Factors that influence moving costs from Detroit to Indianapolistoggle

The cost of Detroit movers will depend on:

  • Move size: How much you're moving directly affects the cost. A one-bedroom move from Detroit to Indianapolis might cost as little as $1,131, while a four-bedroom home could reach up to $6,368.
  • Time of year: Summer is considered peak moving season in Detroit, which often leads to higher prices from moving companies.
  • DIY vs. full-service: Renting a truck or using a container can be more affordable, with truck rentals ranging from $372 to $893. Just keep in mind these options involve more hands-on work than hiring professionals.

What to know before moving from Detroit to Indianapolis

Moving from Detroit to Indianapolis comes with exciting new opportunities โ€” but also higher living costs. Since Indianapolis is generally more expensive than Detroit, itโ€™s important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.

Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Detroit Indianapolis
Average rent cost $1,250 $1,399
Average home value $73,156 $220,467
Average income (per capita) $37,761 $59,110
Cost of living (single person) $2,500 $2,804
Cost of living (family of 4) $6,687 $6,667
Unemployment rate 9.06% 5.6%
Sales tax 6.0% 7.0%
State income tax 4.25% 3.15%
  • Rent prices in Indianapolis are 12% higher than in Detroit, 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 Detroit.
    Home prices in Indianapolis are 201.4% higher than in Detroit.
  • Income in Indianapolis is 56.5% higher than in Detroit, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Indianapolis include Anthem, Eli Lilly and Company, and Steak 'n Shake.
  • Be sure to budget for higher bills in Indianapolis, since the cost of living for a single person in Indianapolis is 12.2% higher than in Detroit. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family is the same in Indianapolis and Detroit.
  • The unemployment rate in Indianapolis is 38.19% lower than in Detroit.
  • Youโ€™ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Indianapolis, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Indianapolis are 16.67% higher than in Detroit.
  • One perk of moving to Indianapolis is paying less in state income taxes, which are 25.88% lower than in Detroit.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,364.80 in Indianapolis to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Detroit.

How life is different in Detroit vs. Indianapolis

Indianapolis Detroit
Population 887,642 639,111
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 5 7
Walkability score 31 51
Bike friendliness score 43 52
Crime Index 60.71 72.92
Safety Index 39.29 27.08
Air Quality Good Good
  • Indianapolis's population is about 39% greater than Detroit.
  • Indianapolis's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus Detroit's higher score of 7.
  • Indianapolis is less walkable than Detroit with a score of 31 out of 100 vs Detroit's 51 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 Detroit, which has a score of 52 out of 100.
  • Indianapolis's crime rate is lower than Detroit with a score of 60.71 compared to Detroit's 72.92. This means that Indianapolis neighborhoods are safer than 60.71% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Detroit neighborhoods are safer than 72.92%.
  • Indianapolis is considered to be safer than Detroit with a safety index of 39.29 vs Detroit's 27.08.
  • Air quality in Indianapolis is good, and in Detroit it's good.

Other things to consider for your Detroit 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: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
  • Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
  • 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.Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
  • State regulator: You can check the status of a Indiana moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: Indiana doesn\โ€™t require moving permits, but it\โ€™s still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
  • Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. Youโ€™ll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Indianapolis. Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry.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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.

Where to live in Indianapolis

Ready to relocate to "Amateur Sports Capital of the World"? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Indianapolis.

Best neighborhoods for singles

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

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Avon
  • Brownsburg
  • Carmel
  • Fishers
  • Westfield

Things to do in Indianapolis

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.

FAQ

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

Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Detroit to Indianapolis. Youโ€™ll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Detroit.

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

Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Detroit to Indianapolis, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.

How long does a move from Detroit to Indianapolis take?

The 286-mile journey from Detroit, MI to Indianapolis, IN typically takes one to four days. Some movers in Detroit offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Indianapolis.

Helpful moving resources