Factors influencing moving costs from Washington DC to Indianapolistoggle

The cost of Washington DC 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 Washington DC to Indianapolis can be as low as $1,418 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $7,476.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Washington DC, 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 $539 to $1,331. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Washington DC to Indianapolis

Washington DC Indianapolis
Average rent cost $2,400 $1,399
Average home value $594,337 $220,467
Average income (per capita) $101,722 $59,110
Cost of living (single person) $1,424 $1,116
Cost of living (family of 4) $5,184 $3,959
Unemployment rate 7.0% 5.6%
Sales tax 6.0% 7.0%
State income tax 5.75% 3.15%
source: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
  • Rent prices in Indianapolis are 42% lower than in Washington DC.
  • Home prices in Indianapolis are 62.9% lower than in Washington DC.
  • Income in Indianapolis is 41.9% lower than in Washington DC.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Indianapolis is 21.6% lower than in Washington DC.
  • The cost of living for a family in Indianapolis is 23.6% lower than in Washington DC.
  • The unemployment rate in Indianapolis is 20.00% lower than in Washington DC.
  • Sales taxes in Indianapolis are 16.67% higher than in Washington DC.
  • State income taxes in Indianapolis are 45.22% lower than in Washington DC.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,351.12 in Indianapolis to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Washington DC.

How life is different in Washington DC vs. Indianapolis

Indianapolis Washington DC
Population 887,642 705,749
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 5 9
Walkability score 31 77
Bike friendliness score 43 70
Crime Index 60.71 60.37
Safety Index 39.29 39.63
Air Quality Good Good
source: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
  • Indianapolis's population is about 26% greater than Washington DC.
  • Indianapolis's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus Washington DC's lower score of 9.
  • Indianapolis is less walkable than Washington DC with a score of 31 out of 100 vs Washington DC'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 Washington DC, which has a score of 70 out of 100.
  • Indianapolis's crime rate is higher than Washington DC with a score of 60.71 compared to Washington DC's 60.37. This means that Indianapolis neighborhoods are safer than 60.71% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Washington DC neighborhoods are safer than 60.37%.
  • Indianapolis is considered to be less safe than Washington DC with a score of 39.29 vs Washington DC's 39.63.
  • Air quality in Indianapolis is good, and in Washington DC it's good.

Other things to consider for your Washington DC 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 Washington DC to Indianapolis?

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

When is the cheapest time to move from Washington DC to Indianapolis?

Because most people are moving from Washington DC 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 Washington DC to Indianapolis take?

The 573-mile move from Washington DC, MD, to Indianapolis, IN, takes one to six days. Some Washington DC 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

Washington DC moving services

Popular Maryland routes

Popular moving resources