Best Indianapolis to Chicago Movers

How Much Do Indianapolis to Chicago Movers Cost?

Moving 183 miles from Indianapolis, IN to Chicago, IL 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 Chicago that already have a booked job heading from Chicago to Indianapolis. Their moving truck would be making the trip back to Chicago from Indianapolis entirely empty. If you can find a Chicago moving company willing to move your stuff on the return leg, you'll score a real deal!

Moving Containers: A cheaper Indianapolis to Chicago 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 Chicago movers to unpack the container and move you into your new home. You'll have to piece this Indianapolis to Chicago 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 Chicago 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 Chicago, IL long distance movers.

Rating Methodology

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

Our original review-based ranking algorithm

We started with a total of 49 companies that offer interstate moving services in both the Indianapolis and Chicago areas.

From these 49 companies, we analyzed a total of 26,455 reviews dating all the way back to August 2005.

We also reviewed a total of 23 state and federal moving licenses from these 49 companies and 241 different 3rd party review and social profiles.

Each of the ~26,000 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 20,445 Indianapolis to Chicago 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).

Hire Trusted Movers

The Great Guys Moving 11-Point Rating Breakdown

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

Quality

Overall quality of the service provided on moving day.

8.40/10 avg (Indianapolis & Chicago combined) from 19,956 reviews

Punctuality

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

8.02/10 avg (Indianapolis & Chicago combined) from 7,259 reviews

Affordability

How affordable was the moving service?

7.40/10 avg (Indianapolis & Chicago combined) from 4,185 reviews

Communication

Responsiveness before, during, and after the move.

7.38/10 avg (Indianapolis & Chicago combined) from 7,038 reviews

Stick to Prices

Was the final price consistent with the original quote?

6.01/10 avg (Indianapolis & Chicago combined) from 3,741 reviews

Speed

Efficiency without taking unnecessary time to increase costs.

8.66/10 avg (Indianapolis & Chicago combined) from 10,475 reviews

Friendliness

Was the moving crew cordial and friendly on moving day?

8.98/10 avg (Indianapolis & Chicago combined) from 9,822 reviews

Will Hire Again

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

8.14/10 avg (Indianapolis & Chicago combined) from 18,833 reviews

Professionalism

Did the moving crew behave professionally on moving day?

8.33/10 avg (Indianapolis & Chicago combined) from 10,857 reviews

Conflict Handling

How well the company responds to accidents and issues.

3.91/10 avg (Indianapolis & Chicago combined) from 2,436 reviews

Precision & Care

Were walls scratched? Did furniture get damaged or lost?

7.94/10 avg (Indianapolis & Chicago combined) from 9,774 reviews

From Indianapolis to Chicago: Comparable Neighborhoods at a Glance

• Broad Ripple in Indianapolis & Wicker Park in Chicago are both known for their arts district & nightlife
• Indianapolis' Fountain Square neighborhood & Chicago's Logan Square both share eclectic dining & music venues
• If you're moving from Mass Ave, check out River North in the Chicago area for the gallery district & restaurants
• Do you enjoy Meridian-Kessler's tree-lined, family-friendly streets? You're sure to love Lincoln Park
• Move from Irvington to Andersonville and continue to enjoy these neighborhood qualities: historic character & community festivals
• Butler-Tarkington & Lakeview are both known for their university-adjacent & family-oriented attributes
• Indianapolis' Fletcher Place neighborhood & Chicago's West Loop neighborhood both have historic housing & trendy eateries
• If you're moving from Lockerbie Square, look into Old Town for the Victorian homes & historic streets
• Do you cherish living in Herron-Morton Place's historic architecture & museum proximity? Move into Gold Coast for something similar
• The similar vibes of Woodruff Place & Prairie Avenue District are both known for quiet historic neighborhoods & Victorian houses

Pros and Cons of Moving from Indianapolis to Chicago

ConsIndianapolis, IN

• Lower job opportunities
• Smaller cultural scene
• Less public transit
• Smaller nightlife

ProsChicago, IL

• Greater job market
• Larger cultural diversity
• Extensive public transit
• Vibrant nightlife

---

Chicago, IL

• Higher cost of living
• Expensive housing
• Noisier environment
• Heavier traffic

Indianapolis, IN

• Lower cost of living
• More affordable housing
• Quieter living
• Easier traffic

