Quick answer: The cost to move from Madison to Indianapolis ranges from $427 to $5,617 and the journey will take approximately one to four days. Key factors influencing these estimates include your moving volume, chosen moving date, and whether you opt for professional movers or handle the 327-mile move on your own.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Indianapolis to Madison guide.
Our track record
Best Movers By Type
Professional
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Labor Only
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Best Professional Movers from Madison to Indianapolis
Choosing a long-distance mover for your move from Madison to Indianapolis can be tough. With so many options, it's hard to know which companies you can actually trust.
Skip the hassle of endless research — we've narrowed down the top choices for you. We picked these movers based on real reviews, competitive pricing, and the variety of services they offer.
Safeway Moving
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American Van Lines
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Allied Van Lines
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Mayzlin Relocation
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North American Van Lines
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How we chose the best moving companies for your WI to IN move
Local moving companies in Madison
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Straightline Moving, Inc.: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- Dreiske Moving & Storage: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Top Notch Moving and Storage: 4.42 out of 5 stars
- The Armstrong Company: 4.42 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 31
DOT #: 2527384
Alternate Names: Lightner & Lightner, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 217042
Years in Business: 9
DOT #: 3047914
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 69338
DOT #: 822740
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 5
DOT #: 3322160
Alternate Names: TopNotchMovers LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 39
DOT #: 1170867
Alternate Names: Armstrong Transfer & Storage Co., Inc., Armstrong Relocation & Commercial Services, The Armstrong Company
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Madison to Indianapolis?
Madison movers charge $85 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:
Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
---|---|---|---|
Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,211 - $3,852 | $762 - $1,914 | $414 - $702 |
2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,233 - $5,617 | $1,451 - $2,553 | $427 - $911 |
4+ bedrooms | $3,233 - $8,219 | $1,791 - $3,413 | $546 - $1,027 |
Cost to hire movers from Wisconsin to Indiana
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Wisconsin to Indiana will cost between $1,211 and $3,852. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from WI to IN will range from $2,233 to $5,617, and a large move from Wisconsin to Indiana will cost from $3,233 to $8,219.
Cost of moving containers from Wisconsin to Indiana
If you’re relocating from Wisconsin to Indiana, you’ll typically spend between $762 and $1,914 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $1,451 up to $2,553. If you’re moving a larger home—four bedrooms or more—expect to pay anywhere between $1,791 and $3,413. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Exploree our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from Wisconsin.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Wisconsin to Indiana
Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice, but remember, you’ll be responsible for all the heavy lifting, packing, and driving on your own.
If you're moving from a studio or one-bedroom place with a rental truck, expect to pay between $414 and $702. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $427 to $911. If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $546 and $1,027.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Factors that influence moving costs from Madison to Indianapolis
What to know before moving from Madison to Indianapolis
Moving from Madison to Indianapolis comes with exciting new opportunities — but also higher living costs. Since Indianapolis is generally more expensive than Madison, 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:
Madison | Indianapolis | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,600 | $1,399 |
Average home value | $367,934 | $220,467 |
Average income (per capita) | $62,919 | $59,110 |
Cost of living (single person) | $2,292 | $2,804 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $5,457 | $6,667 |
Unemployment rate | 3.3% | 5.6% |
Sales tax | 5.5% | 7.0% |
State income tax | 7.65% | 3.15% |
- Rent prices in Indianapolis are 13% lower than in Madison, which means you'll have more money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, you'll be able to get more for your money in Indianapolis.
Home prices in Indianapolis are 40.1% lower than in Madison. - Income in Indianapolis is 6.1% lower than in Madison, 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.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Indianapolis, since the cost of living for a single person in Indianapolis is 22.3% higher than in Madison. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If you're moving your family to Indianapolis, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Indianapolis is 22.2% higher than in Madison.
- The unemployment rate in Indianapolis is 69.70% higher than in Madison.
- Shopping and dining out will likely be a little pricier in Indianapolis, since its sales taxes are 27.27% higher than what you are paying in Madison.
- One perk of moving to Indianapolis is paying less in state income taxes, which are 58.82% lower than in Madison.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,670.16 in Indianapolis to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Madison.
How life is different in Madison vs. Indianapolis
Indianapolis | Madison | |
---|---|---|
Population | 887,642 | 269,840 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 5 | 6 |
Walkability score | 31 | 50 |
Bike friendliness score | 43 | 66 |
Crime Index | 60.71 | 34.57 |
Safety Index | 39.29 | 65.43 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Indianapolis's population is about 229% greater than Madison.
- Indianapolis's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus Madison's higher score of 6.
- Indianapolis is less walkable than Madison with a score of 31 out of 100 vs Madison's 50 out of 100.
- Indianapolis has a bike-friendliness score 43 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Madison, which has a score of 66 out of 100.
- Indianapolis's crime rate is higher than Madison with a score of 60.71 compared to Madison's 34.57. This means that Indianapolis neighborhoods are safer than 60.71% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Madison neighborhoods are safer than 34.57%.
- Indianapolis is considered to be less safe than Madison with a score of 39.29 vs Madison's 65.43.
- Air quality in Indianapolis is good, and in Madison it's good.
Other things to consider for your Madison 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 getting comfortable in your new Indiana home, it's time to see what Indianapolis is all about. Whether you're into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there's plenty to check out:
- 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 Madison to Indianapolis?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Madison to Indianapolis are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Madison. are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Madison to Indianapolis?
Because most people are moving from Madison to Indianapolis in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.
How long does a move from Madison to Indianapolis take?
Moving from Madison, WI to Indianapolis, IN covers 327 miles and usually takes one to four days Need to move faster? Some Madison movers offer expedited options. If you're not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Indianapolis.