($112+) Indianapolis, IN to Dayton, OH Movers
Moving from Indianapolis, IN, to Dayton, OH, runs anywhere from $112 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $3,804 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 117 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 2 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
- Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $601, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $3,804 or more.
- Moving containers run $702 - $2,006, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $112 - $222.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Indianapolis, IN, to Dayton, OH. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,036 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
Fact Checked by:
Compare moving options from Indianapolis, IN to Dayton, OH
Moving options from Indianapolis to Dayton fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $1,036 - $3,217 on this route, with movers handling all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 19% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 88% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This 117-mile route typically takes 1 to 2 days door to door.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 117-mile route from Indianapolis to Dayton, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $601 - $2,584 | $702 - $1,097 | $112 - $171 | $613 - $1,039 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,036 - $3,217 | $839 - $1,555 | $126 - $215 | $671 - $1,293 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,375 - $3,804 | $1,075 - $2,006 | $145 - $222 | $869 - $1,514 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Indianapolis, IN to Dayton, OH
Hiring full-service movers from Indianapolis, Indiana, to Dayton, Ohio, costs between $601 and $3,804. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 117-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $251 - $1,672, depending on the size of your home. Your final cost comes down to two things: the total weight of your shipment and the distance between Indianapolis and Dayton. For a rough baseline, movers based in Indianapolis tend to start around $245 plus $75/hour per mover on local jobs, before long-distance pricing takes over for a move this size.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Indianapolis to Dayton:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $601 - $2,584
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,036 - $3,217
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,375 - $3,804
Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from Indianapolis to Dayton.
Pro tip: The summer months (May - September) are the busiest time of year for movers during peak moving season, which drives up prices and limits scheduling options. If you can move in the fall or winter, you'll likely find better rates and more flexibility.
Don't see your company listed?
Reach customers actively searching for trusted movers in your area. Tell us about your company and services to get your business listed on moveBuddha.
Specialty moving services from Indianapolis, IN to Dayton, OH
Specialty needs vary by market: 57% of Indianapolis movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Dayton, 63% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing78% of local movers | $418 - $4,180 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready57% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Leaders Moving & Storage Co. | $167 - $1,003/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $251 - $2,006 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage13% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs41% of local movers | $836 - $2,508 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,090 - $8,360 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $626 - $1,190 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items28% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Leaders Moving & Storage Co. | $836 - $2,090 |
| Piano | Any piano type37% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Leaders Moving & Storage Co. | $669 - $2,926 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling9% of local movers | $251 - $1,254 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect11% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Busy Bee Movers | $543 - $1,672 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $251 - $12,540+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $251 - $2,926+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Indianapolis to Dayton?
If you're vetting a mover on your own instead, membership in Ohio Association of Movers is a good first thing to confirm.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving offers the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing locks in your cost upfront, and 24/7 customer support is available throughout the move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. Operating since 1995, AVL staffs every move with full-time in-house crews trained on antiques, art, and other high-value items.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. As one of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, real-time shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan.
How much do local movers cost in Indianapolis, IN?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Indianapolis to Dayton with a local mover averages $985 - $3,057. For moves under 500 miles, local moving companies in Indianapolis, IN can be a practical and cost-effective alternative to national carriers. Many price shorter moves using hourly or regional rates that may come in lower overall, with leaner operations and tighter service areas often translating to more flexible scheduling and a more personalized experience.
Keep in mind that not every local mover is authorized for moves that cross city or state lines. Always confirm interstate licensing and proper insurance before booking.
Planes Moving & Storage Company (4.58/5 stars) is a local mover in Indianapolis, based on our analysis of feedback from 1,017 customers, 95.4% of which is positive.
Address: 2635 Planes Dr, Indianapolis, IN, 46219 | Founded: 1921
Moving container costs from Indianapolis, IN to Dayton, OH
Moving containers from Indianapolis, Indiana, to Dayton, Ohio, cost between $702 and $2,006. A container is delivered to your home and you load it on your own time. Loading windows vary by company: U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30. From there, the company takes over and transports it to Dayton. If you go over that window, storage in Indianapolis adds around $80/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Indianapolis to Dayton:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $702 - $1,097
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $839 - $1,555
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,075 - $2,006
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $63 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $125 per month for larger units (12 - 16 feet).
- Moving labor: Containers don't come with loading help, so many customers hire hourly movers for the job. Two movers for about 5 hours will run you around $585 in Indianapolis, IN, per moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Standard coverage only reimburses by weight. Full-value protection gives you more complete coverage for higher-value items and typically costs 1% - 2% of your total declared value, around $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 shipment.
- Access: National providers generally operate in both cities, but verify that a facility near your Dayton, OH, destination exists if you plan to access stored items.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Indiana to Ohio move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.
Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $702. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $839 - $1,555.
