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Indiana to Montana Moving Guide

Updated June 8, 2025

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Planning a 1,499 mile interstate move from Indiana to Montana? This moving guide will help you compare living in Indiana vs Montana across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like hot, humid summers vs cooler summer climate), food & health (like Pork Tenderloin Sandwich vs Huckleberry Pie), real estate & housing (colonial, ranch vs craftsman, cabin), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Montana), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Pork Tenderloin Sandwich and Beef and Noodles, but get your taste buds ready for Huckleberry Pie & Bison Steak
  • Montana housing costs are 92% more expensive than they are in Indiana
  • Rent in Montana is 4.44% more expensive than in Indiana
  • Moving from Indiana to Montana will cost on average between $2,000 - $7,500
  • Our top recommended Indiana to Montana movers is MVM Moving & Storage

Indiana to Montana Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Indiana to Montana

ConsIndiana iconIndiana
  • Hot, humid summers
  • Flat landscapes
  • Limited outdoor activities
  • High humidity
  • Fewer national parks
ProsMontana iconMontana
  • Cooler summer climate
  • Stunning mountain views
  • Abundant outdoor recreation
  • Low humidity
  • Numerous national parks

Montana iconMontana
  • Smaller arts community
  • Fewer big cities
  • Remote location
  • Limited dining options
  • Narrow job opportunities
Indiana iconIndiana
  • Vibrant cultural scene
  • Thriving urban areas
  • Proximity to Chicago
  • Restaurants and dining
  • More diverse job market

Pros of moving from Indiana to Montana

  • Say goodbye to hot, humid summers and hello to a cooler summer climate
  • Look forward to moving away from flat landscapes and moving to Montana with stunning mountain views
  • Swap the limited outdoor activities of Indiana for abundant outdoor recreation in Montana
  • Get ready for low humidity in Montana

Cons of moving from Indiana to Montana

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from a vibrant cultural scene in Indiana to live with a smaller arts community in Montana
  • You'll lose out on the pro of thriving urban areas and have to settle for the con of fewer big cities
  • Time to bid farewell to proximity to Chicago and get used to a remote location in Montana
  • Swap restaurants and dining for limited dining options

Indiana vs. Montana: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonIndianaMontana
Most iconic local food itemPork Tenderloin SandwichHuckleberry Pie
Most popular meat dishBeef and NoodlesBison Steak
Most popular street food itemFried Biscuits with Apple ButterFlathead Cherry Crepes
Most popular vegan foodGrilled Vegetable PlateQuinoa Beet Salad
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • St. Elmo's Steak House
  • Bluebeard
  • Milano Inn
  • Pearl CafΓ©
  • Bozeman Chophouse
  • Ciao Mambo
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 Montana, you will be trading the iconic Pork Tenderloin Sandwich of Indiana for the equally delicious Huckleberry Pie of Montana. And while the locals in Indiana rave about their flavorful Beef and Noodles and sumptuous Fried Biscuits with Apple Butter, Montana residents know they have tasty Bison Steak and Flathead Cherry Crepes to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Grilled Vegetable Plate they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Quinoa Beet Salad of Montana. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Indiana eateries like St. Elmo's Steak House, Bluebeard, and Milano Inn. After the boxes are unpacked in Montana, don't wait too long before making your way to Montana's acclaimed eateries like Pearl CafΓ©, Bozeman Chophouse, and Ciao Mambo.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Indiana and Montana

ComparisonIndianaMontana
Typical Architecture StyleColonial, RanchCraftsman, Cabin
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 listingOpen floor plans, Big yardsMountain views, Proximity to natural attractions
  • The Colonial and Ranch architecture that Indiana is known for will be replaced with the Craftsman and Cabin architecture typical of Montana.
  • Compared to Indiana's real estate listings that commonly reference open floor plans and big yards, Montana real estate listings often highlight features like mountain views and proximity to natural attractions.
  • You can keep your walking shoes packed away. Montana is less walkable than Indiana.
  • Montana is similarly bike-friendly to Indiana.
  • Montana has less of an urban feel than Indiana.
  • Montana housing costs are 92% more expensive than they are in Indiana, with a median home price of $456,199 compared to Indiana’s $236,990.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Montana have increased 71% compared to a 54% increase in Indiana.
  • Rent in Montana is 4.44% more expensive than in Indiana.

