Best Chicago to Indianapolis Movers

How Much Do Chicago to Indianapolis Movers Cost?

Moving 184 miles from Chicago, IL to Indianapolis, IN will typically cost between $2,000 and $4,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

Pro tip for the cheapest long distance move

Find long distance movers in Indianapolis that already have a booked job heading from Indianapolis to Chicago. Their moving truck would be making the trip back to Indianapolis from Chicago entirely empty. If you can find a Indianapolis moving company willing to move your stuff on the return leg, you'll score a real deal!

Moving Containers: A cheaper Chicago to Indianapolis moving option

Hire local Chicago movers for the pickup location at an hourly rate. They can quickly load your moving container. When your container is dropped off at your new home, hire Indianapolis movers to unpack the container and move you into your new home. You'll have to piece this Chicago to Indianapolis move together yourself with at least 3 different companies. Taking on this scheduling responsibility will save you a little money by moving with this strategy.

How we ranked the top Chicago to Indianapolis movers

Why you should trust us

We take reviews seriously to protect people just like you! Our team has been crunching data on moving companies since 2010. Our math-based ranking system uses data, manual review, and statistical analysis to help you hire the best Chicago, IL to Indianapolis, IN long distance movers.

Rating Methodology

Here's the methodology we used to come up with the best movers for the Chicago to Indianapolis moving route:

Our original review-based ranking algorithm

We started with a total of 52 companies that offer interstate moving services in both the Chicago and Indianapolis areas.

From these 52 companies, we analyzed a total of 25,211 reviews dating all the way back to August 2005.

We also reviewed a total of 25 state and federal moving licenses from these 52 companies and 259 different 3rd party review and social profiles.

Each of the ~25,000 reviews was scored according to our detailed 11-point rating criteria

Reviews are time-weighted so that more recent reviews carry more weight. This helps you understand how a mover is doing today... not 5 years ago. We have 13,115 Chicago to Indianapolis moving company data points from the past 2 years that carry more weight.

Bayesian averages calculated to fairly account for the differences between companies that are newer(like 606 Movers, Inc.) vs older more established companies (like Soft Touch Moving).

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The Great Guys Moving 11-Point Rating Breakdown

Our 11-point rating criteria scores every Chicago to Indianapolis moving company across 11 of the most important criteria for a succesful moving experience.

Quality

Overall quality of the service provided on moving day.

8.35/10 avg (Chicago & Indianapolis combined) from 18,240 reviews

Punctuality

Did the crew show up on-time with the required equipment?

7.97/10 avg (Chicago & Indianapolis combined) from 6,711 reviews

Affordability

How affordable was the moving service?

7.35/10 avg (Chicago & Indianapolis combined) from 3,941 reviews

Communication

Responsiveness before, during, and after the move.

7.30/10 avg (Chicago & Indianapolis combined) from 6,727 reviews

Stick to Prices

Was the final price consistent with the original quote?

5.99/10 avg (Chicago & Indianapolis combined) from 3,525 reviews

Speed

Efficiency without taking unnecessary time to increase costs.

8.60/10 avg (Chicago & Indianapolis combined) from 9,583 reviews

Friendliness

Was the moving crew cordial and friendly on moving day?

8.92/10 avg (Chicago & Indianapolis combined) from 8,827 reviews

Will Hire Again

How likely a customer is to hire the same movers again.

8.07/10 avg (Chicago & Indianapolis combined) from 17,388 reviews

Professionalism

Did the moving crew behave professionally on moving day?

8.26/10 avg (Chicago & Indianapolis combined) from 10,003 reviews

Conflict Handling

How well the company responds to accidents and issues.

3.74/10 avg (Chicago & Indianapolis combined) from 2,343 reviews

Precision & Care

Were walls scratched? Did furniture get damaged or lost?

7.92/10 avg (Chicago & Indianapolis combined) from 9,061 reviews

From Chicago to Indianapolis: Comparable Neighborhoods at a Glance

• Lincoln Park in Chicago & Meridian-Kessler in Indianapolis are both known for their: family-friendly, historic homes & parks
• Chicago's Wicker Park neighborhood & Indianapolis' Fountain Square both share: an arts district vibe & lively nightlife
• If you're moving from Logan Square, check out Broad Ripple in the Indianapolis area for the: craft breweries & walkable streets
• Do you enjoy Hyde Park's university-adjacent residential community? You're sure to love Butler-Tarkington
• Move from The Loop to Downtown Indianapolis and continue to enjoy these neighborhood qualities: a central business district & cultural attractions
• River North & Massachusetts Avenue are both known for their: art galleries & trendy dining
• Chicago's West Loop neighborhood & Indianapolis' Massachusetts Avenue neighborhood both have: trendy restaurants & converted lofts
• If you're moving from Bucktown, look into Fountain Square for the: a creative scene & local breweries
• Do you cherish living in South Loop's waterfront high-rises & public parks? Move into Downtown Indianapolis for something similar

