($486+) Newark, NJ to Indianapolis, IN Movers
Moving from Newark, NJ, to Indianapolis, IN, runs anywhere from $486 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $6,981 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 697 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 6 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 $1,461, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $6,981 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,022 - $3,327, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $486 - $1,307.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Newark, NJ, to Indianapolis, IN. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,936 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 Newark, NJ to Indianapolis, IN
Moving options from Newark to Indianapolis fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move on this route costs $1,936 - $5,059 and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 35% less for the same home size, while rental trucks land about 72% less, though both require you to load the truck or container yourself. This route spans 697 miles and typically takes 1 to 6 days.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 697-mile route from Newark to Indianapolis, broken down by home size:
Home size makes the biggest difference in what you'll pay on this route. A studio or 1-bedroom runs $1,461 - $3,760 with full-service movers and considerably less with a container ($1,022 - $1,759), rental truck ($486 - $909), or freight trailer ($938 - $1,601). A 2 - 3 bedroom home moves that range up to $1,936 - $5,059 full-service, and a 4+ bedroom household tops out around $6,981.
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 Newark, NJ to Indianapolis, IN
Hiring full-service movers from Newark, New Jersey, to Indianapolis, Indiana, costs between $1,461 and $6,981. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 697-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $346 - $2,308, 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 Newark and Indianapolis. For a rough baseline, movers based in Newark tend to start around $260 plus $120/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 Newark to Indianapolis:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,461 - $3,760
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,936 - $5,059
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,453 - $6,981
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 Newark to Indianapolis.
Pro tip: Moving company rates climb during peak moving season (May –-September) when demand peaks. Scheduling your move outside of that window can lead to noticeably lower costs and better availability.
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Specialty moving services from Newark, NJ to Indianapolis, IN
Specialty needs vary by market: 62% of Newark movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Indianapolis, 57% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing72% of local movers | $577 - $5,770 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready62% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: White Glove Moving & Storage | $231 - $1,385/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $346 - $2,770 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage12% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs47% of local movers | $1,154 - $3,462 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,885 - $11,540 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $864 - $1,642 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items31% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: White Glove Moving & Storage | $1,154 - $2,885 |
| Piano | Any piano type39% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: White Glove Moving & Storage | $923 - $4,039 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling9% of local movers | $346 - $1,731 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect3% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (NJ) | $750 - $2,308 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $346 - $17,310+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $346 - $4,039+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Newark to Indianapolis?
- 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.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national van lines are the smarter financial choice over local movers in Newark, NJ. Local companies can run 30% - 40% more at that range since they don't consolidate shipments the way interstate carriers do. If a direct, dedicated route with an average 2-day delivery appeals to you, a local mover could be worth it, but that convenience comes at a cost.
Moving container costs from Newark, NJ to Indianapolis, IN
Moving containers from Newark, New Jersey, to Indianapolis, Indiana, cost between $1,022 and $3,327. 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 Indianapolis. If you go over that window, storage in Newark adds around $130/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Newark to Indianapolis:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,022 - $1,759
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,259 - $2,641
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,807 - $3,327
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Containers are self-loaded, so many people hire hourly help for the heavy lifting. moveBuddha data shows two movers for about five hours runs around $808 in Newark, NJ. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: If you want stronger coverage than the default liability, full-value protection is the upgrade to consider. Most providers charge 1% - 2% of your shipment value, roughly $500 - $1,000 for $50,000 in contents.
- Storage: After the first month, rental fees average $87 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $173 per month for a larger 12- to 16-foot unit.
- Access: If you anticipate needing to access items while in storage, confirm there's a facility conveniently located near your Indianapolis, IN, destination before booking.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a New Jersey to Indiana 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 $1,022. 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 $1,259 - $2,641.
What are the best moving containers Newark to Indianapolis?
