Moving from San Diego, CA to Indianapolis, IN: Movers and Cost

Sergio Ocampo

Last Updated: Mar 1, 2023 · 5 min read

Quick Answer: The cost to move from San Diego, CA to Indianapolis, IN averages from $1,328 to $7,546 depending on how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself. Hiring movers will be on the more expensive side. Renting a truck or renting a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.

In this article, we’ll lay out everything you need to know for your upcoming move to Indianapolis, IN. But first, here are a few resources if you need immediate answers:

Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Moving from Indianapolis to San Diego guide.

• Best San Diego to Indianapolis movers: We’ve handpicked the best moving companies from San Diego to Indianapolis.
• How much will your move cost?: Use our moving calculator to get a more accurate estimate on moving costs.
• Consider moving containers: Need a more budget-friendly option? With these companies, you load and they drive! These are the best moving container companies.
• San Diego to Indianapolis car shippers: Moving your car? Here's a list of our top car shipping companies.

Moving 2,051 miles is no joke. Here's what you need to know.

How much does it cost to move from San Diego to Indianapolis?

Here are average prices to hire a moving company, rent a moving container, or rent a moving truck:

*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 2,051 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect the final cost of your move.

The cost to move from San Diego to Indianapolis will depend on:

• Move size: 5 bedroom homes are more expensive to move than 1 bedroom apartments.
• Time of year: Summer is busy season so moving companies charge more.
• Do-it-yourself vs Professional Mover: DIY moving services are usually cheaper but involve more work and stress.

Who Are The Best San Diego to Indianapolis Movers?

Hiring a moving company is a big deal.

We’ve researched over 500 interstate moving companies, cross-referencing verified customer reviews, license data, insurance data, and federal complaint records to find you the best long distance moving companies in the industry.

If you’re moving a 1 bedroom apartment worth of stuff or more, these are the best full service moving companies.

Company	Quote	Rating	Price
Safeway Moving Best Overall Value	Get A Quote	4.5 overall rating
American Van Lines Best industry reputation	Get A Quote	4.5 overall rating
International Van Lines Best customer service	Get A Quote	4.45 overall rating

If you’re just trying to ship a few items, here’s a list of our recommended services for small moves.

How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from San Diego to Indianapolis?

To ship furniture from San Diego to Indianapolis with a mover will cost between $1,300 to $5,051. The cost to move a 2 to 3 bedroom home will range from $3,487 to $7,546, and a 4-bedroom move or bigger move from San Diego to Indianapolis will cost from $6,536 to $11,339.

How much are moving container companies from San Diego to Indianapolis?

Moving containers from San Diego to Indianapolis will cost you $1,220 to $3,020 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a 2 to 3 bedroom move, moving containers can cost $2,171 to $4,472. A larger home will cost $2,976 to $6,038.

How much is a moving truck from San Diego to Indianapolis?

Renting a moving truck is usually the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor; these estimates include the estimated fuel cost:

Moving a studio or 1-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $1,227 to $2,367. A larger move will cost $1,328 to $2,818, and a 4+ bedroom move from San Diego to Indianapolis costs from $1,676 to $3,451.

How to ship a car from San Diego to Indianapolis?

If you're moving from San Diego to Indianapolis and need to transport your car, finding a reliable car shipping company is crucial. Look for top-rated San Diego to Indianapolis car shippers and compare quotes and services to find the best fit for your needs and budget. Keep in mind that the type of transport you choose and the size of your vehicle will affect the cost.

Is moving from San Diego, CA to Indianapolis, IN a good idea?

Cost of Living: San Diego vs Indianapolis

• Rent Prices in Indianapolis, IN are 59% lower than in San Diego, CA.
• Home Prices in Indianapolis, IN are 77.4% lower than in San Diego, CA.
• Income in Indianapolis, IN is 25.9% lower than in San Diego, CA.
• Cost of Living for a single person in Indianapolis, IN is 13.2% lower than in San Diego, CA.
• Cost of Living for a family in Indianapolis, IN is 14.8% lower than in San Diego, CA.
• Unemployment rate in Indianapolis, IN is 14.29% lower than in San Diego, CA.
• Sales Taxes in Indianapolis, IN are 9.68% lower than in San Diego, CA.
• State Income Taxes in Indianapolis, IN are 75.71% lower than in San Diego, CA.

