Movers

Indiana to Michigan Moving Guide

Updated June 24, 2025

Hero background image

Planning a 325 mile interstate move from Indiana to Michigan? This moving guide will help you compare living in Indiana vs Michigan across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like humid summers vs cooler lake breezes), food & health (like Pork Tenderloin Sandwich vs Cherry Pie), real estate & housing (ranch, craftsman vs colonial, bungalow), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Michigan), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Pork Tenderloin Sandwich and Sugar Cream Pie, but get your taste buds ready for Cherry Pie & Pasties
  • Michigan housing costs are 1% more expensive than they are in Indiana
  • Rent in Michigan is 7.49% more expensive than in Indiana
  • Moving from Indiana to Michigan will cost on average between $1,500 - $5,000
  • Our top recommended Indiana to Michigan movers is Pro-Low Moving

Indiana to Michigan Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Indiana to Michigan

ConsIndiana iconIndiana
  • Humid summers
  • Flat landscape
  • Limited tech jobs
  • Lacks diverse cities
  • Pothole-filled roads
ProsMichigan iconMichigan
  • Cooler lake breezes
  • Scenic Great Lakes
  • Growing tech sector
  • Cultural hubs, like Detroit
  • Improved infrastructure

Michigan iconMichigan
  • Higher housing prices
  • Adjustment to new taxes
  • Less community feeling in cities
  • Harsher winters
  • Fewer automotive events
Indiana iconIndiana
  • Lower cost of living
  • Familiarity
  • Close-knit communities
  • Relaxed lifestyle
  • Biggest auto racing venues

Pros of moving from Indiana to Michigan

  • Say goodbye to humid summers and hello to cooler lake breezes
  • Look forward to moving away from a flat landscape and moving to Michigan with scenic Great Lakes
  • Swap the limited tech jobs of Indiana for a growing tech sector in Michigan
  • Get ready for cultural hubs like Detroit in Michigan

Cons of moving from Indiana to Michigan

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from a lower cost of living in Indiana to live with higher housing prices in Michigan
  • You'll lose out on the pro of familiarity and have to settle with the con of adjusting to new taxes
  • Time to bid farewell to close-knit communities and get used to a less community feeling in cities in Michigan
  • Swap a relaxed lifestyle for harsher winters

Indiana vs. Michigan: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonIndianaMichigan
Most iconic local food itemPork Tenderloin SandwichCherry Pie
Most popular meat dishSugar Cream PiePasties
Most popular street food itemDeep Fried PicklesConey Dog
Most popular vegan foodSeitan BBQ RibsLentil Walnut Burger
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • St. Elmo Steak House
  • Bluebeard
  • The Loose Goose
  • Zingerman’s Delicatessen
  • Slows Bar BQ
  • Bell’s Eccentric CafΓ©
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 Michigan, you will be trading the iconic Pork Tenderloin Sandwich of Indiana for the equally delicious Cherry Pie of Michigan. And while the locals in Indiana rave about their flavorful Sugar Cream Pie and sumptuous Deep Fried Pickles, Michigan residents know they have tasty Pasties and Coney Dogs to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Seitan BBQ Ribs they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Lentil Walnut Burger of Michigan. 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 Loose Goose. After the boxes are unpacked in Michigan, don't wait too long before making your way to Michigan's acclaimed eateries like Zingerman’s Delicatessen, Slows Bar BQ, and Bell’s Eccentric CafΓ©.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Indiana and Michigan

ComparisonIndianaMichigan
Typical Architecture StyleRanch, CraftsmanColonial, Bungalow
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 backyards, open-concept layoutsLakefront, energy efficiency
  • The Ranch and Craftsman architecture that Indiana is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Bungalow architecture typical of Michigan.
  • Compared to Indiana's real estate listings that commonly reference large backyards and open-concept layouts, Michigan real estate listings often highlight features like lakefront properties and energy efficiency.
  • You can keep your walking shoes packed away; Michigan is less walkable than Indiana.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike; Michigan is more bike-friendly than Indiana.
  • Michigan has more of an urban feel than Indiana.
  • Michigan housing costs are 1% more expensive than they are in Indiana, with a median home price of $239,770 compared to Indiana’s $236,990.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Michigan have increased 45%, compared to a 54% increase in Indiana.
  • Rent in Michigan is 7.49% more expensive than in Indiana.

