Factors influencing moving costs from Los Angeles to Indianapolistoggle

The cost of Los Angeles movers will depend on:

  • Move size: The cost of your move will depend on the amount of items you have in your home. For example, moving a one-bedroom apartment from Los Angeles to Indianapolis can be as low as $1,551 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $12,400.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Los Angeles, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs professional mover: Renting a truck or using a moving container can be cheaper options, with prices for a rental truck ranging from $1,435 to $3,614. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Los Angeles to Indianapolis

Los Angeles Indianapolis
Average rent cost $2,960 $1,399
Average home value $2,368,088 $220,467
Average income (per capita) $74,993 $59,110
Cost of living (single person) $1,319 $1,116
Cost of living (family of 4) $4,770 $3,959
Unemployment rate 10.6% 5.6%
Sales tax 9.5% 7.0%
State income tax 13.3% 3.15%
source: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
  • Rent prices in Indianapolis are 53% lower than in Los Angeles.
  • Home prices in Indianapolis are 90.7% lower than in Los Angeles.
  • Income in Indianapolis is 21.2% lower than in Los Angeles.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Indianapolis is 15.4% lower than in Los Angeles.
  • The cost of living for a family in Indianapolis is 17.0% lower than in Los Angeles.
  • The unemployment rate in Indianapolis is 47.17% lower than in Los Angeles.
  • Sales taxes in Indianapolis are 26.32% lower than in Los Angeles.
  • State income taxes in Indianapolis are 76.32% lower than in Los Angeles.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,538.29 in Indianapolis to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Los Angeles.

How life is different in Los Angeles vs. Indianapolis

Indianapolis Los Angeles
Population 887,642 3,820,914
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 5 8
Walkability score 31 69
Bike friendliness score 43 59
Crime Index 60.71 53.81
Safety Index 39.29 46.19
Air Quality Good Moderate
source: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
  • Indianapolis's population is about 77% less than Los Angeles.
  • Indianapolis's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus Los Angeles's lower score of 8.
  • Indianapolis is less walkable than Los Angeles with a score of 31 out of 100 vs Los Angeles's 69 out of 100.
  • Indianapolis has a bike-friendliness score 43 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Los Angeles, which has a score of 59 out of 100.
  • Indianapolis's crime rate is higher than Los Angeles with a score of 60.71 compared to Los Angeles's 53.81. This means that Indianapolis neighborhoods are safer than 60.71% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Los Angeles neighborhoods are safer than 53.81%.
  • Indianapolis is considered to be less safe than Los Angeles with a score of 39.29 vs Los Angeles's 46.19.
  • Air quality in Indianapolis is good, and in Los Angeles it's moderate.

Other things to consider for your Los Angeles vs. Indianapolis move

  • Weather: Indianapolis summers are hot, humid, and wet. Winters are generally cold with moderate snowfall. The rainiest months occur in the spring and summer, with slightly higher averages during May, June, and July. May is typically the wettest.
  • HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
  • Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
  • State licensing: The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) regulate movers operating within Indiana and issue moving companies Indiana Households Goods Carriers Numbers. Check to make sure prospective movers have one and that itโ€™s up to date. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Indiana moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: Indiana does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Indianapolis. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. Opt for Released Value Protection โ€“ a budget-friendly choice with no extra cost from movers, though coverage is limited to 60 cents per pound. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, reimbursement is just $15. To ensure coverage for your items' full value, discuss alternative options with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance providers.
  • Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Where to live in Indianapolis

Now that you've decided to make the move to "Amateur Sports Capital of the World", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Indianapolis.

Best neighborhoods for singlestoggle

  • Broad Ripple Village
  • Fountain Square
  • Mile Square
  • Meridian-Kessler
  • Old Northside

Best neighborhoods for familiestoggle

  • Avon
  • Brownsburg
  • Carmel
  • Fishers
  • Westfield

Things to do in Indianapolistoggle

After settling into your new Indiana home, youโ€™ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Indianapolis has lots to offer, no matter what youโ€™re interested in:

  • Arts and culture: Indianapolis is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Children's Museum of Indianapolis, Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, Indianapolis Museum of Art, The Eiteljorg Museum, and Indiana War Memorial.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Eagle Creek Park, White River State Park, Broad Ripple Park, and Krannert Park โ€” among other sites โ€” are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
  • Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Indianapolis Colts (NFL), Indianapolis Pacers (NBA), or Indianapolis Fever (WNBA) game.
source: AttractionsofAmerica

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Los Angeles to Indianapolis?

The best time to move from Los Angeles to Indianapolis is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Los Angeles.

When is the cheapest time to move from Los Angeles to Indianapolis?

Because most people are moving from Los Angeles to Indianapolis in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.

How long does a move from Los Angeles to Indianapolis take?

The 2,067-mile move from Los Angeles, CA, to Indianapolis, IN, takes six to 17 days. Some Los Angeles movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Indianapolis.

Helpful moving resources

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