How we chose the best moving companies for your IL to IN move
Our analysts at moveBuddha reviewed rates from 100 Illinois moving companies, highlighting the best performers for satisfaction, reviews, and overall value.
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Customer satisfaction (40%): Reliable timelines, steady communication, and final bills that match the quote.
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Dispute resolution (20%): Addresses issues transparently and fixes them without dragging feet.
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Industry reputation (15%): Positive standing with industry pros and ongoing involvement in trade circles.
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Online reputation (15%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information. The company promptly and professionally responds to online customer inquiries.
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Service options (10%): Offers a broad menu—packing, storage, specialty item care, and expedited delivery.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
How much does it cost to move from Illinois to Indiana?
Take a look at the table below for average
moving cost estimates from Illinois to Indiana.
Costs are organized by home size and the type of moving service you choose.
| Move size |
Moving company |
Moving container |
Rental truck |
| Studio / 1 bedroom |
$821 – $2,689 |
$587 – $1,374 |
$266 – $505 |
| 2-3 bedrooms |
$1,444 – $4,307 |
$1,046 – $1,959 |
$316 – $605 |
| 4+ bedrooms |
$1,835 – $5,241 |
$1,392 – $2,376 |
$364 – $676 |
*These price ranges represent estimates for a 267-mile move from IL to
IN using moveBuddha data as
of Dec 11, 2025. Our database includes thousands of verified prices from moving companies nationwide
and is refreshed each month to account for seasonal patterns and market trends. Your total may differ
based on volume, selected services, access or parking challenges, fuel costs, and timing. Getting quotes
from multiple movers is the best way to dial in a precise price.
Cost to hire movers from Illinois to Indiana
If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move from Illinois to Indiana,
you can expect prices to land between $821
and $2,689.
For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from
$1,444 to
$4,307 for the trip from IL
to IN. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between
$1,835 and
$5,241.
Cost of moving containers from Illinois to Indiana
Moving containers from Illinois to Indiana
will cost you $587 to
$1,374 for a small move.
For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,046
to $1,959. A four-bedroom move or bigger will
cost $1,392 to
$2,376.
Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies
when moving out of Illinois.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Illinois to Indiana
Renting a moving truck typically costs the least, but you’ll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.
Expect to pay between
$266
and $505
to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move,
prices usually range from $316
to $605.
If you’re relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you’ll likely spend anywhere from
$364
to $676.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Factors affecting the cost of moving from IL to IN
Several factors influence the cost of moving from Illinois to Indiana. Here’s what can impact your final bill:
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Size of your move: Relocating a large home comes with higher costs than moving a small apartment or studio.
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Timing of your move: Relocating during peak summer months in Illinois generally comes with a higher price tag.
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DIY vs. professional mover: DIY moving services are cheaper but you do all the heavy lifting compared to letting the pros handle your move.
What to know before moving from IL to IN
Making the move from Illinois to Indiana means weighing what day-to-day life will look like once you settle in.
Cost of living: Illinois vs. Indiana
A clear look at the cost differences between Illinois and Indiana helps set expectations. From employment trends to housing costs, taxes, and earnings, this comparison outlines what may matter most for your wallet and lifestyle:
|
Illinois |
Indiana |
| Average rent |
$1,179 |
$844 |
| Average home cost |
$249,224 |
$228,879 |
| Average income (per capita) |
$78,433 |
$67,173 |
| Cost of living index |
90 |
91 |
| Unemployment rate |
5.3% |
3.6% |
| Average sales tax |
8.82% |
7.0% |
| State income tax |
4.95% |
3.15% |
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You’ll pay about 28% less in rent in Indiana compared to Illinois, leaving you with more money in your pocket each month.
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Home prices in Indiana are around 8% lower than in Illinois. That means you’ll enjoy more manageable monthly mortgage payments.
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Be sure to look over your budget before making the move, the average income is about 14% lower Indiana than in Illinois.
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Since living costs in Indiana and Illinois are pretty similar, you can focus less on your budget and more on finding the right lifestyle and environment for you.
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With an unemployment rate around 32% lower than Illinois, Indiana offers a healthier job market and a thriving local economy, which is excellent news if you’re considering relocating.
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Sales tax in Indiana is 21% lower than in Illinois. If you tend to spend more or have a big family, this lower rate in Indiana could make a noticeable difference in your monthly expenses.
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Income taxes in Indiana are 36% lower than in Illinois. You’ll take home more from every paycheck, giving you more money to save, invest, or spend as you please.
How life is different in Indiana vs. Illinois
Moving to a new state isn’t just about jobs and housing, it’s about how daily life will feel.
From weather patterns and crime rates to political culture and population size, these factors can shape your overall experience.
