Things to know before moving from Kansas to Indianapolis, IN

Cost of living: Kansas vs Indianapolis, IN

Kansas Indianapolis
Average rent cost $986 $1,399
Average home value $229,012 $220,467
Average income (per capita) $69,747 $59,110
Unemployment rate 3% 6%
State income tax 6% 3%
  • Rent is about 42% more expensive in Indianapolis than in Kansas.
  • Home prices are about 4% lower in Indianapolis than in Kansas.
  • The average income is about 15% lower in Indianapolis than in Kansas.
  • Indianapolis has a higher unemployment rate than Kansas by about 65%.
  • Income taxes are 45% lower in Indianapolis than in Kansas.

How life is different in Indianapolis from Kansas

Indianapolis Kansas
Population 887,642 2,940,546
Political leaning Republican 49-48 Republican 57.1%-41.1
Summer high 84ºF 91ºF
Winter low 20ºF 19ºF
Annual rain 42" 33"
Annual snow 22" 15"
Crime index 60.71 24.07
  • The population of Indianapolis is approximately 70% lower than the population of Kansas.
  • In the last presidential election, Indianapolis voted Republican and Kansas voted Republican.
  • The average high in the summertime in Indianapolis is 84ºF and in Kansas, it’s 91ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, Indianapolis reaches the temperature of 20ºF and Kansas gets down to 19ºF.
  • You can expect about 42 inches of annual rainfall in Indianapolis vs 33 inches of rainfall in Kansas.
  • In Indianapolis, it snows about 22 inches annually vs 15 inches of snow in Kansas.
  • Indianapolis has a higher crime rate than Kansas with a crime index of 60.71 vs 24.07.

Things to do in Indianapolis

Whether you’re looking for parks, museums, sports, or even universities, you’ll be happy to find a plethora of these in Indianapolis.

Museums in Indianapolistoggle

  • Children's Museum of Indianapolis
  • Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum
  • Indianapolis Museum of Art
  • The Eiteljorg Museum
  • Indiana War Memorial
  • Indiana State Museum
  • Rhythm! Discovery Center
  • Oldfields-Lilly House and Gardens
  • Indiana Historical Society
  • Indiana Medical History Museum
  • NCAA Hall of Champions
  • Rolls-Royce Heritage Trust
  • James Whitcomb Riley Museum Home
  • Kurt Vonnegut Museum and Library
  • Indianapolis Art Center

Parks in Indianapolistoggle

  • Eagle Creek Park
  • White River State Park
  • Broad Ripple Park
  • Krannert Park
  • Skiles Test Park
  • Southwestway Park
  • Ross Claypool Park
  • Stout Field Park

Sports Teams in Indianapolistoggle

  • Indianapolis Colts (NFL)
  • Indianapolis Pacers (NBA)
  • Indianapolis Fever (WNBA)

Universities in Indianapolistoggle

  • Butler University
  • Chamberlain University – Indianapolis
  • Crossroads Bible College - Indianapolis
  • Indiana Institute of Technology – Indianapolis
  • Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis
  • Indiana Wesleyan University - Indianapolis North
  • Indiana Wesleyan University - Indianapolis West
  • International Business College – Indianapolis
  • Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana - Indianapolis
  • Lincoln College of Technology
  • Marian University
  • Martin University
  • Purdue University Global
  • University of Indianapolis
  • Vincennes University - Indianapolis

Other considerations when moving to Indianapolis, IN

  • 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: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator reservation: One common and important example of something that should be handled ahead of time is reserving the building's elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
  • Parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles, find out ahead of time with your new local rules.
  • 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Indiana moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
  • Moving permits: Indiana 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 Indiana. Get started here.
  • Mover's insurance: Every state has their own requirements when it comes to insurance. 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: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.

FAQ

How long does a move from Kansas to Indianapolis take?

The time frame for a move from Kansas to Indianapolis, IN, varies based on your moving method and starting location. The actual loading up of your items should not take more than a day, even with DIY moves.

Obviously, the further upstate you are in Kansas, the longer the drive time to Indianapolis will be. If you’re driving a rental truck, the move could be completed in one or two days, on average, depending on your route and how often you stop.

With professional movers or moving containers, delivery times to Indianapolis from Kansas can range from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the company’s schedule and transit logistics. You can always ask for a general timeline before booking.

How far in advance should I book movers when moving from Kansas to Indianapolis?

Because of the 715-mile move, it’s best to book your move from Kansas to Indianapolis as soon as you have your moving details. Ideally, you’d book your move two to three months ahead of time.

What time of year is the cheapest to move to Indianapolis, IN?

With the summer highs of 84ºF and the winter lows of 20ºF, most people move to Indianapolis from Kansas during the spring and fall months. To avoid competing during those busy moving seasons, you could save some money by booking your move to Indianapolis during summer or winter.

Helpful moving resources