($671) Moving from Columbus to Indianapolis

Quick answer: A move from Columbus to Indianapolis costs $209 to $3,709 and takes one-two days. The main factors that determine the cost and time are how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the 175-mile move yourself.

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  • 10% discount
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  • Certified crews
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Family-owned

Hiring a long-distance moving company from Columbus will be more expensive, while renting a truck or using a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Indianapolis to Columbus guide.

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The best Columbus to Indianapolis moving companies

Hiring an interstate moving company to go from Columbus to Indianapolis is a big deal. There are more than 8,000 moving companies in the U.S. But don't worry, you won't have to filter through all of them. We've done the research for you and narrowed the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services.

Here are the best long-distance moving companies serving Columbus to Indianapolis.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
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  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
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Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned & operated
  • Affordable pricing
  • Same-day estimates

How much does it cost to move from Columbus to Indianapolis?

Columbus movers charge $145 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:

Move size Moving company Moving container Rental truck
Studio / 1 bedroom $671 - $2,545 $526 - $1,216 $185 - $342
2 - 3 bedrooms $1,307 - $3,709 $959 - $1,845 $209 - $376
4+ bedrooms $1,696 - $4,820 $1,239 - $2,070 $253 - $468
*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 175 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect the final cost of your move.

Factors influencing moving costs from Columbus to Indianapolis

The cost of Columbus 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 Columbus to Indianapolis can be as low as $671 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $4,263.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Columbus, 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 $185 to $416. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

How much are professional moving companies when moving from Columbus to Indianapolis?

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Columbus to Indianapolis will cost between $671 to $2,545. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $1,307 to $3,709, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from Columbus to Indianapolis will cost from $1,696 to $4,820.

How much are moving container companies from Columbus to Indianapolis?

Moving containers from Columbus to Indianapolis will cost you $526 to $1,216 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $959 to $1,845. A larger home will cost $1,239 to $2,070.

How much is a moving truck from Columbus to Indianapolis?

Renting a moving truck is usually the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.

Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $185 to $342. A larger move will cost $209 to $376, and a four-bedroom move from Columbus to Indianapolis costs from $253 to $468. These estimates include the anticipated fuel cost.

Pros and cons of moving from Columbus to Indianapolis

Cost of living: Columbus vs Indianapolis

Columbus Indianapolis
Average rent cost $1,450 $1,295
Average home value $235,958 $217,513
Average income (per capita) $63,639 $54,321
Cost of Living (single person) $915 $892
Cost of Living (family of 4) $3,229 $3,139
Unemployment rate 5.7% 5.6%
Sales Tax 7.5% 7.0%
State Income Tax 3.5% 3.15%
  • Rent prices in Indianapolis are 11% lower than in Columbus.
  • Home prices in Indianapolis are 7.8% lower than in Columbus.
  • Income in Indianapolis is 14.6% lower than in Columbus.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Indianapolis is 2.5% lower than in Columbus.
  • The cost of living for a family in Indianapolis is 2.8% lower than in Columbus.
  • The unemployment rate in Indianapolis is 1.75% lower than in Columbus.
  • Sales taxes in Indianapolis are 6.67% lower than in Columbus.
  • State income taxes in Indianapolis are 10.00% lower than in Columbus.

To put this into perspective, you would need around $2,924.59 in Indianapolis to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Columbus.

How is life different in Columbus compared to Indianapolis?

Indianapolis Columbus
Population 887,642 905,748
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 5 5
Walkability score 31 41
Bike friendliness score 43 48
Crime Index 59.06 37.49
Safety Index 40.94 56.58
Air Quality Good Good
  • Indianapolis's population is about 2% less than Columbus.
  • Indianapolis's public transportation has a similar score to Columbus.
  • Indianapolis is less walkable than Columbus with a score of 31 out of 100 vs Columbus's 41 out of 100.
  • Indianapolis is less bike-friendly than Columbus with a score of 43 out of 100 vs Columbus's 48.
  • Indianapolis's crime rate is higher than Columbus with a score of 59.06 compared to Columbus's 37.49. This means that Indianapolis neighborhoods are safer than 59.06% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Columbus neighborhoods are safer than 37.49%.
  • Indianapolis is considered to be less safe than Columbus with a score of 40.94 vs Columbus's 56.58.
  • Air quality in Indianapolis is good, and in Columbus it's good.

Considerations for moving to Indianapolis

  • 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.

Local Columbus movers

Company Quote Rating Contact
E.E. Ward Moving & Storage Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
5 overall rating
2235 Southwest Blvd Suite A, Grove City, OH, 43123
(614) 401-6796
All American Moving and Storage Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.9 overall rating
2660 Fisher Road, Columbus, OH, 43204
(614) 224-0077

Visit our best long distance movers in Columbus page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

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 singles:

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

Best neighborhoods for families:

  • Avon
  • Brownsburg
  • Carmel
  • Fishers
  • Westfield

What to do in Indianapolis

These are some of the best things to do in your new Indiana home.

  • Children's Museum of Indianapolis
  • Indianapolis Zoo
  • Freedom Springs Aquatic Park
  • Conner Prairie Interactive History Park
  • Go Ape Treetop Adventure
  • Indianapolis Museum of Art
  • Garfield Park Conservatory and Gardens
  • The Hall of Fame Museum at Indianapolis Motor Speedway
  • Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians & Western Art
  • Indiana Medical History Museum
  • Indiana State Police Museum
  • Canal Walk
  • Soldiers and Sailors Monument
  • Indiana War Memorial
  • Indiana State Museum
  • Kurt Vonnegut Museum and Library
  • Beer Mile Tour
  • Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park
  • White River State Park
  • Oldfields-Lilly House and Gardens

Get your sports on!

Indianapolis is a great sports town, these are the local teams to support:

  • Indianapolis Colts (NFL)
  • Indianapolis Pacers (NBA)
  • Indianapolis Fever (WNBA)

FAQ

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

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

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

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

The 175-mile move from Columbus, OH, to Indianapolis, IN, takes one-two days. Some Columbus 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