Indiana to California Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Indiana to California

ConsIndiana

• Harsh winters
• Limited job market
• Flat landscapes
• Fewer cultural events
• Limited outdoor activities

ProsCalifornia

• Mild climate
• Diverse career opportunities
• Scenic views
• Cultural diversity
• Endless outdoor options

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California

• Higher living expenses
• Urban sprawl
• Heavy congestion
• High competition
• Complex transit

Indiana

• Lower cost of living
• Close-knit communities
• Less traffic
• Less competition
• Easy to navigate

Pros of moving from Indiana to California

• Say goodbye to harsh winters and hello to mild climate
• Look forward to moving away from limited job market and moving to California with diverse career opportunities
• Swap the flat landscapes of Indiana for scenic views in California
• Get ready for cultural diversity in California

Cons of moving from Indiana to California

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from lower cost of living in Indiana to live with higher living expenses in California
• You'll lose out on the pro of close-knit communities and have to settle with the con of urban sprawl
• Time to bid farewell to less traffic and get used to heavy congestion in California
• Swap less competition for high competition

Indiana vs. California: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Indiana to California, you will be trading the iconic Pork Tenderloin Sandwich of Indiana for the equally delicious Fish Tacos of California. And while the locals in Indiana rave about their flavorful Hoosier Pie and sumptuous Corn Dogs, California residents know they have tasty Tri-tip and Street Tacos to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Seitan BBQ they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Avocado Toast of California. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Indiana eateries like St. Elmo Steak House, Bluebeard, and The Lombardi Room. After the boxes are unpacked in California, don't wait too long before making your way to California's acclaimed eateries like Chez Panisse, In-N-Out Burger, and The French Laundry.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Indiana and California

• The Craftsman and Colonial architecture that Indiana is known for will be replaced with the Modern and Spanish architecture typical of California.
• Compared to Indiana's real estate listings that commonly reference large yards and family-friendly features, California real estate listings often highlight features like ocean views and eco-friendly attributes.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. California is more walkable than Indiana.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike. California is more bike-friendly than Indiana.
• California has more of an urban feel than Indiana.
• California housing costs are 231% more expensive than they are in Indiana, with a median home price of $783,666 compared to Indiana’s $236,990.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in California have increased by 42% compared to a 54% increase in Indiana.
• Rent in California is 102.04% more expensive than in Indiana.

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

• Break out the sunglasses for your move from Indiana to California. California gets 53% more sunshine days than Indiana.
• California has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Indiana.
• Say goodbye to the possible tornadoes and floods in Indiana, but be on the lookout for potential earthquakes and wildfires in California.
• The average summer high temperature in California is the same as Indiana.
• The average winter lows are 25 degrees warmer than they are in Indiana.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in California. California receives 20 fewer inches of rain compared to Indiana.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Indiana and California

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in California tend to earn about 37% more than those in Indiana
• The COLI in California is 47% higher than what you are used to living in Indiana
• The state income tax in CA is up to 13.3% compared to 3.23% in IN
• The affluence in California is high compared to moderate affluence in Indiana
• The poverty level is moderate in California compared to low in Indiana
• In terms of homelessness, it is low in Indiana and high in California

Political and Religious Climate in Indiana vs. California

• Indiana tends to lean Republican/Conservative in its political climate
• California, on the other hand, is often described as leaning Democrat/Liberal
• California's religious environment can be described as diverse, with a significant number of non-religious residents, Catholics, and a variety of other faiths
• Indiana's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as having a higher prevalence of Protestant and Evangelical Christians

Education Guide When Moving from Indiana to California

How Much Do Indiana to California Movers Cost?

Moving 2,309 miles from Indiana to California 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.