Movers

Indiana to DC Moving Guide

Updated June 5, 2025

Hero background image

Planning a 603 mile interstate move from Indiana to DC? This moving guide will help you compare living in Indiana vs DC across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like limited cultural diversity vs rich cultural diversity), food & health (like Pork Tenderloin Sandwich vs Half-Smoke), real estate & housing (ranch, craftsman vs federal, victorian), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in DC), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Pork Tenderloin Sandwich and Beef Manhattan, but get your taste buds ready for Half-Smoke & Mumbo Sauce Chicken Wings
  • DC housing costs are 161% more expensive than they are in Indiana
  • Rent in DC is 77.82% more expensive than in Indiana
  • Moving from Indiana to DC will cost on average between $1,500 - $5,500
  • Our top recommended Indiana to DC movers is Bookstore Movers

Indiana to DC Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Indiana to DC

ConsIndiana iconIndiana
  • Limited cultural diversity
  • Fewer job opportunities
  • Landlocked geography
  • Limited public transport
  • Fewer historical landmarks
ProsDC iconDC
  • Rich cultural diversity
  • Thriving job market
  • Close to the coast
  • Comprehensive metro system
  • Numerous historical sites

DC iconDC
  • Higher cost of living
  • Fast-paced lifestyle
  • Limited yard space
  • Heavy traffic
  • Transient population
Indiana iconIndiana
  • Lower cost of living
  • Slower pace of life
  • Ample green space
  • Less traffic congestion
  • Close-knit communities

Pros of moving from Indiana to DC

  • Say goodbye to limited cultural diversity and hello to rich cultural diversity
  • Look forward to moving away from fewer job opportunities and moving to DC with a thriving job market
  • Swap the landlocked geography of Indiana for proximity to the coast in DC
  • Get ready for a comprehensive metro system in DC

Cons of moving from Indiana to DC

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from a lower cost of living in Indiana to live with a higher cost of living in DC
  • You'll lose out on the pro of a slower pace of life and have to settle with the con of a fast-paced lifestyle
  • Time to bid farewell to ample green space and get used to limited yard space in DC
  • Swap less traffic congestion for heavy traffic

Indiana vs. DC: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonIndianaDC
Most iconic local food itemPork Tenderloin SandwichHalf-Smoke
Most popular meat dishBeef ManhattanMumbo Sauce Chicken Wings
Most popular street food itemCorn DogsKorean Tacos
Most popular vegan foodSeitan SteakChickpea Curry
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • St. Elmo Steak House
  • The Loose Moose
  • Bluebeard
  • Ben's Chili Bowl
  • Zaytinya
  • CafΓ© Leopold
Fitness/Health ConscientiousnessπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺ
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

If you're moving from Indiana to DC, you will be trading the iconic Pork Tenderloin Sandwich of Indiana for the equally delicious Half-Smoke of DC. And while the locals in Indiana rave about their flavorful Beef Manhattan and sumptuous Corn Dogs, DC residents know they have tasty Mumbo Sauce Chicken Wings and Korean Tacos to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Seitan Steak they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Chickpea Curry of DC. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Indiana eateries like St. Elmo Steak House, The Loose Moose, and Bluebeard. After the boxes are unpacked in DC, don't wait too long before making your way to DC's acclaimed eateries like Ben's Chili Bowl, Zaytinya, and CafΓ© Leopold.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Indiana and DC

ComparisonIndianaDC
Typical Architecture StyleRanch, CraftsmanFederal, Victorian
WalkabilityπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘Ÿ
Bikeability🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban LifestyleπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈ
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingLarge yards, garagesProximity to metro, rooftop decks
  • The Ranch and Craftsman architecture that Indiana is known for will be replaced with the Federal and Victorian architecture typical of DC.
  • Compared to Indiana's real estate listings that commonly reference large yards and garages, DC real estate listings often highlight features like proximity to the metro and rooftop decks.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. DC is more walkable than Indiana.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike. DC is more bike-friendly than Indiana.
  • DC has more of an urban feel than Indiana.
  • DC housing costs are 161% more expensive than they are in Indiana, with a median home price of $619,320 compared to Indiana’s $236,990.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in DC have increased by 8% compared to a 54% increase in Indiana.
  • Rent in DC is 77.82% more expensive than in Indiana.