Pros of moving from Indianapolis to Chicago

• Say goodbye to lower job opportunities and hello to a greater job market
• Look forward to moving away from a smaller cultural scene and moving to Chicago with larger cultural diversity
• Swap the less public transit of Indianapolis for extensive public transit in Chicago
• Get ready for a vibrant nightlife in Chicago

Cons of moving from Indianapolis to Chicago

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from a lower cost of living in Indianapolis to live with a higher cost of living in Chicago
• You'll lose out on the pro of more affordable housing and have to settle for the con of expensive housing
• Time to bid farewell to quieter living and get used to a noisier environment in Chicago
• Swap easier traffic for heavier traffic

Indianapolis vs. Chicago: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Indianapolis to Chicago, you will be trading the iconic Pork Tenderloin Sandwich of Indianapolis for the equally delicious Deep-Dish Pizza of Chicago. And while the locals in Indianapolis rave about their flavorful Beef Brisket and sumptuous Food Truck Tacos, Chicago residents know they have tasty Italian Beef and Chicago-style Hot Dog to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Vegan BBQ they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Vegan Deep-Dish Pizza of Chicago. 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 Chicago, don't wait too long before making your way to Chicago's acclaimed eateries like Lou Malnati's, Au Cheval, and Girl & The Goat.

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

Discover Chicago Restaurants You'll Love

Moving to Chicago 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 Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse, avec, and Lula Cafe in Chicago. See our Chicago restaurant discovery table below to find the closest comparison restaurant to all your cherished Indianapolis hotspots. For example, if you enjoyed dining at The Eagle, head to Roister on your first Friday night after the boxes are unpacked.

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Indianapolis and Chicago

• The Ranch and Colonial architecture that Indianapolis is known for will be replaced with the Greystone and Modern Condo architecture typical of Chicago.
• Compared to Indianapolis's real estate listings that commonly reference large yards and quiet streets, Chicago real estate listings often highlight features like lakefront views and access to public transit.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Chicago is more walkable than Indianapolis.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Chicago is more bike-friendly than Indianapolis.
• Chicago has more of an urban feel than Indianapolis.
• Chicago housing costs are 29% more expensive than they are in Indianapolis, with a median home price of $289,909 compared to Indianapolis’s $224,099.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Chicago have increased 17% compared to a 60% increase in Indianapolis.
• Rent in Chicago is 54.51% more expensive than in Indianapolis.

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Chicago, IL

1. Lincoln Park : You'll find plenty of green spaces and dog-friendly areas, including the popular Wiggly Field Dog Park.
2. Lakeview : This lively neighborhood offers numerous pet-friendly cafes and shops, along with the spacious Belmont Harbor Dog Beach.
3. Logan Square : Known for its welcoming community vibe, you and your furry friends can enjoy multiple pet-friendly parks and a variety of pet-oriented events.

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

• Break out the sunglasses for your move from Indianapolis to Chicago. Chicago gets 2% more sunshine days than Indianapolis.
• Chicago has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Indianapolis.
• Say goodbye to the possible tornadoes and floods in Indianapolis, but be on the lookout for potential snowstorms and windstorms in Chicago.
• The average summer high temperature in Chicago is 3 degrees colder than in Indianapolis.
• The average winter lows are 2 degrees colder than they are in Indianapolis.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in Chicago, as Chicago receives 6 fewer inches of rain compared to Indianapolis.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Indianapolis and Chicago

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Chicago tend to earn about 14% more than in Indianapolis
• The COLI in Chicago will be 34% higher than what you are used to living in Indianapolis
• The state income tax in IL is 4.95 compared to 3.23 in IN
• The affluence in Chicago is high compared to moderate affluence in Indianapolis
• The poverty level is noticeable in Chicago compared to moderate poverty in Indianapolis
• In terms of homelessness, it is lower than average in Indianapolis and higher than average in Chicago

Political and Religious Climate in Indianapolis vs. Chicago

• Indianapolis tends to lean Democratic in its political climate
• Chicago, on the other hand, is often described as strongly Democratic
• Chicago's religious environment can be described as highly diverse, with large Christian, Jewish, Muslim, and Buddhist communities; notable landmarks include St. Patrick’s Cathedral
• Indianapolis' residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as diverse, with a significant Christian population including local churches

Indianapolis vs. Chicago Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

• Bummer! Looks like you might end up spending about 40% more time stuck in traffic commuting to work in Chicago compared to your Indianapolis commute. That's 5200 minutes lost each year in a car.
• You can expect traffic in Chicago to be worse than it is in Indianapolis.
• Public transit is more readily available in Chicago.