- 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 Newark 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 Newark:
- Piece of Cake Moving & Storage (4.8/5), 8 years in business
- Moishe's Moving Systems (4.5/5), 33 years in business
- Big G Movers Inc (4.9/5), 13 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Newark, NJ to Indianapolis, IN
Truck rentals from Newark, New Jersey, to Indianapolis, Indiana, range from $486 - $1,307 for the 697-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- Fuel for the drive: $256 - $292
- Daily insurance: $35/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $23
- Newark daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.99 - $0.99
| 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 Newark to Indianapolis based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $486 - $909
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $545 - $1,079
- 4+ bedrooms: $641 - $1,307
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $486 - $1,307 when pricing out a rental truck from Newark to Indianapolis. Fuel alone runs $256 - $292, and overnight lodging ($173/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend roughly $600 - $1,200 more on meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging by the time the move is done.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $87 and $404.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $173.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $256 and $292 for the 697-mile drive, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: If you'd rather not do all the heavy lifting, budget around $808 for 2 movers in Newark, New Jersey, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Newark to Indianapolis?
- 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 Newark, NJ to Indianapolis, IN
For larger DIY moves from Newark, New Jersey, 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 Indianapolis, Indiana.
Because freight companies bill by linear footage, your total is based on how much of the trailer you occupy, not the full length. For a 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route, pricing typically falls between $987 and $2,133.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Newark to Indianapolis:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $938 - $1,601
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $987 - $2,133
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,376 - $2,557
Pro tip: A 4-foot ramp sounds simple, but heavy or awkward furniture can make the climb tricky. With 8 feet of height to work with, smart vertical stacking is key. Since freight companies charge by the linear foot, every extra foot you use adds to the bill.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Demand cycles: Trailer costs climb during peak moving season, especially from mid-May through mid-September when demand is at its highest.
- More space: You're billed only for the linear feet you use, but underestimating your inventory means paying for extra space, typically around $87 - $173 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Newark, New Jersey, for about five hours typically runs $808.
What are the best freight companies from Newark to Indianapolis?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Primarily known as a top moving container option for its DIY hybrid model where customers load and the company drives, MovingYourself also functions as a strong freight option thanks to its 53-foot trucks and pay-only-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. Best known for its container service, U-Pack also runs a top-notch freight trailer operation with the same no-deposit, pay-by-the-foot approach that keeps overall costs lower than most freight competitors.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Newark to Indianapolis. If you have a hard move-in date and want your stuff there as soon as possible, freight is hard to beat. It's worth noting that freight works best when you're ready to receive your delivery, so if your move-in date is still up in the air or you'll need short-term storage, a moving container is likely the more practical choice.
Cost of living: Newark, NJ vs Indianapolis, IN
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Indianapolis, side by side with Newark on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Newark, NJ | Indianapolis, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 135 | 86 |
| Average rent | $2,300/mo | $1,399/mo |
| Median home value | $335,418 | $205,828 |
| Average income | $48,416/yr | $62,995/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 13.0% | 5.6% |
| State income tax | Up to 10.7% | Up to 3.15% |
| Walkability score | 76/100 | 31/100 |
| Safety index | 24.76/100 | 39.29/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Indianapolis, IN to Newark, NJ guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 real quotes from New Jersey to Indiana over the past 3 months, giving us some of the most up-to-date pricing data around. Running your move through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. There are 315 movers in our New Jersey network to compare for this 697-mile move.
Our take
The 697-mile move from Newark, NJ, to Indianapolis, IN, costs between $1,461 and $6,981 with full-service movers, $1,022 - $3,327 with a moving container, and $486 - $1,307 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 $1,936 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 Anthem and Eli Lilly and Company.
FAQs: Moving from Newark, NJ, to Indianapolis, IN
What is the best time of year to move from Newark, NJ to Indianapolis, IN?
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 4 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
Is Indianapolis a safe place to live?
Indianapolis has a safety index of 39.29 out of 100 and a crime index of 60.71, compared to 24.76 and 75.24 in Newark. 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 Newark, NJ to Indianapolis, IN?
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 $545 - $1,079. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What are the best neighborhoods in Indianapolis?
For families, Avon, Brownsburg, and Carmel are worth a look in Indianapolis. If you're moving solo or without kids, Broad Ripple Village, Fountain Square, and Mile Square tend to be popular picks instead.
What percentage of Newark movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 39% of movers in Newark handle piano moves, and 31% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.