The best local movers for Indianapolis to San Francisco moves
It’s not always easy to find a reliable local moving company in Indianapolis that also handles long-distance moves to San Francisco. Luckily, we’ve done the research for you. We evaluated 27 local movers in Indianapolis who offer long-distance services, looking at cost, service quality, and customer reviews.
Below are the top local moving companies for long-distance moves from Indianapolis to San Francisco.
- Leaders Moving & Storage Co.: 4.7 out of 5 stars
- Sherman Moving & Storage: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Planes Moving & Storage Company: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- Busy Bee Movers: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Wheaton Moving & Storage: 4.56 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 30
DOT #: 1237577
Alternate Names: L.E.A.D.E.R.S Moving & Storage Co. , Leaders Moving and Storage Company , Hilling Moving & Storage
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 92
DOT #: 719392
Alternate Names: Ed Sherman Moving & Storage
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 105
DOT #: 1458935
Alternate Names: Planes Companies , Planes Specialized Logistics , Planes Commercial Services
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 34
DOT #: 573343
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 64
DOT #: 70719
Alternate Names: Crown Moving & Storage, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Indianapolis to San Francisco?
The average hourly rate for movers in Indiana is $130. Here are some general cost estimates for a full-service moving company, a moving container, or a rental truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,177 – $5,007 | $1,286 – $2,919 | $1,304 – $2,495 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $3,489 – $7,131 | $2,135 – $4,598 | $1,316 – $3,029 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,489 – $10,693 | $3,023 – $5,922 | $1,645 – $3,677 |
Cost to hire movers from Indianapolis to San Francisco
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Indianapolis to San Francisco will cost between $1,177 and $5,007. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from Indianapolis to Indianapolis will range from $3,489 to $7,131, and a large move from Indianapolis to San Francisco will cost from $6,489 to $10,693.
Cost of moving containers from Indianapolis to San Francisco
If you’re moving from Indianapolis to San Francisco, expect to pay between $1,286 and $2,919 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $2,135 up to $4,598. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $3,023 and $5,922. Check out our guide on PODS cost for more details.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies for your move from Indiana.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Indianapolis to San Francisco
Renting a moving truck from Indianapolis to San Francisco is usually your cheapest option, but keep in mind you’ll be handling all the loading, unloading, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck, expect to spend between $1,304 and $2,495. For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $1,316 and $3,029. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home? You’re likely looking at anywhere from $1,645 up to $3,677 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Key factors that influence moving costs from Indianapolis to San Francisco
The cost of Indianapolis movers will depend on:
- The size of your home: Smaller moves (like one-bedrooms) cost less, sometimes just $2,474, while larger moves (four-bedrooms) can hit $9,989.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Indianapolis, which means higher prices.
- The type of mover you choose: Renting a truck ($1,304–$3,322) saves money but adds work compared to hiring pros.
What to know before moving from Indianapolis to San Francisco
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – San Francisco runs about 35% higher for singles and 31% higher for families than Indianapolis.
Singles spend around $3,781 in Indianapolis versus $2,804 in Indianapolis; families pay $8,717 compared with $6,667.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Indianapolis | San Francisco | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,688 | $3,259 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,708 | $5,475 |
| Average home value | $220,467 | $1,241,003 |
| Average income (per capita) | $59,110 | $136,689 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,804 | $3,781 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $6,667 | $8,717 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.6% | 5.4% |
| Sales tax | 7.0% | 8.63% |
| State income tax | 3.15% | 13.3% |
- Rent is estimated to be 132% higher in San Francisco compared to Indianapolis; it’s essential to account for this in your budget planning.
- Prepare for increased mortgage costs as home prices are roughly 463% greater in San Francisco than in Indianapolis.
- Here’s some promising news: the average income is around 131% higher in San Francisco than in Indianapolis, which could mean added opportunities to save or invest each month.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in San Francisco, since the cost of living for a single person in San Francisco is 35% higher than in Indianapolis. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- When relocating to San Francisco, it’s important to be aware that living expenses may rise. The cost of living for a family in San Francisco is 31% greater than in Indianapolis.
- The unemployment rates of San Francisco and Indianapolis are very similar, with less than a 5% difference, thus maintaining a consistent employment landscape.
