California to Indiana Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from California to Indiana

ConsCalifornia

• High cost of living
• Traffic congestion
• Wildfire risk
• Earthquake risk
• High taxes

ProsIndiana

• Affordable housing
• Less traffic
• Fewer natural disasters
• Safer weather conditions
• Lower taxes

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Indiana

• Landlocked state
• Less diversity
• Fewer entertainment options
• Cold winters
• Fewer tech jobs

California

• Beautiful beaches
• Diverse culture
• Extensive entertainment
• Mild winters
• Tech industry hub

Pros of moving from California to Indiana

• Say goodbye to the high cost of living and hello to affordable housing
• Look forward to moving away from traffic congestion and moving to Indiana with less traffic
• Swap the wildfire risk of California for fewer natural disasters in Indiana
• Get ready for safer weather conditions in Indiana

Cons of moving from California to Indiana

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from beautiful beaches in California to live in a landlocked state in Indiana
• You'll lose out on the pro of diverse culture and have to settle for the con of less diversity
• Time to bid farewell to extensive entertainment and get used to fewer entertainment options in Indiana
• Swap mild winters for cold winters

California vs. Indiana: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from California to Indiana, you will be trading the iconic Avocado Toast of California for the equally delicious Pork Tenderloin Sandwich of Indiana. And while the locals in California rave about their flavorful Tri-tip Steak and sumptuous Tacos, Indiana residents know they have tasty Beef and Noodles and Corn Dogs to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Plant-based Burgers they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Seitan Steak of Indiana. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic California eateries like Chef Tanya’s Kitchen, The French Laundry, and In-N-Out Burger. After the boxes are unpacked in Indiana, don't wait too long before making your way to Indiana's acclaimed eateries like St. Elmo Steak House, Blue's Canoe Livery, and Three Carrots Pub.

When comparing lifestyles, Indiana shows less emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than California. Food truck fans will discover a less desirable selection in Indiana compared to what you are used to in California. Also, the overall foodie scene is less bustling in Indiana.

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between California and Indiana

• The Modern and Spanish architecture that California is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Ranch architecture typical of Indiana.
• Compared to California's real estate listings that commonly reference proximity to the ocean and energy-efficient features, Indiana real estate listings often highlight features like large yards and proximity to schools.
• You can keep your walking shoes packed away; Indiana is less walkable than California.
• Indiana is similarly bike-friendly to California.
• Indiana has less of an urban feel than California.
• Indiana housing costs are 70% less expensive than they are in California, with a median home price of $236,990 compared to California’s $783,666.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Indiana have increased by 54% compared to a 42% increase in California.
• Rent in Indiana is 50.50% more affordable than in California.

Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between California and Indiana

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from California to Indiana. Indiana gets 33% fewer sunshine days than California.
• Indiana has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to California.
• Say goodbye to the possible earthquakes and wildfires in California, but be on the lookout for potential tornadoes and floods in Indiana.
• The average summer high temperature in Indiana is the same as California.
• The average winter lows are 28 degrees colder than they are in California.
• Your umbrella might be more overworked in Indiana. Indiana receives 20 more inches of rain compared to California.

Financial & Community Snapshot: California and Indiana

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Indiana tend to earn about 27% less than residents in California
• The COLI in Indiana will be 32% lower than what you are used to living in California
• The state income tax in Indiana is 3.23% compared to 13.3% in California
• The affluence in Indiana is moderate compared to high in California
• The poverty level is low in Indiana compared to moderate in California
• In terms of homelessness, it is high in California and low in Indiana

Political and Religious Climate in California vs. Indiana

• California tends to lean Liberal/Democratic in its political climate
• Indiana, on the other hand, is often described as Conservative/Republican
• Indiana's religious environment can be described as predominantly Christian
• California's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as multicultural and diverse

Education Guide When Moving from California to Indiana

How Much Do California to Indiana Movers Cost?

Moving 2,309 miles from California to Indiana will typically cost between $3,500 and $9,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.