($803) Movers From Chicago, IL to Indianapolis, IN

What to know before moving from Chicago to Indianapolis

Moving from Chicago to Indianapolis means adjusting to a different pace of life — and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Chicago than in Indianapolis, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

Check out how Chicago compares to Indianapolis so you know what to expect before you relocate:

• Rent prices in Indianapolis are 32% lower than in Chicago, which means you’ll have more money in your pocket each month.
• In terms of homeownership, you’ll be able to get more for your money in Indianapolis.
  Home prices in Indianapolis are 25.5% lower than in Chicago.
• Income in Indianapolis is 17.4% lower than in Chicago, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Indianapolis include Anthem, Eli Lilly and Company, and Steak 'n Shake.
• The cost of living for a single person in Indianapolis is 23.1% lower than in Chicago. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
• The cost of living for a family in Indianapolis is 28.0% lower than in Chicago.
• The unemployment rate in Indianapolis is 37.78% lower than in Chicago.
• You’ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Indianapolis, since the city’s sales taxes in Indianapolis are 31.71% lower than in Chicago.
• One perk of moving to Indianapolis is paying less in state income taxes, which are 36.36% lower than in Chicago.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,305.92 in Indianapolis to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Chicago.

How life is different in Chicago vs. Indianapolis

• Indianapolis's population is about 68% less than Chicago.
• Indianapolis's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus Chicago's higher score of 9.
• Indianapolis is less walkable than Chicago with a score of 31 out of 100 vs Chicago's 77 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 Chicago, which has a score of 72 out of 100.
• Indianapolis's crime rate is higher than Chicago with a score of 60.71 compared to Chicago's 35.19. This means that Indianapolis neighborhoods are safer than 60.71% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19%.
• Indianapolis is considered to be safer than Chicago with a safety index of 39.29 vs Chicago's 33.87.
• Air quality in Indianapolis is good, and in Chicago it's good.

Other things to consider for your Chicago 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 it’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 – 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.

Helpful moving resources