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

ComparisonIndianaMichigan
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, FloodsSnowstorms, Floods
Air QualityGoodModerate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)85/6481/60
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)36/1832/18
Annual Rainfall (Inches)4234.5
Annual Snowfall (Inches)2260
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from Indiana to Michigan. Michigan gets 9% fewer sunshine days than Indiana.
  • Michigan has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Indiana.
  • Say goodbye to the possible tornadoes and floods in Indiana, but be on the lookout for potential snowstorms and floods in Michigan.
  • Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in Michigan is 4 degrees colder than in Indiana.
  • The average winter lows in Michigan are 0 degrees colder than they are in Indiana.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in Michigan. Michigan receives 7.5 fewer inches of rain compared to Indiana.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Indiana and Michigan

ComparisonIndianaMichigan
Avg. Household Income$66,785$66,986
Cost of Living Index92.9591.2
State Income Tax3.23%4.25%
Avg. Property Tax0.86%1.64%
Avg. Sales Tax7%6%
Top 3 IndustriesManufacturing, Education, HealthcareAutomotive, Agriculture, Healthcare
AffluenceModerateModerate
PovertyModerateModerate
HomelessnessLowModerate
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Michigan tend to earn about 0% more than those in Indiana
  • The COLI in Michigan will be 2% lower than what you are used to living in Indiana
  • The state income tax in MI is 4.25% compared to 3.23% in IN
  • The affluence in Michigan is moderate compared to moderate affluence in Indiana
  • The poverty level is moderate in Michigan compared to moderate poverty in Indiana
  • In terms of homelessness, it is low in Indiana and moderate in Michigan

Political and Religious Climate in Indiana vs. Michigan

ComparisonIndianaMichigan
Political Make-upLean conservativeSwing state, leans slightly liberal
Local PoliticsRepublican dominance in state governanceMixed; Democratic in urban, Republican in rural areas
ReligionChristian majority, Evangelical Protestants prevalentChristian majority, but more Catholic presence
  • Indiana tends to lean conservative in its political climate
  • Michigan, on the other hand, is often described as a swing state that leans slightly liberal
  • Michigan's religious environment can be described as a Christian majority with a more significant Catholic presence
  • Indiana's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as a Christian majority, with Evangelical Protestants being prevalent

Education Guide When Moving from Indiana to Michigan

ComparisonIndianaMichigan
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)Indiana University
Purdue University
Ball State University
University of Michigan
Michigan State University
Wayne State University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsSignature School
Evansville; West Lafayette Jr/Sr High School; Munster High School
Okemos Public Schools; East Grand Rapids Public Schools; Bloomfield Hills Schools
Top 3 Middle SchoolsThomas Jefferson Middle School
Valparaiso; Chesterton Middle School; Brown County Middle School
Nashville
Warner Middle School
Farmington; Smith Middle School
Troy; Clague Middle School
Ann Arbor
Top 3 High School SchoolsSignature School
Evansville; Carmel High School; West Lafayette Jr/Sr High School
International Academy
Bloomfield Twp; Michigan Mathematics and Science Academy
Warren; Troy High School
Top 3 private high schoolsPark Tudor School
Indianapolis; Culver Academies
Culver; Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School
Indianapolis
Cranbrook Schools
Bloomfield Hills; Detroit Country Day School
Beverly Hills; The Roeper School
Birmingham
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsPark Tudor School
Indianapolis; Culver Academies
Culver; Traders Point Christian Academy
Whitestown
Cranbrook Schools
Bloomfield Hills; Detroit Country Day School
Beverly Hills; Greenhills School
Ann Arbor
Top 3 School DistrictsCarmel Clay Schools; West Lafayette Community School Corporation; School Town of MunsterOkemos Public Schools; East Grand Rapids Public Schools; Bloomfield Hills Schools

How Much Do Indiana to Michigan Movers Cost?

Moving 325 miles from Indiana to Michigan will typically cost between $2,000 and $5,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $2,000 - $5,000
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-10 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Pro-Low Moving
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,387300 ft3$4.62
1 Bedroom$2,058450 ft3$4.57
2 Bedrooms$3,392750 ft3$4.52
3 Bedrooms$4,9201100 ft3$4.47
4 Bedrooms$7,0761600 ft3$4.42
5+ Bedrooms$7,8701800 ft3$4.37

Top Indiana to Michigan Movers

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

TOP PICK
Pro-Low Moving featured image

Pro-Low Moving

Best moving company overall for Indiana to Michigan

9.69/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
MVM Moving & Storage featured image

MVM Moving & Storage

9.23/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Bulldogs Moving Co. featured image

Bulldogs Moving Co.

9.13/10
ExceptionalView details