Key factors that impact the cost of your Indianapolis to Newark movetoggle

The cost of Indianapolis movers will depend on:

  • Size of your move: The more items you have, the more your move will cost. A smaller move from Indianapolis to Newark (like a one-bedroom) could be as low as $1,293, while larger moves may reach $7,896 for a four-bedroom home.
  • Seasonal demand: Moving in the summer? Expect to pay more โ€” itโ€™s the busiest time of year for movers in Indianapolis.
  • DIY vs. hiring pros: You can cut costs by renting a truck (typically $615 to $1,533, but it requires more effort than hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Indianapolis to Newark

Moving from Indianapolis to Newark means adjusting to a different pace of life โ€” and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Indianapolis than in Newark, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

Check out how Indianapolis compares to Newark so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Indianapolis Newark
Average rent cost $1,399 $2,300
Average home value $220,467 $475,797
Average income (per capita) $59,110 $41,335
Cost of living (single person) $2,804 $2,575
Cost of living (family of 4) $6,667 $5,617
Unemployment rate 5.6% 13.0%
Sales tax 7.0% 6.63%
State income tax 3.15% 10.7%
  • Rent prices in Newark are 64% higher than in Indianapolis, which means youโ€™ll have less money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Indianapolis.
    Home prices in Newark are 115.8% higher than in Indianapolis.
  • Income in Newark is 30.1% lower than in Indianapolis, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Newark include Panasonic Corporation of North America, Prudential Financial, and Prudential Capital & Investment Services.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Newark is 8.2% lower than in Indianapolis. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Newark is 15.7% lower than in Indianapolis.
  • The unemployment rate in Newark is 132.14% higher than in Indianapolis.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Newark, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Newark are 5.29% lower than in Indianapolis.
  • State income taxes in Newark are 239.68% higher than in Indianapolis.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,754.99 in Newark to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Indianapolis.

How life is different in Indianapolis vs. Newark

Newark Indianapolis
Population 304,960 887,642
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 9 5
Walkability score 76 31
Bike friendliness score 51 43
Crime Index 75.24 60.71
Safety Index 24.76 39.29
Air Quality Good Good
  • Newark might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 66% less than Indianapolis.
  • Newark offers better access to buses and trains than Indianapolis, based on public transportation ratings. Newark has a transit score of 9 out of 10 compared to 5 in Indianapolis. The higher the score, the more public transportation pickup and dropoff locations a city provides.
  • Living in Newark means youโ€™ll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in Indianapolis. Newark is considered more walkable than Indianapolis, with a score of 76 out of 100 versus 31 out of 100 in Indianapolis. A cityโ€™s walkability score indicates how pedestrian-friendly it is in terms of proximity of neighborhoods to amenities.
  • If cycling is your thing, Newark is considered more bike-friendly than Indianapolis in terms of designated lanes and connectivity and how many residents opt to commute on two wheels rather than by car. Newark has a bike-friendliness score of 51 out of 100, while Indianapolis is rated as 43 out of 100.
  • The crime rate in Newark is higher than in Indianapolis, so you may want to exercise a little extra caution as you're acclimating to your new location. While the crime index is 75.24 in Newark, it is 60.71 in Indianapolis. With this index, the lower the score, the better, since it indicates a cityโ€™s crime levels.
  • You may want to exercise more caution as youโ€™re getting used to your new surroundings in Newark. With a crime index of 24.76, Newark ranks lower in overall safety than Indianapolis, whose index is Indianapolis's 39.29. The safety index measures how safe people in a city feel about walking alone, both during the day and at night, as well as data on muggings, theft, vandalism, and other instances of petty crime.
  • The air quality in Newark and Indianapolis is generally the same (Good). Cities with good to moderate ratings have clean or acceptable air quality, with the possibility of small pollutants affecting people with certain health conditions like asthma. Anything beyond the moderate rate means increased impact on residents.

Other things to consider for your Indianapolis vs. Newark move

  • Weather: Newark has cold winters and hot humid summers.
  • 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: In New Jersey, the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs handles the regulation of in-state moving companies. The stateโ€™s Division of Consumer Affairs works to ensure that warehousemen (public storage companies) and public movers provide safe, reliable, and ethical services while adhering to all relevant state rules and regulations. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a New Jersey moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: New Jersey 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 forwarded to Newark. 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 as it incurs no cost. It is provided by movers at no additional charge, but the coverage is minimal. Under this option, no more than 60 cents per pound per article is the responsibility of the mover. For example, if a delicate china set weighing 20 pounds is lost or damaged by the mover, only $12 (60 cents x 20 pounds) would be received. If coverage for the full value of your items is needed, consultation with the moving company you're hiring for other options or a third-party insurance provider is recommended.
  • Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Where to live in Newark

Now that you've decided to make the move to "Brick City", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Newark.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • North Ironbound
  • South Ironbound
  • Downtown
  • Seventh Avenue
  • Upper Roseville

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Downtown
  • Upper Vailsburg
  • Seventh Avenue
  • North Ironbound
  • Springfield/Belmont

Things to do in Newark

Once youโ€™re settled into your new home in New Jersey, itโ€™s time to get out and discover what Newark has to offer. No matter your interests, thereโ€™s something for everyone here:

  • Arts and culture: Newark features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Newark Museum, Grammy Museum Experience Prudential Center, Gateways to Newark: Portraits, The New Jersey Historical Society, and Museum of the Old First Ward.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Branch Brook Park, Military Park, and Weequahic Park โ€” among other spots โ€” perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
  • Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an New Jersey Devils (NHL) and Metropolitan Riveters (NWHL) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Indianapolis to Newark?

The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Indianapolis to Newark are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Indianapolis are lower.

When is the cheapest time to move from Indianapolis to Newark?

With many people choosing to move from Indianapolis to Newark 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 Indianapolis to Newark take?

Moving from Indianapolis, IN to Newark, NJ covers 698 miles and usually takes one to six days. Need to move faster? Some Indianapolis movers offer expedited options. If youโ€™re not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Newark.

Helpful moving resources