Here’s how life in Indiana and Illinois compares across key lifestyle indicators:
|
Indiana |
Illinois |
| Population |
6,833,037 |
12,549,689 |
| Political leaning |
Republican 57-41 |
Democratic 55-45 |
| Summer high |
85ºF |
86ºF |
| Winter low |
19ºF |
17ºF |
| Annual rain |
43″ |
40″ |
| Annual snow |
22″ |
22″ |
| Crime index |
19.72 |
19.7 |
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The population of Indiana is about 46% smaller than that of Illinois.
Choosing a less crowded state can mean more space, lower costs, and a simpler lifestyle, but you might need to adjust to fewer services or a slower job market.
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In the latest presidential election, Indiana voted Republican, while Illinois chose Democratic.
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Summer highs average 85°F in Indiana, compared to 86°F in Illinois.
The difference is minimal, so you won’t see major changes, though humidity and energy costs still matter.
-
Winter lows in Indiana hover around 19°F, while Illinois averages 17°F.
When temperatures are this close, your move won’t bring big seasonal surprises.
-
You can expect about 43 inches of annual rainfall in Indiana and 40 inches in Illinois.
Your overall experience with precipitation is unlikely to change much, but how that rain shows up throughout the year can still impact your daily life.
-
In Indiana, you can expect about 22 inches of snow each year, while Illinois sees around 22 inches annually.
Since snowfall is pretty comparable in both places, your winter should feel pretty similar.
-
Both Indiana and Illinois have similar crime rates (19.7).
Keep in mind, though, that crime rates can differ significantly from one city or neighborhood to another, so be sure to check local statistics for more accurate information.
Comparing the pros of Illinois vs. Indiana
Getting a fresh start in a new location is exciting.
Here’s a side-by-side look at the perks of living in Indiana compared to Illinois:
| Pros of living in Illinois |
Pros of living in Indiana |
| Home of chicago |
Low cost of living |
| Ample economic opportunity |
Amiable people |
| Bountiful recreational opportunities |
Excellent universities |
| Delicious food |
Diverse economies |
| World-class sports culture |
Water recreation |
Comparing the cons of living in Illinois vs. Indiana
Life isn’t always perfect, no matter where you are.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when making the move from Illinois to Indiana:
| Cons of living in Illinois |
Cons of living in Indiana |
| Harsh winter weather |
Cold and snowy winters |
| Bad traffic |
Low diversity |
| High crime rate |
Limited recreational activities |
| Dull landscape |
Limited public transportation |
| Strict laws |
Air pollution |
Other things to consider for your Illinois to Indiana move
-
HOA rules:
Check your neighborhood or community rules ahead of moving day to avoid any last-minute surprises and keep your move running smoothly.
-
Elevator reservation:
Book your building’s elevator early and check any moving day rules ahead of time.
-
Parking permits:
Some cities require a parking permit for moving trucks, so check your new neighborhood’s rules ahead of time to avoid last-minute hassles.
-
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 proper licensing before hiring them.
-
State regulator:
You can quickly check a Indiana moving license and its current status on the state regulator’s official website here.
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Moving permits:
You don’t need a moving permit in Indiana, but it’s smart to check local parking regulations before moving day.
-
Change of address:
Be sure to submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. This way, once you’ve picked your moving date, your mail will start forwarding to Indiana right on time. Get started here.
-
Mover’s insurance:
Federal law requires interstate moving companies to provide you with basic insurance, called “released value protection,” free of charge. 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.
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Moving checklist:
Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you ensure you’ve got everything covered.
Things to do in Indiana
You’ll have plenty to explore in Indiana! Check out these top spots to visit in your new home state:
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
FAQs
What is the cheapest way to move from Illinois to Indiana?
Do movers transport your car from Illinois to Indiana?
What are the benefits of moving from Illinois to Indiana?
Plenty of movers are choosing to leave Illinois for Indiana, drawn by advantages like low cost of living and amiable people that make life in the new state more appealing.
Is it cheaper to live in Illinois or Indiana?
Living in Illinois usually costs less than in Indiana.
While the overall cost of living is similar for both states, housing
is much more affordable in Indiana,
with average rent about 28% less and home prices 8% lower than in Illinois.
Taxes are also
lower in Indiana, most notably income taxes, which are more than 30% less than those paid by Illinois residents.
How much should you make a year to live comfortably in Indiana?
To live comfortably as a single adult in Indiana, you should aim to make around $57,713.
On average, expect to spend about $2,329 per month, or $4,523 monthly for a family of four.
Your actual expenses can vary depending on your location within the state. Bigger cities like Indianapolis and Fort Wayne generally come with higher housing costs than smaller towns.
Which discounts can you find from movers in Illinois?
Many movers in Illinois publish special-rate programs:
1 honor AAA member discounts;
1 offer military-specific savings;
2 extend deals for seniors;
Eligibility and amounts may change, so confirm with each mover before booking.
Helpful moving resources
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For a move from Illinois to Indiana, budget between $1,444–$4,307 for full-service movers, around
$1,502 if you choose a moving container, and approximately
$460
for a rental truck.
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