What are the best moving containers Indianapolis to Dayton?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)
Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in Indianapolis to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in Indianapolis:
- Busy Bee Movers (4.1/5), 35 years in business
- Bellhop Moving (4.4/5), 15 years in business
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.6/5), 14 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Indianapolis, IN to Dayton, OH
Renting a moving truck for the 117-mile move from Indianapolis, Indiana, to Dayton, Ohio, costs between $112 and $222, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $31 - $36
- Daily insurance: $25/day
- Equipment rentals: $6 - $17
- Indianapolis daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.59 - $0.79
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Indianapolis to Dayton based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $112 - $171
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $126 - $215
- 4+ bedrooms: $145 - $222
Pro tip: The base rate of $112 - $222 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Indianapolis to Dayton. Fuel ($31 - $36), lodging at around $125/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Indianapolis, Indiana, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $585.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $31 - $36 for the 117-mile drive, depending on whether your truck takes gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, auto transport trailers, and furniture pads are separate rentals. Expect to spend between $50 and $272, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $125 per night for hotel stops on the 117-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $251 - $376.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Indianapolis to Dayton?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)
The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.
Freight trailer costs from Indianapolis, IN to Dayton, OH
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Indianapolis, Indiana, to Dayton, Ohio. Standard trailers run 28 feet long, and you're only charged for the portion you actually fill. The carrier drops the trailer off, you load it at your own pace, and they handle the drive to your new city.
Pricing is based entirely on the linear footage your shipment occupies, not the full trailer length. Most long-distance freight moves land somewhere between $752 and $1,293.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Indianapolis to Dayton:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $613 - $1,039
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $671 - $1,293
- 4+ bedrooms: $869 - $1,514
Pro tip: Loading a freight trailer is a bit different from filling a container. The 4-foot ramp can be steep with large items, and getting the most out of 8 feet of vertical clearance takes planning. Since pricing is based on linear feet used, every inch of wasted space has a cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight trailers are billed by the section you fill. If you misjudge your shipment size, each extra foot of trailer space adds around $63 - $125 to your final bill.
- Peak season pricing: Expect higher rates during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) when trailer availability tightens across the country.
- Moving labor: Loading is on you unless you hire outside help. A half-day crew of two movers in Indianapolis, Indiana, typically costs $585.
What are the best freight companies from Indianapolis to Dayton?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Best known as a top moving container option thanks to its DIY hybrid model (you load, they drive), MovingYourself also doubles as a strong freight choice with their 53-foot trucks and pay-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. In addition to their well-known container service, U-Pack offers freight trailers that follow the same pay-by-the-foot model with no deposits or upfront fees, making them one of the most flexible freight options for budget-conscious moves.
Pro tip: One of the biggest advantages of freight trailers is speed. For an interstate move, freight delivery is one of the fastest options you have short of driving a rental truck yourself. It's a smart choice when your timeline is firm and you'll be ready to receive your shipment. If there's any chance your new place won't be ready or you need a few weeks of storage, a moving container with built-in storage may serve you better.
Cost of living: Indianapolis, IN vs Dayton, OH
Day-to-day costs in Dayton are close to what you're used to in Indianapolis: cost of living index of 80 versus 86, with average rent of $925/mo compared to $1,399/mo. With an index gap that small, budgeting for this move mostly comes down to the moving costs above rather than a shift in your monthly expenses. For reference, walkability and safety scores are 31/100 and 39.29/100 in Indianapolis versus 45/100 and 40.68/100 in Dayton.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Dayton, OH to Indianapolis, IN guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from Indiana to Ohio, so our pricing data reflects what movers are actually charging right now. Check our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers, the best way to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and bad actors. We track 137 movers in Indiana, so you have real options to compare for this 117-mile move.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from Indianapolis, IN, to Dayton, OH, comes down to your budget and how much time and work you're able to put into it. Hands-off relocations handled by full-service movers range from $601 - $3,804 on the 117-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $702 - $2,006 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $112 - $222 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $1,036 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and 24/7 live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Morgan Linen & Uniform Services and Premier Physicians.
FAQs: Moving from Indianapolis, IN, to Dayton, OH
Is Dayton a safe place to live?
Dayton has a safety index of 40.68 out of 100 and a crime index of 4.0, compared to 39.29 and 60.71 in Indianapolis. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What is the cheapest way to move from Indianapolis, IN to Dayton, OH?
Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $126 - $215. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What are the best neighborhoods in Dayton?
For families, Downtown, Webster Station, and South Park are worth a look in Dayton. If you're moving solo or without kids, Oakwood, Centerville, and Springboro tend to be popular picks instead.
How long does a move from Indianapolis, IN to Dayton, OH take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 1 to 2 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are often one of the faster options outside of driving yourself, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.
What do local movers charge in Indianapolis?
Local movers based in Indianapolis typically start around $245 as a base rate, plus $75/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Dayton run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
What percentage of Indianapolis movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 37% of movers in Indianapolis handle piano moves, and 28% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.