($353+) Indianapolis, IN to Pittsburgh, PA Movers
Moving from Indianapolis, IN, to Pittsburgh, PA, runs anywhere from $374 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $6,494 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 359 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 4 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 $1,098, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $6,494 or more.
- Moving containers run $907 - $2,734, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $374 - $933.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Indianapolis, IN, to Pittsburgh, PA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,800 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Indianapolis, IN to Pittsburgh, PA
There are 3 main ways to move from Indianapolis to Pittsburgh: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service is the most expensive but covers everything from labor to transportation, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route averaging $1,800 - $4,560. Containers cost roughly 30% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 60% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 359 miles, expect 1 to 4 days in transit no matter which service you choose.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 359-mile route from Indianapolis to Pittsburgh, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,098 - $3,900 | $907 - $1,642 | $374 - $632 | $817 - $1,507 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,800 - $4,560 | $1,184 - $2,351 | $368 - $734 | $994 - $1,863 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,608 - $6,494 | $1,536 - $2,734 | $480 - $933 | $1,266 - $2,256 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Indianapolis, IN to Pittsburgh, PA
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 359-mile move from Indianapolis, Indiana, to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with costs ranging from $1,098 - $6,494. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $265 - $1,768. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Indianapolis and Pittsburgh. Local movers in Indianapolis typically start around $245 as a base rate plus $75/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Indianapolis to Pittsburgh:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,098 - $3,900
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,800 - $4,560
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,608 - $6,494
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 Pittsburgh.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Indiana to Pennsylvania. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Demand for full-service movers surges during peak moving season from May - September, pushing prices higher. Shifting your move to a cooler month could save you a meaningful amount on your total bill.
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Specialty moving services from Indianapolis, IN to Pittsburgh, PA
Specialty needs vary by market — 81% of Indianapolis movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Pittsburgh, 73% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing96% of local movers | $442 - $4,420 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready81% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Sherman Moving & Storage | $177 - $1,061/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $265 - $2,122 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage4% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs56% of local movers | $884 - $2,652 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,210 - $8,840 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $662 - $1,258 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items37% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Sherman Moving & Storage | $884 - $2,210 |
| Piano | Any piano type67% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Sherman Moving & Storage | $707 - $3,094 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling19% of local movers | $265 - $1,326 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect7% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Sherman Moving & Storage | $575 - $1,768 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $265 - $13,260+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $265 - $3,094+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Indianapolis to Pittsburgh?
Movers licensed to operate in Pennsylvania are typically members of the Pennsylvania Moving & Storage Associates, worth checking for before you book any of the three below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 customer support, and 30 days of free storage are included with every move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, combining fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
How much do local movers cost in Indianapolis, IN?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Indianapolis to Pittsburgh with a local mover averages $1,782 - $4,515. 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.
Sherman Moving & Storage (4.58/5 stars) is the top overall local mover in Indianapolis, ranked #2 in Indiana, based on our analysis of feedback from 74 customers, 71.6% of which is positive.
Address: 990 National Ave, Indianapolis, IN, 46227 | Founded: 1932
Moving container costs from Indianapolis, IN to Pittsburgh, PA
Moving containers from Indianapolis, Indiana, to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, cost between $907 and $2,734. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place. Need more time first? Storage in Indianapolis typically costs about $80/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Indianapolis to Pittsburgh:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $907 - $1,642
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,184 - $2,351
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,536 - $2,734
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $66 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $133 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 $619 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 Pittsburgh, PA, destination exists if you plan to access stored items.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Indiana to Pennsylvania 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 $907. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,184 - $2,351, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Indianapolis to Pittsburgh?