Pros and Cons of Moving from Chicago to Indianapolis

ConsChicago, IL

• Higher cost of living
• Colder winters
• Heavy traffic
• Dense population

ProsIndianapolis, IN

• More affordable
• Milder winters
• Less congestion
• Spacious living

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Indianapolis, IN

• Quieter city
• Less diversity
• Fewer attractions
• Car-dependent

Chicago, IL

• Vibrant nightlife
• Diverse food scene
• Rich cultural attractions
• Better public transit

Pros of moving from Chicago to Indianapolis

• Say goodbye to the higher cost of living and hello to more affordability
• Look forward to moving away from colder winters and moving to Indianapolis with milder winters
• Swap the heavy traffic of Chicago for less congestion in Indianapolis
• Get ready for spacious living in Indianapolis

Cons of moving from Chicago to Indianapolis

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the vibrant nightlife in Chicago to live with a quieter city in Indianapolis
• You'll lose out on the pro of a diverse food scene and have to settle with the con of less diversity
• Time to bid farewell to rich cultural attractions and get used to fewer attractions in Indianapolis
• Swap better public transit for being car-dependent

Chicago vs. Indianapolis: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Chicago to Indianapolis, you will be trading the iconic Deep-Dish Pizza of Chicago for the equally delicious Pork Tenderloin Sandwich of Indianapolis. And while the locals in Chicago rave about their flavorful Italian Beef and sumptuous Chicago-Style Hot Dog, Indianapolis residents know they have tasty Sugar Cream Pie and Tacos to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Seitan they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Tempeh of Indianapolis. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Chicago eateries like Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria, Portillo’s, and Alinea. After the boxes are unpacked in Indianapolis, don't wait too long before making your way to Indianapolis' acclaimed eateries like St. Elmo Steak House, Bluebeard, and Milktooth.

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

Discover Indianapolis Restaurants You'll Love

Moving to Indianapolis is an opportunity to try lots of new restaurants. Sure, you'll miss your old Chicago favorites, but we've got you covered. If you loved Alinea, Girl & the Goat, and Lou Malnati's Pizzeria in Chicago, we're sure you'll love Milktooth, Bluebeard, and Jockamo Upper Crust Pizza in Indianapolis. See our Indianapolis restaurant discovery table below to find the closest comparison restaurant to all of your cherished Chicago hotspots. For example, if you enjoyed dining at Frontera Grill, head to Rook on your first Friday night after the boxes are unpacked.

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Chicago and Indianapolis

• The Modern & Historic Mix architecture that Chicago is known for will be replaced with the Midwestern architecture featuring Victorian Influences that is typical of Indianapolis.
• Compared to Chicago's real estate listings, which commonly reference nearby amenities and lake views, Indianapolis real estate listings often highlight features like spacious yards and proximity to highways.
• You can keep your walking shoes packed away because Indianapolis is less walkable than Chicago.
• You might want to think twice before moving your bike as Indianapolis is less bike-friendly than Chicago.
• Indianapolis has less of an urban feel than Chicago.
• Indianapolis housing costs are 23% less expensive than they are in Chicago, with a median home price of $224,099 compared to Chicago’s $289,909.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Indianapolis have increased by 60% compared to a 17% increase in Chicago.
• Rent in Indianapolis is 35.28% more affordable than in Chicago.

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Indianapolis, IN

1. 1 Broad Ripple: With the Monon Trail, the Broad Ripple Park dog park, and numerous pet-friendly patios and shops, it's an easy, walkable area for daily dog outings.
2. 2 Meridian-Kessler: Tree-lined sidewalks, bigger yards, close access to the Monon and several neighborhood parks, plus nearby vets and pet stores make it convenient for pet owners.
3. 3 Irvington: Pleasant Run Trail and Ellenberger Park offer long, shaded walks, and the neighborhood's calm streets and pet-welcoming cafes suit daily routines.

Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between Chicago and Indianapolis

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from Chicago to Indianapolis. Indianapolis gets 2% fewer sunshine days than Chicago.
• Indianapolis has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Chicago.
• Say goodbye to the possible blizzards and extreme cold in Chicago, but be on the lookout for potential tornadoes and severe storms in Indianapolis.
• The average summer high temperature in Indianapolis is the same as in Chicago.
• The average winter lows are 2 degrees colder than they are in Chicago.
• Your umbrella might be more overworked in Indianapolis, as it receives 6.4 more inches of rain compared to Chicago.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Chicago and Indianapolis

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Indianapolis tend to earn about 12% less than in Chicago
• The COLI in Indianapolis is 25% lower than what you are used to living in Chicago
• The state income tax in IN is 3.23 compared to 4.95 in IL
• The affluence in Indianapolis is moderate compared to varied affluence in Chicago
• The poverty level is moderate in Indianapolis compared to significant poverty in Chicago
• In terms of homelessness, it is noticeable in Chicago and lesser in Indianapolis

Chicago vs. Indianapolis Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

• Woohoo! Expect to spend about 26% less time stuck in traffic commuting to work in Indianapolis compared to your Chicago daily drive. That's an annual savings of 4,680 minutes freely earned!
• You can expect traffic in Indianapolis to be better than it is in Chicago.
• Public transit is less readily available in Indianapolis.