Best Indianapolis to San Francisco Movers

How Much Do Indianapolis to San Francisco Movers Cost?

Moving 2,294 miles from Indianapolis, IN to San Francisco, CA 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.

Pro tip for the cheapest long distance move

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

Moving Containers: A cheaper Indianapolis to San Francisco moving option

Hire local Indianapolis 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 San Francisco movers to unpack the container and move you into your new home. You'll have to piece this Indianapolis to San Francisco 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 Indianapolis to San Francisco 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 Indianapolis, IN to San Francisco, CA long distance movers.

Rating Methodology

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

Our original review-based ranking algorithm

We started with a total of 25 companies that offer interstate moving services in both the Indianapolis and San Francisco areas.

From these 25 companies, we analyzed a total of 6,693 reviews dating all the way back to August 2005.

We also reviewed a total of 5 state and federal moving licenses from these 25 companies and 107 different 3rd party review and social profiles.

Each of the ~6,000 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 2,901 Indianapolis to San Francisco 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 You Move Me Indianapolis) 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 Indianapolis to San Francisco moving company across 11 of the most important criteria for a succesful moving experience.

Quality

Overall quality of the service provided on moving day.

8.25/10 avg (Indianapolis & San Francisco combined) from 3,657 reviews

Punctuality

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

8.05/10 avg (Indianapolis & San Francisco combined) from 1,359 reviews

Affordability

How affordable was the moving service?

7.24/10 avg (Indianapolis & San Francisco combined) from 652 reviews

Communication

Responsiveness before, during, and after the move.

7.59/10 avg (Indianapolis & San Francisco combined) from 1,397 reviews

Stick to Prices

Was the final price consistent with the original quote?

6.05/10 avg (Indianapolis & San Francisco combined) from 580 reviews

Speed

Efficiency without taking unnecessary time to increase costs.

8.51/10 avg (Indianapolis & San Francisco combined) from 1,620 reviews

Friendliness

Was the moving crew cordial and friendly on moving day?

8.94/10 avg (Indianapolis & San Francisco combined) from 2,102 reviews

Will Hire Again

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

8.05/10 avg (Indianapolis & San Francisco combined) from 3,660 reviews

Professionalism

Did the moving crew behave professionally on moving day?

8.26/10 avg (Indianapolis & San Francisco combined) from 2,182 reviews

Conflict Handling

How well the company responds to accidents and issues.

4.33/10 avg (Indianapolis & San Francisco combined) from 452 reviews

Precision & Care

Were walls scratched? Did furniture get damaged or lost?

7.73/10 avg (Indianapolis & San Francisco combined) from 1,868 reviews

From Indianapolis to San Francisco: Comparable Neighborhoods at a Glance

• Broad Ripple in Indianapolis & Mission District in San Francisco are both known for their vibrant nightlife & local eateries
• Indianapolis' Fountain Square neighborhood & San Francisco's Dogpatch both share an artsy vibe & craft breweries
• If you're moving from Meridian-Kessler, check out Noe Valley in the San Francisco area for affluent, family-friendly streets
• Do you enjoy Irvington's historic homes & community events? You're sure to love Castro
• Move from Mass Ave to Hayes Valley and continue to enjoy these neighborhood qualities of a cultural district with boutiques
• Fletcher Place & Dogpatch are both known for their urban revitalization & warehouse lofts
• Indianapolis' Lockerbie Square neighborhood & San Francisco's Alamo Square neighborhood both have Victorian architecture & historic charm
• If you're moving from Bates-Hendricks, look into Lower Haight for a gentrifying area with local breweries
• Do you cherish living in Geist's waterfront luxury homes? Move into Sea Cliff for something similar

Pros and Cons of Moving from Indianapolis to San Francisco

ConsIndianapolis, IN

• Lower average income
• Less cultural diversity
• Limited public transportation
• Fewer tech job opportunities
• Smaller cultural scene

ProsSan Francisco, CA

• Higher average income
• Greater cultural diversity
• Extensive public transportation
• More tech job opportunities
• Larger cultural scene

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San Francisco, CA

• Expensive housing
• Higher cost of living
• Denser population
• Urban hustle and bustle
• More traffic congestion

Indianapolis, IN

• Affordable housing
• Lower cost of living
• Spacious outdoor areas
• Quiet, suburban feel
• Less traffic congestion

Pros of moving from Indianapolis to San Francisco

• Say goodbye to lower average income and hello to higher average income
• Look forward to moving away from less cultural diversity and moving to San Francisco with greater cultural diversity
• Swap the limited public transportation of Indianapolis for the extensive public transportation in San Francisco
• Get ready for more tech job opportunities in San Francisco

