Best overall value
Local moving companies in Columbus
- Bellhop Moving: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Leaders Moving & Storage Co.: 5.0 out of 5 stars
- MVM Moving & Storage: 4.86 out of 5 stars
- All American Moving and Storage: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- E.E. Ward Moving & Storage: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- Professional and polite staff
- Efficient service
- Careful handling
- Friendly and approachable staff
- Quick moving process
- Damage to items
- Delayed arrival or delivery
- Unexpected charges
Company Info
Years in Business: 13
DOT #: 2878240
Alternate Names: Bellhop Moving, Bellhops, Inc., Bellhops
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- Efficient service
- Professional and polite staff
- Careful handling
- Quick moving process
- Good communication
- Damage to items
- Poor complaint handling
- Delayed arrival or delivery
Company Info
State license #: 00136562
Years in Business: 30
DOT #: 1237577
Alternate Names: Leaders Moving, Leaders Moving & Storage Co., L.E.A.D.E.R.S Moving & Storage Co., Leaders Moving And Storage Company
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Efficient service
- Professional and polite staff
- Careful handling
- Quick moving process
- Good communication
- Damage to items
- Inaccurate estimates
- Unfriendly or rude staff
Company Info
State license #: 156647
Years in Business: 19
DOT #: 1444491
Alternate Names: MVM Columbus, MVM Columbus Incorporated.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Professional and polite staff
- Efficient service
- Careful handling
- Good communication
- Quick moving process
- Damage to items
- Inaccurate estimates
- Delayed arrival or delivery
Company Info
State license #: 147426
Years in Business: 21
DOT #: 1239401
Alternate Names: American Moving & Storage, Ltd., All American Moving & Storage of Columbus, All American Moving and Storage, All American Delivery, Daniel R Dragin All American Moving, Storage and Delivery Prime Agent for Arpin Van Lines
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Professional and polite staff
- Careful handling
- Efficient service
- Good communication
- Quick moving process
- Damage to items
- Misplaced or lost items
- Lack of communication
Company Info
State license #: 11470
Years in Business: 143
DOT #: 1222904
Alternate Names: E E Ward Moving & Storage Co LLC, E.E.Ward Moving & Storage Co., LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Key factors that impact the cost of your Columbus to Indianapolis move
What to know before moving from Columbus to Indianapolis
Moving from Columbus to Indianapolis comes with exciting new opportunities — but also higher living costs. Since Indianapolis is generally more expensive than Columbus, it's important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Columbus | Indianapolis | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,441 | $1,399 |
| Average home value | $238,832 | $220,467 |
| Average income (per capita) | $65,075 | $59,110 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,784 | $2,804 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $7,249 | $6,667 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.7% | 5.6% |
| Sales tax | 7.5% | 7.0% |
| State income tax | 3.5% | 3.15% |
- Rent prices in Indianapolis are 3% lower than in Columbus, which means you'll have more money in your pocket each month.
-
In terms of homeownership, you'll be able to get more for your money in Indianapolis.
Home prices in Indianapolis are 7.7% lower than in Columbus. - Income in Indianapolis is 9.2% lower than in Columbus, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Indianapolis — including Anthem, Eli Lilly and Company, and Steak 'n Shake — may pay more.
- The cost of living for a single person is the same in Indianapolis and Columbus.
- A move to Indianapolis can help cut down on a family’s routine expenses, including utilities, transportation, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 8.0% less than what it costs in Columbus.
- The unemployment rate in Indianapolis is 1.75% lower than in Columbus.
- You'll spend less on retail and restaurants in Indianapolis, since the city's sales taxes in Indianapolis are 6.67% lower than in Columbus.
- One perk of moving to Indianapolis is paying less in state income taxes, which are 10.00% lower than in Columbus.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,021.55 in Indianapolis to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Columbus.
How life is different in Columbus vs. Indianapolis
| Indianapolis | Columbus | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 887,642 | 905,748 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 5 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 31 | 41 |
| Bike friendliness score | 43 | 48 |
| Crime Index | 60.71 | 49.65 |
| Safety Index | 39.29 | 50.35 |
| Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Indianapolis and Columbus have roughly the same population, which could make adjusting to your new life in Indiana easier.
- Your access to buses, shuttles, trams, or trains in Indianapolis will be about the same as it currently is in Columbus. The cities share a similar public transportation score, which means their transit systems are comparable in terms of how connected they are, how often they provide service, and how close they are to jobs, housing, retail and food stores, and other important locations.
- Indianapolis neighborhoods and districts might not be as easy to navigate on foot as Columbus. Based on its score of 31 out of 100, Indianapolis isn't as walkable as Columbus, which has a score of 41 out of 100. The higher the walkability score a city has, the easier it is to access amenities. The most walkable cities also tend to be more densely populated and have shorter block lengths.
- You probably won't see as many cycling lanes or off-road trails in Indianapolis, which is ranked as less bike-friendly than Columbus. While Columbus has a bike-friendliness score of 48 out of 100, Indianapolis earned a 43. Scores are based on factors like whether a city accommodates cyclists on major roadways, how often people bike to work, and how many steep hills it has.
- The crime rate in Indianapolis is higher than in Columbus, so you may want to exercise a little extra caution as you're acclimating to your new location. While the crime index is 60.71 in Indianapolis, it is 49.65 in Columbus. With this index, the lower the score, the better, since it indicates a city's crime levels.
- You may want to exercise more caution as you're getting used to your new surroundings in Indianapolis. With a crime index of 39.29, Indianapolis ranks lower in overall safety than Columbus, whose index is 50.35. 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 Indianapolis and Columbus 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 Columbus vs. Indianapolis move
- 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: 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: 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 through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Indiana does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state. We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
- Change of address: You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Indianapolis. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of 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: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you\'ve got everything covered.
Where to live in Indianapolis
With your sights set on Amateur Sports Capital of the World, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Indianapolis.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Broad Ripple Village
- Fountain Square
- Mile Square
- Meridian-Kessler
- Old Northside
Best neighborhoods for families
- Avon
- Brownsburg
- Carmel
- Fishers
- Westfield
Things to do in Indianapolis
After settling into your new Indiana home, you'll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Indianapolis has lots to offer, no matter what you're interested in:
- Arts and culture: Indianapolis is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Children's Museum of Indianapolis, Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, Indianapolis Museum of Art, The Eiteljorg Museum, and Indiana War Memorial.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Eagle Creek Park, White River State Park, Broad Ripple Park, and Krannert Park — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.'
- Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Indianapolis Colts (NFL), Indianapolis Pacers (NBA), or Indianapolis Fever (WNBA) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Columbus to Indianapolis?
The best time to move from Columbus to Indianapolis is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Columbus.
When is the cheapest time to move from Columbus to Indianapolis?
With many people choosing to move from Columbus to Indianapolis 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 Columbus to Indianapolis take?
The 175-mile move from Columbus, OH, to Indianapolis, IN, takes one to two days. Some Columbus movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Indianapolis.
