Best Detroit to Indianapolis Movers

How Much Do Detroit to Indianapolis Movers Cost?

Moving 288 miles from Detroit, MI to Indianapolis, IN 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.

Pro tip for the cheapest long distance move

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

Moving Containers: A cheaper Detroit to Indianapolis moving option

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

Rating Methodology

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

Our original review-based ranking algorithm

We started with a total of 29 companies that offer interstate moving services in both the Detroit and Indianapolis areas.

From these 29 companies, we analyzed a total of 6,229 reviews dating all the way back to August 2005.

We also reviewed a total of 0 state and federal moving licenses from these 29 companies and 135 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 3,253 Detroit to Indianapolis 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.

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The Great Guys Moving 11-Point Rating Breakdown

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

Quality

Overall quality of the service provided on moving day.

8.42/10 avg (Detroit & Indianapolis combined) from 3,584 reviews

Punctuality

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

8.05/10 avg (Detroit & Indianapolis combined) from 1,093 reviews

Affordability

How affordable was the moving service?

7.39/10 avg (Detroit & Indianapolis combined) from 633 reviews

Communication

Responsiveness before, during, and after the move.

7.24/10 avg (Detroit & Indianapolis combined) from 1,116 reviews

Stick to Prices

Was the final price consistent with the original quote?

5.57/10 avg (Detroit & Indianapolis combined) from 474 reviews

Speed

Efficiency without taking unnecessary time to increase costs.

8.54/10 avg (Detroit & Indianapolis combined) from 1,422 reviews

Friendliness

Was the moving crew cordial and friendly on moving day?

8.92/10 avg (Detroit & Indianapolis combined) from 2,005 reviews

Will Hire Again

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

8.17/10 avg (Detroit & Indianapolis combined) from 3,665 reviews

Professionalism

Did the moving crew behave professionally on moving day?

8.29/10 avg (Detroit & Indianapolis combined) from 2,095 reviews

Conflict Handling

How well the company responds to accidents and issues.

3.72/10 avg (Detroit & Indianapolis combined) from 496 reviews

Precision & Care

Were walls scratched? Did furniture get damaged or lost?

7.77/10 avg (Detroit & Indianapolis combined) from 1,564 reviews

From Detroit to Indianapolis: Comparable Neighborhoods at a Glance

• Corktown in Detroit & Fountain Square in Indianapolis are both known for their artsy vibe & nightlife
• Detroit's Midtown neighborhood & Indianapolis' Mass Ave both share cultural venues & galleries
• If you're moving from Downtown, check out Downtown in the Indianapolis area for the central business & entertainment
• Do you enjoy Indian Village's historic homes & tree-lined streets? You're sure to love Irvington
• Move from Palmer Woods to Meridian-Kessler and continue to enjoy these neighborhood qualities: upscale historic residences
• Boston-Edison & Lockerbie Square are both known for their turn-of-century mansions
• Detroit's West Village neighborhood & Indianapolis' Broad Ripple neighborhood both have a village feel & local shops
• If you're moving from Rosedale Park, look into Bates-Hendricks for modest single-family homes

Pros and Cons of Moving from Detroit to Indianapolis

ConsDetroit, MI

• Higher crime rates
• Colder winters
• Auto industry dependent
• Less green spaces

ProsIndianapolis, IN

• Lower crime rates
• Milder winters
• Diverse economy
• More parks

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Indianapolis, IN

• Smaller music scene
• No waterfront
• Smaller city feel
• Less car-centric

Detroit, MI

• Richer musical heritage
• Waterfront access
• Larger urban area
• Automotive culture

Pros of moving from Detroit to Indianapolis

• Say goodbye to higher crime rates and hello to lower crime rates
• Look forward to moving away from colder winters and moving to Indianapolis with milder winters
• Swap the auto industry dependence of Detroit for a diverse economy in Indianapolis
• Get ready for more parks in Indianapolis

Cons of moving from Detroit to Indianapolis

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from a richer musical heritage in Detroit to live with a smaller music scene in Indianapolis
• You'll lose out on the pro of waterfront access and have to settle for the con of no waterfront
• Time to bid farewell to a larger urban area and get used to the smaller city feel in Indianapolis
• Swap the automotive culture for a less car-centric lifestyle