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

ComparisonIndianaDC
Days of Sunshine per Yearβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈ
Avg. Annual HumidityπŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦
Avg. UV IndexπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈ
Natural DisastersTornadoes, Severe StormsHurricanes, Severe Storms
Air QualityGood to ModerateGood to Moderate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)85/6488/71
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)35/2047/29
Annual Rainfall (Inches)4240
Annual Snowfall (Inches)2215
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from Indiana to DC. DC gets 9% more sunshine days than Indiana.
  • DC has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Indiana.
  • Say goodbye to the possible tornadoes and severe storms in Indiana, but be on the lookout for potential hurricanes and severe storms in DC.
  • The average summer high temperature in DC is 3 degrees warmer than in Indiana.
  • The average winter lows are 9 degrees warmer than they are in Indiana.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in DC. DC receives 2 fewer inches of rain compared to Indiana.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Indiana and DC

ComparisonIndianaDC
Avg. Household Income$66,785$101,027
Cost of Living Index92.95140.1
State Income Tax3.23%6.0%
Avg. Property Tax0.85%0.56%
Avg. Sales Tax7%6%
Top 3 IndustriesManufacturing, Agriculture, HealthcarePublic Administration, Education, Professional Services
AffluenceModerateAffluent
PovertyConsiderableVaried
HomelessnessManageableSignificant
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in DC tend to earn about 51% more than in Indiana
  • The COLI in DC will be 51% higher than what you are used to living in Indiana
  • The state income tax in DC is 6.0% compared to 3.23% in IN
  • The affluence in DC is affluent compared to moderate in Indiana
  • The poverty level is varied in DC compared to considerable in Indiana
  • In terms of homelessness, it is manageable in Indiana and significant in DC

Political and Religious Climate in Indiana vs. DC

ComparisonIndianaDC
Political Make-upTraditionally leans RepublicanStrongly leans Democratic
Local PoliticsMixed, with a Republican stronghold in rural areasDemocratic dominance in local governance
ReligionChristianity is predominant, with diverse denominationsVaried religious landscape, but less emphasis on religion in public life
  • Indiana tends to lean traditionally Republican in its political climate
  • DC, on the other hand, is often described as strongly Democratic
  • DC's religious environment can be described as a varied religious landscape, but with less emphasis on religion in public life
  • Indiana's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as Christianity being predominant, with diverse denominations

Education Guide When Moving from Indiana to DC

ComparisonIndianaDC
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)Indiana University
Purdue University
University of Notre Dame
Georgetown University
George Washington University
American University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsSignature School (Evansville)
Park Tudor School (Indianapolis)
Terre Haute South Vigo High (Terre Haute)
Mann Elementary (Washington)
Janney Elementary (Washington)
Key Elementary (Washington)
Top 3 Middle SchoolsSignature School (Evansville)
Park Tudor School (Indianapolis)
Brown County Junior High (Nashville)
Deal Middle School (Washington)
Hardy Middle School (Washington)
McKinley Technology High School (Washington)
Top 3 High School SchoolsCarmel High School (Carmel)
Signature School (Evansville)
Zionsville Community High School (Zionsville)
Wilson High School (Washington)
School Without Walls High School (Washington)
Banneker High School (Washington)
Top 3 private high schoolsCulver Academies (Culver)
Park Tudor School (Indianapolis)
Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School (Indianapolis)
Sidwell Friends School (Washington)
Georgetown Day School (Washington)
Maret School (Washington)
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsPark Tudor School (Indianapolis)
Culver Academies (Culver)
The Orchard School (Indianapolis)
Sidwell Friends School (Washington)
Georgetown Day School (Washington)
Maret School (Washington)
Top 3 School DistrictsCarmel Clay Schools (Carmel)
West Lafayette Community School Corporation (West Lafayette)
Hamilton Southeastern Schools (Fishers)
District of Columbia Public Schools (Washington)

How Much Do Indiana to DC Movers Cost?

Moving 603 miles from Indiana to DC will typically cost between $2,500 and $5,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $2,500 - $5,500
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-7 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Mic's Moving
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,544300 ft3$5.15
1 Bedroom$2,294450 ft3$5.10
2 Bedrooms$3,786750 ft3$5.05
3 Bedrooms$5,4981100 ft3$5.00
4 Bedrooms$7,9161600 ft3$4.95
5+ Bedrooms$8,8161800 ft3$4.90

Top Indiana to DC Movers

Read our in-depth analysis of the best Indiana to DC movers with detailed rankings, cost breakdowns, and reviews.

TOP PICK
Bookstore Movers featured image

Bookstore Movers

Best moving company overall for Indiana to DC

9.60/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Mic's Moving featured image

Mic's Moving

9.60/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
MVM Moving & Storage featured image

MVM Moving & Storage

9.23/10
ExceptionalView details