- Sales taxes rise by 23% in San Francisco over Indianapolis, leading to heightened expenses for everyday essentials.
- Income taxes are 322% higher in California than in Indiana, meaning that a larger fraction of your income will be spent on state taxes, potentially reducing your savings.
Here’s a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between Indianapolis and San Francisco:
| Living Expense | Indianapolis | San Francisco |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $231.67 | $229.35 |
| Cell phone plan | $62.58 | $62.91 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.33 | $5.91 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.00 | $5.06 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $25.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $60.00 | $125.00 |
| Gym membership | $35.50 | $99.96 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Indianapolis than in San Francisco.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Indianapolis than in San Francisco.
- Eggs are less expensive in Indianapolis than in San Francisco.
- Bread costs less in Indianapolis than in San Francisco.
- The cost of a quick meal is about the same in both cities.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Indianapolis than in San Francisco.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Indianapolis than in San Francisco.
How life is different in Indianapolis vs. San Francisco
| Indianapolis | San Francisco | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 887,642 | 808,988 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 10 |
| Walkability score | 31 | 99 |
| Bike friendliness score | 43 | 99 |
| Crime index | 60.71 | 61.41 |
| Safety index | 39.29 | 38.59 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
- San Francisco’s population is about 9% less than Indianapolis.
- San Francisco’s public transportation score of 10 out of 10 is higher than Indianapolis’s score of 5.
- San Francisco is more walkable than Indianapolis with a score of 99 out of 100 vs Indianapolis’s 31 out of 100.
- With a score of 99 out of 100, San Francisco is more bike-friendly than Indianapolis, which has a score of 43 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- San Francisco and Indianapolis have a similar crime rate with scores of 61.41 and 60.71, respectively.
- San Francisco and Indianapolis have a similar safety level, with scores of 38.59 and 39.29.
- Air quality in San Francisco is Moderate, and in Indianapolis it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Indianapolis to San Francisco 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: When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a “T Number” issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice. Always verify licensing details before committing to a mover.
- State regulator: You can verify a California moving license and its status through the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: California 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 San Francisco. 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 cost-free choice provided by movers with minimal coverage. The liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement is only $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for your items’ full value, consult with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance options.
- Moving checklist: Follow our moving checklist to keep your move organized and stress-free.
Where to live in San Francisco
Now that you’ve decided to make the move to The Golden Gate City, these are the best neighborhoods to move to in San Francisco.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Marina District
- Mission Bay
- Mission District
- Noe Valley
Best neighborhoods for families
- Bernal Heights
- Inner Sunset
- Noe Valley
- North Beach
- Presidio Heights
Things to do in San Francisco
Once you’re settled into your new home in California, it’s time to get out and discover what San Francisco has to offer. No matter your interests, there’s something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: You’ll find museums and cultural hubs throughout San Francisco, such as the Exploratorium, California Academy of Sciences, Walt Disney Family Museum, and San Francisco Museum of Modern Art.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Golden Gate Park, Presidio of San Francisco, Mission Dolores Park, and Crissy Field — 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 San Francisco 49ers (NFL)San Francisco Giants (MLB)Golden State Warriors (NBA) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Indianapolis to San Francisco?
The best time to move from Indianapolis to San Francisco is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Indianapolis.
When is the cheapest time to move from Indianapolis to San Francisco?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Indianapolis to San Francisco, 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 Indianapolis to San Francisco take?
Moving from Indianapolis, IN to San Francisco, covers 2,254 miles and usually takes seven to 18 days. Need to move faster? Some Indianapolis movers offer expedited options. If you’re not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in San Francisco.
Which movers in Indianapolis give price breaks?
Some companies go the extra mile by offering discounts to certain groups. 1 movers give special rates to military members. 3 movers have deals for seniors.
Always ask for a full discount list and check eligibility requirements before you commit to a mover.
Who can move pianos or antiques in Indianapolis?
Specialty items need extra care and the right equipment. 18 movers in Indianapolis advertise piano moving expertise. 10 movers in Indianapolis provide antique moving services. State totals show 43 piano movers and 21 antique movers, with nationwide availability at 2,303 and 1,466.
Book early if you need these services — demand can outpace supply during busy moving seasons.
Helpful moving resources
Indianapolis moving services
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