Detroit vs. Indianapolis: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Detroit to Indianapolis, you will be trading the iconic Detroit-style Pizza of Detroit for the equally delicious Pork Tenderloin Sandwich of Indianapolis. And while the locals in Detroit rave about their flavorful Coney Dog and sumptuous Fried Chicken Sandwich, Indianapolis residents know they have tasty Smoked Pork Ribs and Steak and Potato Tacos to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Jackfruit Tacos they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Seitan Wings of Indianapolis. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Detroit eateries like Slows Bar BQ, Buddy's Pizza, and Lafayette Coney Island. After the boxes are unpacked in Indianapolis, don't wait too long before making your way to Indianapolis' acclaimed eateries like St. Elmo Steak House, Bluebeard, and Milktooth.

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

Discover Indianapolis Restaurants You'll Love

Moving to Indianapolis is an opportunity to try lots of new restaurants. Sure, you'll miss your old Detroit favorites, but we've got you covered. If you loved Selden Standard, Supino Pizzeria, and Sloppy Chops in Detroit, we're sure you'll love Bluebeard, Bazbeaux Pizza, and St. Elmo Steak House in Indianapolis. See our Indianapolis restaurant discovery table below to find the closest comparison restaurant to all of your cherished Detroit hotspots. For example, if you enjoyed dining at Rose's Fine Food, head to Milktooth on your first Friday night after the boxes are unpacked.

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Detroit and Indianapolis

• The Early 20th Century Industrial architecture that Detroit is known for will be replaced with the Midwestern Traditional architecture typical of Indianapolis.
• Compared to Detroit's real estate listings that commonly reference historic homes and large lots, Indianapolis real estate listings often highlight features like family-friendly neighborhoods and proximity to parks.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Indianapolis is more walkable than Detroit.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Indianapolis is more bike-friendly than Detroit.
• Indianapolis has less of an urban feel than Detroit.
• Indianapolis housing costs are 213% more expensive than they are in Detroit, with a median home price of $224,099 compared to Detroit’s $71,547.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Indianapolis have increased by 60% compared to a 60% increase in Detroit.
• Rent in Indianapolis is 8.09% more expensive than in Detroit.

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Indianapolis, IN

1. Broad Ripple: You'll find this vibrant neighborhood perfect for pets with its abundance of parks, pet-friendly businesses, and walking trails.
2. Fountain Square: This eclectic area offers a pet-loving community with numerous outdoor events and dog-friendly establishments.
3. Meridian-Kessler: You're sure to enjoy the spacious yards and tree-lined streets that are ideal for daily walks and outdoor pet activities.

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

• Break out the sunglasses for your move from Detroit to Indianapolis. Indianapolis gets 2% more sunshine days than Detroit.
• Indianapolis has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Detroit.
• Say goodbye to the possible winter storms and tornadoes in Detroit, but be on the lookout for potential tornadoes and severe thunderstorms in Indianapolis.
• The average summer high temperature in Indianapolis is 2 degrees warmer than in Detroit.
• The average winter lows are 0 degrees colder than they are in Detroit.
• Your umbrella might be more overworked in Indianapolis as it receives 7.5 more inches of rain compared to Detroit.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Detroit and Indianapolis

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Indianapolis tend to earn about 62% more than in Detroit
• The COLI in Indianapolis is 12% lower than what you are used to living in Detroit
• The state income tax in IN is 3.23 compared to 4.25 in MI
• The affluence in Indianapolis is higher compared to lower affluence in Detroit
• The poverty level is lower in Indianapolis compared to higher poverty in Detroit
• In terms of homelessness, it is more visible in Detroit and less visible in Indianapolis

Political and Religious Climate in Detroit vs. Indianapolis

• Detroit tends to lean heavily Democratic in its political climate
• Indianapolis, on the other hand, is often described as a Democratic stronghold in a predominantly Republican state
• Indianapolis' religious environment can be described as mostly Christian with a good representation of other faiths in Indianapolis churches
• Detroit's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as predominantly Christian with diverse denominations in Detroit churches

Detroit vs. Indianapolis Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

• Woohoo! Expect to spend about 4% less time stuck in traffic commuting to work in Indianapolis compared to your Detroit daily drive. That's an annual savings of 520 minutes freely earned!
• You can expect traffic in Indianapolis to be better than it is in Detroit.
• Public transit is less readily available in Indianapolis.