Movers

Washington to Indiana Moving Guide

Updated June 4, 2025

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Planning a 2,170 mile interstate move from Washington to Indiana? This moving guide will help you compare living in Washington vs Indiana across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like high cost of living vs lower cost of living), food & health (like Salmon vs Sugar Cream Pie), real estate & housing (northwest contemporary vs midwestern traditional), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Washington), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Salmon and Pho, but get your taste buds ready for Sugar Cream Pie & Pork Tenderloin Sandwich
  • Indiana housing costs are 60% less expensive than they are in Washington
  • Rent in Indiana is 31.56% more affordable than in Washington
  • Moving from Washington to Indiana will cost on average between $2,500 - $9,000
  • Our top recommended Washington to Indiana movers is Seattle Moves & More

Washington to Indiana Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Washington to Indiana

ConsWashington iconWashington
  • High cost of living
  • Heavy traffic
  • Cloudy weather
  • Earthquakes
  • High taxes
ProsIndiana iconIndiana
  • Lower cost of living
  • Less congestion
  • More sunny days
  • Minimal natural disasters
  • Lower taxes

Indiana iconIndiana
  • Lacking mountainous views
  • Fewer job opportunities
  • Less diverse culture
  • Limited cultural events
  • Limited public transportation
Washington iconWashington
  • Beautiful landscapes
  • Diverse job market
  • Progressive culture
  • Rich arts scene
  • Strong public transit

Pros of moving from Washington to Indiana

  • Say goodbye to the high cost of living and hello to the lower cost of living
  • Look forward to moving away from heavy traffic and moving to Indiana with less congestion
  • Swap the cloudy weather of Washington for more sunny days in Indiana
  • Get ready for minimal natural disasters in Indiana

Cons of moving from Washington to Indiana

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the beautiful landscapes in Washington to live with the lacking mountainous views in Indiana
  • You'll lose out on the pro of a diverse job market and have to settle for the con of fewer job opportunities
  • Time to bid farewell to the progressive culture and get used to the less diverse culture in Indiana
  • Swap the rich arts scene for limited cultural events

Washington vs. Indiana: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonWashingtonIndiana
Most iconic local food itemSalmonSugar Cream Pie
Most popular meat dishPhoPork Tenderloin Sandwich
Most popular street food itemTacosCorn Dogs
Most popular vegan foodTofu BowlVeggie Burger
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Canlis
  • The Herb Farm
  • Mamnoon
  • St. Elmo Steak House
  • Bluebeard
  • Milktooth
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 Washington to Indiana, you will be trading the iconic Salmon of Washington for the equally delicious Sugar Cream Pie of Indiana. And while the locals in Washington rave about their flavorful Pho and sumptuous Tacos, Indiana residents know they have tasty Pork Tenderloin Sandwich and Corn Dogs to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Tofu Bowl they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Veggie Burger of Indiana. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Washington eateries like Canlis, The Herb Farm, and Mamnoon. After the boxes are unpacked in Indiana, don't wait too long before making your way to Indiana's acclaimed eateries like St. Elmo Steak House, Bluebeard, and Milktooth.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Washington and Indiana

ComparisonWashingtonIndiana
Typical Architecture StyleNorthwest ContemporaryMidwestern Traditional
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 listingGreen spaces, proximity to tech hubsFamily-friendly neighborhoods, affordability
  • The Northwest Contemporary architecture that Washington is known for will be replaced with the Midwestern Traditional architecture typical of Indiana.
  • Compared to Washington's real estate listings that commonly reference green spaces and proximity to tech hubs, Indiana real estate listings often highlight features like family-friendly neighborhoods and affordability.
  • You can keep your walking shoes packed away; Indiana is less walkable than Washington.
  • You might want to think twice before moving your bike; Indiana is less bike-friendly than Washington.
  • Indiana has less of an urban feel than Washington.
  • Indiana housing costs are 60% less expensive than they are in Washington, with a median home price of $236,990 compared to Washington’s $591,148.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Indiana have increased by 54% compared to a 49% increase in Washington.
  • Rent in Indiana is 31.56% more affordable than in Washington.

