Local moving companies in Chicago
- STI Moving & Storage Inc.: 4.96 out of 5 stars
- New City Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- H2H Movers Inc: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- The Professionals Moving Specialists: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Alliance Moving & Storage: 4.76 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 139020
Pricing: $150/hr
Years in Business: 20
DOT #: 1308599
Alternate Names: STI Moving & Storage, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 158051
Years in Business: 16
DOT #: 3078026
Alternate Names: Windy City Moving, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 184599
Years in Business: 10
DOT #: 2428328
Alternate Names: H2H Movers, Inc
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 136144
Years in Business: 20
DOT #: 3383907
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 214845
Years in Business: 9
DOT #: 2882675
Alternate Names: HK & RP, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Key factors that influence moving costs from Chicago to Indianapolis
What to know before moving from Chicago to Indianapolis
Moving from Chicago to Indianapolis means adjusting to a different pace of life — and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Chicago than in Indianapolis, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Chicago compares to Indianapolis so you know what to expect before you relocate:
Chicago | Indianapolis | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $2,045 | $1,399 |
Average home value | $295,743 | $220,467 |
Average income (per capita) | $71,566 | $59,110 |
Cost of living (single person) | $3,648 | $2,804 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $9,266 | $6,667 |
Unemployment rate | 9.0% | 5.6% |
Sales tax | 10.25% | 7.0% |
State income tax | 4.95% | 3.15% |
- Rent prices in Indianapolis are 32% lower than in Chicago, which means you'll have more money in your pocket each month.
-
In terms of homeownership, you'll be able to get more for your money in Indianapolis.
Home prices in Indianapolis are 25.5% lower than in Chicago. - Income in Indianapolis is 17.4% lower than in Chicago, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Indianapolis — including Anthem, Eli Lilly and Company, and Steak 'n Shake — may pay more.
- Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in Indianapolis. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 23.1% lower than in Chicago.
- A move to Indianapolis can help cut down on a family’s routine expenses, including utilities, transportation, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 28.0% less than what it costs in Chicago.
- The unemployment rate in Indianapolis is 37.78% lower than in Chicago.
- You'll spend less on retail and restaurants in Indianapolis, since the city's sales taxes in Indianapolis are 31.71% lower than in Chicago.
- One perk of moving to Indianapolis is paying less in state income taxes, which are 36.36% lower than in Chicago.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,305.92 in Indianapolis to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Chicago.
How life is different in Chicago vs. Indianapolis
Indianapolis | Chicago | |
---|---|---|
Population | 887,642 | 2,746,388 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 5 | 9 |
Walkability score | 31 | 77 |
Bike friendliness score | 43 | 72 |
Crime Index | 60.71 | 35.19 |
Safety Index | 39.29 | 33.87 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Indianapolis's population is about 68% less than Chicago.
- Indianapolis's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus Chicago's higher score of 9.
- Indianapolis is less walkable than Chicago with a score of 31 out of 100 vs Chicago's 77 out of 100.
- Indianapolis has a bike-friendliness score 43 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Chicago, which has a score of 72 out of 100.
- Indianapolis's crime rate is higher than Chicago with a score of 60.71 compared to Chicago's 35.19. This means that Indianapolis neighborhoods are safer than 60.71% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19%.
- Indianapolis is considered to be safer than Chicago with a safety index of 39.29 vs Chicago's 33.87.
- Air quality in Indianapolis is good, and in Chicago it's good.
Other things to consider for your Chicago vs. Indianapolis move
- 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: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- 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. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a Indiana moving license 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: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You'll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Indianapolis. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. 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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Indianapolis
Ready to relocate to Amateur Sports Capital of the World? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider 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
After getting comfortable in your new Indiana home, it's time to see what Indianapolis is all about. Whether you're into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there's plenty to check out:
- 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, The Eiteljorg Museum, and Indiana War Memorial.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Eagle Creek Park, White River State Park, Broad Ripple Park, and Krannert Park — along with other locations, ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Indianapolis Colts (NFL), Indianapolis Pacers (NBA), or Indianapolis Fever (WNBA) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Chicago to Indianapolis?
The best time to move from Chicago to Indianapolis is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Chicago.
When is the cheapest time to move from Chicago to Indianapolis?
With many people choosing to move from Chicago to Indianapolis in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.
How long does a move from Chicago to Indianapolis take?
The 182-mile move from Chicago, IL, to Indianapolis, IN, takes one to two days. Some Chicago movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Indianapolis.