To put this into perspective, you would need around $2,603.1 in Indianapolis to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in San Diego.

How is life different in San Diego, CA to Indianapolis, IN?

• Indianapolis’s population is about 36% less than San Diego.
• Indianapolis’s public transportation is better than San Diego with a score of 5 vs 6.
• Indianapolis is less walkable than San Diego with a score of 31 vs 53.
• Indianapolis and San Diego are similarily bike-friendly.
• Indianapolis's crime rate is higher than San Diego with a score of 44.8 compared to 21.98.
• Indianapolis is considered to be less safe than San Diego with a score of 42.87 vs 62.95.
• Air Quality in Indianapolis is Good, and in San Diego it’s Moderate.

Considerations for moving to Indianapolis, IN

• Weather: Indianapolis summers are hot, humid, and wet. Winters are generally cold with moderate snowfall. The rainiest months occur in the spring and summer, with slightly higher averages during May, June, and July. May is typically the wettest..
• HOA Rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
• Elevator Reservation: If your building has an elevator you’ll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
• Truck Parking Permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
• 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
• State Regulator: You can verify a Indiana moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
• 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: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forward to Indianapolis. Get started here.
• Moving Company Insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. Released Value Protection is the most economical option because it doesn’t cost anything. It is offered by movers at no additional charge, but the protection is minimal. Under this option, the mover is responsible for no more than 60 cents per pound per article. For example, if your mover lost or damaged a 50 inch TV weighing 25 pounds, you would only receive $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). If you need for the full value of your items to be covered, please consult with the moving company you're hiring for other options or a third-party insurance provider.
• Moving Checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you’ve got everything covered.

Local San Diego Movers

Visit our Best Movers in San Diego page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

Where to live in Indianapolis, IN

Now that you've decided to make the move to "Amateur Sports Capital of the World", these are the best neighborhoods in Indianapolis to move to.

Best neighborhoods for singles:

• Broad Ripple Village
• Fountain Square
• Mile Square
• Meridian-Kessler
• Old Northside

Best neighborhoods for families:

• Avon
• Brownsburg
• Carmel
• Fishers
• Westfield

What to do in Indianapolis

Moving to The “Amateur Sports Capital of the World”? These are some of the best things to do in your new Indiana home.

• Children's Museum of Indianapolis
• Indianapolis Zoo
• Freedom Springs Aquatic Park
• Conner Prairie Interactive History Park
• Go Ape Treetop Adventure
• Indianapolis Museum of Art
• Garfield Park Conservatory and Gardens
• The Hall of Fame Museum at Indianapolis Motor Speedway
• Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians & Western Art
• Indiana Medical History Museum
• Indiana State Police Museum
• Canal Walk
• Soldiers and Sailors Monument
• Indiana War Memorial
• Indiana State Museum
• Kurt Vonnegut Museum and Library
• Beer Mile Tour
• Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park
• White River State Park
• Oldfields-Lilly House and Gardens

Get your sports on!

• Indianapolis Colts (NFL)
• Indianapolis Pacers (NBA)
• Indianapolis Fever (WNBA)

Related articles to your move

Movers and cost

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• Houston to Indianapolis
• Phoenix to Indianapolis
• Philadelphia to Indianapolis
• San Antonio to Indianapolis
• Dallas to Indianapolis
• Austin to Indianapolis
• Jacksonville to Indianapolis
• Fort Worth to Indianapolis

Learn more about Indianapolis

• What Is The Cost To Move In Indianapolis?
• What Is The Cost To Move To Indiana?
• Best Moving Companies in Indianapolis, IN
• Best Moving Companies in Indiana