- 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:
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.6/5), 14 years in business
- Bellhop Moving (4.4/5), 15 years in business
- Stuart’s Moving & Storage (4.7/5), 90 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Indianapolis, IN to Pittsburgh, PA
Plan on $374 - $933 for a rental moving truck on the 359-mile route from Indianapolis, Indiana, to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $101 - $115
- Daily insurance: $27/day
- Equipment rentals: $6 - $18
- 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 Pittsburgh based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $374 - $632
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $368 - $734
- 4+ bedrooms: $480 - $933
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $374 - $933 does not include fuel ($101 - $115) , lodging ($133/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Indianapolis to Pittsburgh typically runs $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate alone.
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 $619.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $101 - $115 for the 359-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 $53 and $287, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $133 per night for hotel stops on the 359-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $265 - $398.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Indianapolis to Pittsburgh?
- 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 Pittsburgh, PA
For larger DIY moves from Indianapolis, Indiana, freight trailers give you plenty of room without putting you behind the wheel. Standard trailers are 28 feet long. You load the section you need, and the carrier transports everything to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Because freight companies bill by linear footage, your total is based on how much of the trailer you occupy, not the full length. For most medium-to-large moves on this route, pricing typically falls between $994 and $1,863.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Indianapolis to Pittsburgh:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $817 - $1,507
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $994 - $1,863
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,266 - $2,256
Pro tip: Freight trailers offer generous space but reward good packing strategy. The 4-foot ramp can be challenging for large or heavy pieces, and using the full 8-foot height takes careful stacking. Because you're billed by the linear foot, maximizing vertical space keeps your costs lower.
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 $66 - $133 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 $619.
What are the best freight companies from Indianapolis to Pittsburgh?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the best for large moves pick. While it's a top moving container option for the DIY hybrid setup (you handle the loading, they handle the driving), the same approach makes it a strong freight choice for 3 to 5+ bedroom homes that need 53 feet of trailer capacity with pay-as-you-go pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer here. In addition to their popular container service, U-Pack delivers a top-tier freight trailer option that uses the same pay-by-the-foot pricing model and skips deposits and upfront fees entirely.
- Sysco Indianapolis, LLC (4.54/5 stars): Sysco Indianapolis, LLC is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Local ownership translates to accessible support staff and facilities based in the communities they serve, giving customers more direct communication than they'd typically get from a national-only freight network.
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 Pittsburgh, PA
Good news for your budget: Pittsburgh isn't meaningfully more or less expensive to live in than Indianapolis. Cost of living index runs 92 there against 86 here, and rent, income, and tax rates all fall in a comparable band. Focus your planning on the move itself rather than a change in monthly expenses. Walkability and safety scores land in a similar range too - 31/100 and 39.29/100 here versus 62/100 and 62.26/100 there.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Pittsburgh, PA to Indianapolis, IN guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Indiana to Pennsylvania, so we know current pricing better than most. Checking our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates. Indiana alone has 58 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 359-mile move like this one.
Our take
The 359-mile move from Indianapolis, IN, to Pittsburgh, PA, costs between $1,098 and $6,494 with full-service movers, $907 - $2,734 with a moving container, and $374 - $933 for a rental truck. Your budget and how much heavy lifting you want to do are the two biggest factors in choosing the right option. If you go with full-service movers, Safeway Moving is our top recommendation, with transparent flat-rate pricing starting around $1,800 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include UPMC and The PNC Financial Services Group.
FAQs: Moving from Indianapolis, IN, to Pittsburgh, PA
How walkable is Pittsburgh?
Pittsburgh has a walkability score of 62 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 55, compared to 31 and 43 in Indianapolis. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($101 - $115), daily insurance ($27/day), and equipment rentals ($6 - $18) on top. Overnight stops can add another $133/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How do I know a mover is licensed in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania requires moving companies that transport household goods within the state to obtain a license from the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC). Licenses are renewed every 1 to 2 years.
What is the best time of year to move from Indianapolis, IN to Pittsburgh, PA?
Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
What size moving truck do I need for this route?
Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 3 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
What percentage of Indianapolis movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 67% of movers in Indianapolis handle piano moves, and 37% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