Cons of moving from Indianapolis to San Francisco

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from affordable housing in Indianapolis to live with expensive housing in San Francisco
• You'll lose out on the pro of lower cost of living and have to settle for the con of higher cost of living
• Time to bid farewell to spacious outdoor areas and get used to a denser population in San Francisco
• Swap the quiet suburban feel for the urban hustle and bustle

Indianapolis vs. San Francisco: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Indianapolis to San Francisco, you will be trading the iconic Pork Tenderloin Sandwich of Indianapolis for the equally delicious Sourdough Bread of San Francisco. And while the locals in Indianapolis rave about their flavorful Sugar Cream Pie and sumptuous Elephant Ear, San Francisco residents know they have tasty Cioppino and Mission Burrito 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 San Francisco. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Indianapolis eateries like St. Elmo Steak House, Bluebeard, and Milktooth. After the boxes are unpacked in San Francisco, don't wait too long before making your way to San Francisco's acclaimed eateries like Tartine Bakery, The Slanted Door, and Zuni Café.

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

Discover San Francisco Restaurants You'll Love

Moving to San Francisco is an opportunity to try lots of new restaurants. Sure, you'll miss your old Indianapolis favorites, but we've got you covered. If you loved St. Elmo Steak House, Bluebeard, and Milktooth in Indianapolis, we're sure you'll love Harris', Zuni Café, and Tartine Manufactory in San Francisco. See our San Francisco restaurant discovery table below to find the closest comparison restaurant to all of your cherished Indianapolis hotspots. For example, if you enjoyed dining at The Eagle, head to 4505 Burgers and BBQ on your first Friday night after the boxes are unpacked.

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Indianapolis and San Francisco

• The Bungalow and Ranch architecture that Indianapolis is known for will be replaced with the Victorian and Modern architecture typical of San Francisco.
• Compared to Indianapolis's real estate listings that commonly reference spacious yards and privacy, San Francisco real estate listings often highlight features like city views and proximity to public transit.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. San Francisco is more walkable than Indianapolis.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike. San Francisco is more bike-friendly than Indianapolis.
• San Francisco has more of an urban feel than Indianapolis.
• San Francisco housing costs are 476% more expensive than they are in Indianapolis, with a median home price of $1,290,678 compared to Indianapolis’s $224,099.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in San Francisco have decreased by 4% compared to a 60% increase in Indianapolis.
• Rent in San Francisco is 138.95% more expensive than in Indianapolis.

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in San Francisco, CA

1. Pacific Heights : You'll love Pacific Heights for its abundance of parks and scenic walking trails perfect for you and your furry friend.
2. Noe Valley : Enjoy Noe Valley's welcoming community vibe and the pet-friendly stores and cafes that cater to every pet need.
3. The Mission District : Known for its vibrant and lively atmosphere, The Mission District offers numerous dog parks and pet-friendly patios for you and your pet to explore.

Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between Indianapolis and San Francisco

• Break out the sunglasses for your move from Indianapolis to San Francisco. San Francisco gets 39% more sunshine days than Indianapolis.
• San Francisco has higher humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Indianapolis.
• Say goodbye to the possible tornadoes and severe storms in Indianapolis, but be on the lookout for potential earthquakes and minor floods in San Francisco.
• Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in San Francisco is 15 degrees colder than in Indianapolis.
• The average winter lows are 26 degrees warmer than they are in Indianapolis.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in San Francisco. San Francisco receives 17 fewer inches of rain compared to Indianapolis.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Indianapolis and San Francisco

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in San Francisco tend to earn about 108% more than those in Indianapolis
• The COLI in San Francisco is 88% higher than what you are used to living in Indianapolis
• The state income tax in CA is 13.3 compared to 3.23 in IN
• The affluence in San Francisco is high compared to moderate affluence in Indianapolis
• The poverty level is low in San Francisco compared to moderate poverty in Indianapolis
• In terms of homelessness, it is visible in Indianapolis and significant in San Francisco

Political and Religious Climate in Indianapolis vs. San Francisco

• Indianapolis tends to lean moderate with leanings towards both Republican and Democratic sides in its political climate
• San Francisco, on the other hand, is often described as strongly Democratic
• San Francisco's religious environment can be described as having varied religious communities and being less religious overall compared to Indianapolis
• Indianapolis' residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as diverse with Christianity being the predominant faith <a href="https://www.indychurch.org/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">local churches</a>

Indianapolis vs. San Francisco Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

• Bummer! Looks like you might end up spending about 36% more time stuck in traffic commuting to work in San Francisco compared to your Indianapolis commute. That's 4,680 minutes lost each year in a car.
• You can expect traffic in San Francisco to be worse than it is in Indianapolis.
• Public transit is more readily available in San Francisco.