to Indianapolis from Bakersfield, you'll find that rent is roughly 17% cheaper, potentially boosting your monthly savings.
- Your budget can breathe easier with home prices being close to 43% less in Indianapolis than in Bakersfield.
- Consider checking your finances before the transition. The average income is approximately 20% lower in Indianapolis compared to Bakersfield.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Indianapolis, since the cost of living for a single person in Indianapolis is 12% higher than in Bakersfield. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family remains quite similar between Indianapolis and Bakersfield, with only a marginal difference of 5% or less, so your expenses should remain steady.
- The unemployment rates of Indianapolis and Bakersfield are very similar, with less than a 5% difference, thus maintaining a consistent employment landscape.
- Sales taxes drop 15% in Indianapolis compared to Bakersfield, providing a relief on your cost of living, especially for frequent shoppers.
- Income taxes are 76% less in Indiana than in California. With these lower tax rates, you can enjoy more take-home pay, simplifying your financial management.
Here’s a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between Bakersfield and Indianapolis:
| Living Expense | Bakersfield | Indianapolis |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $340.00 | $231.67 |
| Cell phone plan | $53.67 | $62.58 |
| Dozen eggs | $2.95 | $3.33 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.81 | $3.00 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $25.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $67.50 | $60.00 |
| Gym membership | $36.50 | $35.50 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Bakersfield than in Indianapolis.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Bakersfield than in Indianapolis.
- Eggs are less expensive in Bakersfield than in Indianapolis.
- Bread is more expensive in Bakersfield than in Indianapolis.
- The cost of a quick meal is about the same in both cities.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Bakersfield than in Indianapolis.
- Gym memberships cost more in Bakersfield than in Indianapolis.
How life is different in Bakersfield vs. Indianapolis
| Bakersfield | Indianapolis | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 909,235 | 887,642 |
| Transportation score | 4 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 37 | 31 |
| Bike friendliness score | 44 | 43 |
| Crime index | 58.49 | 60.71 |
| Safety index | 41.51 | 39.29 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Indianapolis's population is within about 5% of Bakersfield, so they’re very similar in size.
- Indianapolis's public transportation score of 5 out of 10 is higher than Bakersfield's score of 4.
- Indianapolis is less walkable than Bakersfield with a score of 31 out of 100 vs Bakersfield's 37 out of 100.
- Both Indianapolis and Bakersfield have similar bike-friendliness scores (44 vs 43), meaning Indianapolis is about as safe for cyclists as Bakersfield. Typically, cities with scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though higher scores mean better cycling accessibility.
- Indianapolis and Bakersfield have a similar crime rate with scores of 60.71 and 58.49, respectively.
- Indianapolis and Bakersfield have a similar safety level, with scores of 39.29 and 41.51.
- Air quality in Indianapolis is Good, and in Bakersfield it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Bakersfield to Indianapolis move
- HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
- 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. Always verify licensing details before committing to a mover.
- State regulator: You can verify a Indiana moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Indiana doesn't require moving permits, but it's still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly to Indianapolis. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. 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: Follow our moving checklist to keep your move organized and stress-free.
Where to live in Indianapolis
Now that you've decided to make the move to Amateur Sports Capital of the World, these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Indianapolis.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Broad Ripple Village
- Fountain Square
- Mile Square
- Meridian-Kessler
- Old Northside
Best neighborhoods for families
- Avon
- Brownsburg
- Carmel
- Fishers
- Westfield
Things to do in Indianapolis
Once you're settled into your new home in Indiana, it's time to get out and discover what Indianapolis has to offer. No matter your interests, there's something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: You'll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Indianapolis, such as the Children's Museum of Indianapolis, Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, Indianapolis Museum of Art, and The Eiteljorg Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Eagle Creek Park, White River State Park, Broad Ripple Park, and Krannert Park — and more — offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
- Sports: Sports fans can join the excitement by supporting local favorites at an Indianapolis Colts (NFL)Indianapolis Pacers (NBA)Indianapolis Fever (WNBA) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Bakersfield to Indianapolis?
The best time to move from Bakersfield to Indianapolis is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Bakersfield.
When is the cheapest time to move from Bakersfield to Indianapolis?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Bakersfield to Indianapolis, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.
How long does a move from Bakersfield to Indianapolis take?
Moving from Bakersfield, CA to Indianapolis, IN covers 2,082 miles and usually takes six to 17 days. Need to move faster? Some Bakersfield movers offer expedited options. If you're not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Indianapolis.
Who can move pianos or antiques in Bakersfield?
Specialty items need extra care and the right equipment. 2 movers in Bakersfield advertise piano moving expertise. 1 movers in Bakersfield provide antique moving services. State totals show 298 piano movers and 229 antique movers, with nationwide availability at 2,296 and 1,463.
Book early if you need these services — demand can outpace supply during busy moving seasons.
