Factors influencing moving costs from Indianapolis to Chesapeaketoggle

The cost of Indianapolis 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 Indianapolis to Chesapeake can be as low as $1,420 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $ 7,753.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Indianapolis, 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 $620 to $1,551. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Indianapolis to Chesapeake

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

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

Indianapolis Chesapeake
Average rent cost $1,399 $1,800
Average home value $220,467 $375,209
Average income (per capita) $59,110 $63,484
Cost of living (single person) $2,804 $1,882
Cost of living (family of 4) $6,667 $3,656
Unemployment rate 5.6% 5.0%
Sales tax 7.0% 6.0%
State income tax 3.15% 5.75%
  • Rent prices in Chesapeake are 29% higher than in Indianapolis, which means youโ€™ll have less money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Indianapolis.
    Home prices in Chesapeake are 70.2% higher than in Indianapolis.
  • Income in Chesapeake is 7.4% higher than in Indianapolis, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Chesapeake include Dollar Tree, Chesapeake City Schools, and Coast Guard Exchange System.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Chesapeake is 32.9% lower than in Indianapolis. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Chesapeake is 45.2% lower than in Indianapolis.
  • The unemployment rate in Chesapeake is 10.71% lower than in Indianapolis.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Chesapeake, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Chesapeake are 14.29% lower than in Indianapolis.
  • State income taxes in Chesapeake are 82.54% higher than in Indianapolis.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,013.55 in Chesapeake to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Indianapolis.

How life is different in Indianapolis vs. Chesapeake

Chesapeake Indianapolis
Population 249,422 887,642
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 2 5
Walkability score 21 31
Bike friendliness score 35 43
Crime Index 25.0 60.71
Safety Index 70.88 39.29
Air Quality Good Good
  • Chesapeake's population is about 72% less than Indianapolis.
  • Chesapeake's public transportation has a score of 2 out of 10 versus Indianapolis's higher score of 5.
  • Chesapeake is less walkable than Indianapolis with a score of 21 out of 100 vs Indianapolis's 31 out of 100.
  • Chesapeake has a bike-friendliness score 35 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Indianapolis, which has a score of 43 out of 100.
  • Chesapeake's crime rate is lower than Indianapolis with a score of 25.0 compared to Indianapolis's 60.71. This means that Chesapeake neighborhoods are safer than 25.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Indianapolis neighborhoods are safer than 60.71%.
  • Chesapeake is considered to be safer than Indianapolis with a safety index of 70.88 vs Indianapolis's 39.29.
  • Air quality in Chesapeake is good, and in Indianapolis it's good.

Other things to consider for your Indianapolis vs. Chesapeake move

  • Weather: It is advisable tp plan your relocation to Chesapeake on May, October and September are the most pleasant months in Chesapeake, while July and January are the least comfortable months.
  • 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: In addition to filing tariffs and complying with insurance, bond, and highway safety requirements, all intrastate moving companies in Virginia must have a certificate from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (VaDMV). Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Virginia moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: Virginia 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 Chesapeake. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance.In Virginia, movers commonly offer Released Value Protection at no additional cost, providing coverage at 60 cents per pound. For increased protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Alternatively, explore third-party insurance providers for personalized plans. It's essential to understand coverage limits, potential additional costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Virginia.
  • Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Where to live in Chesapeake

Now that you've decided to make the move to "Chesapeake", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Chesapeake.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • East Ghent
  • Radnor/Fort Myer Heights
  • North Ghent
  • Ghent
  • North Rosslyn

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Greenbrier
  • Great Bridge
  • Hickory

Things to do in Chesapeake

Once youโ€™re settled into your new home in Virginia, itโ€™s time to get out and discover what Chesapeake has to offer. No matter your interests, thereโ€™s something for everyone here:

  • Arts and culture: Chesapeake features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Great Bridge Battlefield & Waterways Museum, AR Workshop Chesapeake, and Portlock Galleries at SoNo.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Oak Grove Lake Park, Dismal Swamp Canal Trail, Northwest River Park, and Chesapeake Arboretum โ€” among other spots โ€” perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
  • Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Indianapolis to Chesapeake?

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

When is the cheapest time to move from Indianapolis to Chesapeake?

Because most people are moving from Indianapolis to Chesapeake 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 Indianapolis to Chesapeake take?

The 730-mile move from Indianapolis, IN, to Chesapeake, VA, takes one to six days. Some Indianapolis movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Chesapeake.

Helpful moving resources