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

ComparisonIndianaMontana
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, FloodsWildfires, Earthquakes
Air QualityModerateGood
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)85Β°F / 64Β°F80Β°F / 50Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)36Β°F / 20Β°F34Β°F / 17Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)4215
Annual Snowfall (Inches)2290
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from Indiana to Montana. Montana gets 10% more sunshine days than Indiana.
  • Montana 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 wildfires and earthquakes in Montana.
  • Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in Montana is 5 degrees colder than in Indiana.
  • The average winter lows are 3 degrees colder than they are in Indiana.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in Montana. Montana receives 27 fewer inches of rain compared to Indiana.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Indiana and Montana

ComparisonIndianaMontana
Avg. Household Income$66,785$67,631
Cost of Living Index92.9599.4
State Income Tax3.23%0% - 6.9%
Avg. Property Tax0.87%0.87%
Avg. Sales Tax7%0%
Top 3 IndustriesManufacturing, Agriculture, HealthcareAgriculture, Tourism, Mining
AffluenceModerateVaried
PovertyManageableNoticeable
HomelessnessLowModerate
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Montana tend to earn about 1% more than in Indiana
  • The COLI in Montana will be 7% higher than what you are used to living in Indiana
  • The state income tax in MT is 0% to 6.9% compared to 3.23% in IN
  • The affluence in Montana is varied compared to moderate in Indiana
  • The poverty level is noticeable in Montana compared to manageable in Indiana
  • In terms of homelessness, it is low in Indiana and moderate in Montana

Political and Religious Climate in Indiana vs. Montana

ComparisonIndianaMontana
Political Make-upTraditionally leans RepublicanMixed, with a tendency to lean Republican
Local PoliticsDiverse urban vs. rural perspectivesStrong emphasis on rural and libertarian values
ReligionChristian-focused, with significant Evangelical and Catholic communities Indiana UniversityChristianity dominates, with a noticeable presence of Latter-Day Saints and Catholic communities
  • Indiana tends to lean traditionally Republican in its political climate
  • Montana, on the other hand, is often described as mixed with a tendency to lean Republican
  • Montana's religious environment can be described as dominated by Christianity with a noticeable presence of Latter-Day Saints and Catholic communities
  • Indiana's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as Christian-focused with significant Evangelical and Catholic communities

Education Guide When Moving from Indiana to Montana

ComparisonIndianaMontana
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)Indiana University
Purdue University
Ball State University
Montana State University
The University of Montana
Montana Tech
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsSignature School (Evansville)
West Lafayette Jr/Sr High (West Lafayette)
School for Science & Math (Indianapolis)
Hawthorne Elementary (Bozeman)
Cold Springs Elementary (Missoula)
Chief Joseph Elementary (Great Falls)
Top 3 Middle SchoolsWestlane Middle School (Indianapolis)
Carmel Middle School (Carmel)
Fall Creek Valley Middle School (Indianapolis)
Sacajawea Middle School (Bozeman)
Meadow Hill Middle School (Missoula)
East Middle School (Great Falls)
Top 3 High School SchoolsSignature School (Evansville)
Carmel High School (Carmel)
Herron High School (Indianapolis)
Bozeman High School (Bozeman)
Hellgate High School (Missoula)
Great Falls High School (Great Falls)
Top 3 private high schoolsCulver Academies (Culver)
Park Tudor School (Indianapolis)
Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School (Indianapolis)
Carroll College High School (Helena)
Mount Ellis Academy (Bozeman)
Loyola Sacred Heart High School (Missoula)
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsTraders Point Christian Academy (Whitestown)
The Orchard School (Indianapolis)
University High School of Indiana (Carmel)
Petra Academy (Bozeman)
Missoula International School (Missoula)
Valley Christian School (Missoula)
Top 3 School DistrictsCarmel Clay Schools (Carmel)
West Lafayette Community School Corporation (West Lafayette)
Brownsburg Community School Corporation (Brownsburg)
Bozeman Public Schools (Bozeman)
Missoula County Public Schools (Missoula)
Great Falls Public Schools (Great Falls)

How Much Do Indiana to Montana Movers Cost?

Moving 1,499 miles from Indiana to Montana will typically cost between $3,000 and $7,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $3,000 - $7,500
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-10 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Bulldogs Moving Co.
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$2,052300 ft3$6.84
1 Bedroom$3,056450 ft3$6.79
2 Bedrooms$5,056750 ft3$6.74
3 Bedrooms$7,3601100 ft3$6.69
4 Bedrooms$10,6261600 ft3$6.64
5+ Bedrooms$11,8641800 ft3$6.59

Top Indiana to Montana Movers

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

TOP PICK
MVM Moving & Storage featured image

MVM Moving & Storage

Best moving company overall for Indiana to Montana

9.23/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Bulldogs Moving Co. featured image

Bulldogs Moving Co.

9.13/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
College Hunks Hauling Junk and Moving Merrillville featured image

College Hunks Hauling Junk and Moving Merrillville

8.90/10

Indianapolis to Montana

Fort Wayne to Montana