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

ComparisonWashingtonIndiana
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 DisastersFloods, EarthquakesTornadoes, Floods
Air QualityGoodModerate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)75Β°F / 55Β°F85Β°F / 64Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)47Β°F / 37Β°F35Β°F / 20Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)3842
Annual Snowfall (Inches)522
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from Washington to Indiana. Indiana gets 22% more sunshine days than Washington.
  • Indiana has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Washington.
  • Say goodbye to the possible floods and earthquakes in Washington, but be on the lookout for potential tornadoes and floods in Indiana.
  • Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in Indiana is 10 degrees warmer than in Washington.
  • The average winter lows are 17 degrees colder than they are in Washington.
  • Your umbrella might be more overworked in Indiana. Indiana receives 4 more inches of rain compared to Washington.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Washington and Indiana

ComparisonWashingtonIndiana
Avg. Household Income$91,306$66,785
Cost of Living Index104.192.95
State Income Tax0%3.23%
Avg. Property Tax0.93%0.85%
Avg. Sales Tax9.2%7%
Top 3 IndustriesTechnology, Aerospace, AgricultureManufacturing, Agriculture, Healthcare
AffluenceProsperousModerate
PovertyLowModerate
HomelessnessHighLow
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Indiana tend to earn about 27% less than in Washington
  • The COLI in Indiana will be 11% lower than what you are used to living in Washington
  • Bummer... By moving from WA to IN, you'll now have a state income tax of 3.23%
  • The affluence in Indiana is moderate compared to prosperous in Washington
  • The poverty level is moderate in Indiana compared to low in Washington
  • In terms of homelessness, it is high in Washington and low in Indiana

Political and Religious Climate in Washington vs. Indiana

ComparisonWashingtonIndiana
Political Make-upLiberal/Democratic-leaningConservative/Republican-leaning
Local PoliticsProgressive policies, especially in cities like SeattleMore traditional, with a focus on agricultural and manufacturing policies
ReligionLess religiously affiliated overallHigher percentage of religious affiliation, predominantly Christian
  • Washington tends to lean Liberal/Democratic-leaning in its political climate
  • Indiana, on the other hand, is often described as Conservative/Republican-leaning
  • Indiana's religious environment can be described as having a higher percentage of religious affiliation, predominantly Christian
  • Washington's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as less religiously affiliated overall

Education Guide When Moving from Washington to Indiana

ComparisonWashingtonIndiana
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Washington
Seattle; Washington State University
Pullman; Western Washington University
Bellingham
Indiana University
Bloomington; Purdue University
West Lafayette; Ball State University
Muncie
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsCascade K-8 Community School
Shoreline; Challenge Elementary
Everett; Community School
Bothell
Signature School
Evansville; West Lafayette Jr/Sr High School; Munster High School
Munster
Top 3 Middle SchoolsInternational Community School
Kirkland; Environmental & Adventure School
Kirkland; Northshore Home School Networks
Bothell
Zionsville Community Middle School; West Lafayette Jr/Sr High School; Brownsburg East Middle School
Top 3 High School SchoolsInternational School
Bellevue; Newport Senior High School
Bellevue; Mercer Island High School
Mercer Island
Signature School
Evansville; Carmel High School
Carmel; West Lafayette Jr/Sr High School
Top 3 private high schoolsLakeside School
Seattle; The Overlake School
Redmond; Seattle Preparatory School
Seattle
Culver Academies
Culver; Park Tudor School
Indianapolis; Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School
Indianapolis
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsThe Bush School
Seattle; Annie Wright Schools
Tacoma; Eastside Preparatory School
Kirkland
Traders Point Christian Academy
Whitestown; International School of Indiana
Indianapolis; Heritage Christian School
Indianapolis
Top 3 School DistrictsBellevue School District; Lake Washington School District; Mercer Island School DistrictCarmel Clay Schools; Zionsville Community Schools; West Lafayette Community School Corporation

How Much Do Washington to Indiana Movers Cost?

Moving 2,170 miles from Washington to Indiana will typically cost between $3,500 and $9,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $3,500 - $9,000
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-5.5 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: John Volken Academy Movers
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$2,433300 ft3$8.11
1 Bedroom$3,627450 ft3$8.06
2 Bedrooms$6,007750 ft3$8.01
3 Bedrooms$8,7551100 ft3$7.96
4 Bedrooms$12,6541600 ft3$7.91
5+ Bedrooms$14,1461800 ft3$7.86

Top Washington to Indiana Movers

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

TOP PICK
Seattle Moves & More

Seattle Moves & More

Best moving company overall for Washington to Indiana

9.55/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
John Volken Academy Movers featured image

John Volken Academy Movers

9.34/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
First Due Movers featured image

First Due Movers

9.25/10
ExceptionalView details