Factors that influence moving costs from San Antonio to Indianapolistoggle

The cost of San Antonio movers will depend on:

  • Move size: How much you're moving directly affects the cost. A one-bedroom move from San Antonio to Indianapolis might cost as little as $1,491, while a four-bedroom home could reach up to $8,799.
  • Time of year: Summer is considered peak moving season in San Antonio, 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 $930 to $2,147. Just keep in mind these options involve more hands-on work than hiring professionals.

What to know before moving from San Antonio to Indianapolis

Moving from San Antonio to Indianapolis comes with exciting new opportunities โ€” but also higher living costs. Since Indianapolis is generally more expensive than San Antonio, 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:

San Antonio Indianapolis
Average rent cost $1,496 $1,399
Average home value $249,398 $220,467
Average income (per capita) $62,451 $59,110
Cost of living (single person) $2,194 $2,804
Cost of living (family of 4) $4,931 $6,667
Unemployment rate 3.8% 5.6%
Sales tax 8.25% 7.0%
State income tax 0.0% 3.15%
  • Rent prices in Indianapolis are 7% lower than in San Antonio, which means youโ€™ll have more 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 Indianapolis are 11.6% lower than in San Antonio.
  • Income in Indianapolis is 5.3% lower than in San Antonio, 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.
  • Be sure to budget for higher bills in Indianapolis, since the cost of living for a single person in Indianapolis is 27.8% higher than in San Antonio. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • If youโ€™re moving your family to Indianapolis, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Indianapolis is 35.2% higher than in San Antonio.
  • The unemployment rate in Indianapolis is 47.37% higher than in San Antonio.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Indianapolis, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Indianapolis are 15.15% lower than in San Antonio.
  • State income taxes in Indianapolis are 3.15% higher than in San Antonio.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,834.09 in Indianapolis to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in San Antonio.

How life is different in San Antonio vs. Indianapolis

Indianapolis San Antonio
Population 887,642 1,434,625
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 5 6
Walkability score 31 37
Bike friendliness score 43 45
Crime Index 60.71 48.06
Safety Index 39.29 51.94
Air Quality Good Moderate
  • Indianapolis's population is about 38% less than San Antonio.
  • Indianapolis's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus San Antonio's higher score of 6.
  • Indianapolis is less walkable than San Antonio with a score of 31 out of 100 vs San Antonio's 37 out of 100.
  • Both Indianapolis and San Antonio have the same bike-friendliness score of 45 out of 100, meaning Indianapolis is about as safe for cyclists as San Antonio. Typically, cities that have scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though the higher the score, the more safely accessible a city is for bicycling.
  • Indianapolis's crime rate is higher than San Antonio with a score of 60.71 compared to San Antonio's 48.06. This means that Indianapolis neighborhoods are safer than 60.71% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and San Antonio neighborhoods are safer than 48.06%.
  • Indianapolis is considered to be less safe than San Antonio with a score of 39.29 vs San Antonio's 51.94.
  • Air quality in Indianapolis is good, and in San Antonio it's moderate.

Other things to consider for your San Antonio 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: Itโ€™s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, itโ€™s a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
  • Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
  • 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. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
  • State regulator: To confirm a moving companyโ€™s license in Indiana, visit the state's public utilities commission
  • Moving permits: While Indiana doesnโ€™t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Indianapolis without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. 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 gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.

Where to live in Indianapolis

With your sights set on "Amateur Sports Capital of the World", these are some of the most popular 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

Now that you've made the move to Indiana, itโ€™s the perfect time to explore Indianapolis. From local hotspots to hidden gems, thereโ€™s something to enjoy for every lifestyle:

  • Arts and culture: Youโ€™ll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Indianapolis, such as 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€” along with other locations, ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
  • Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back 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 San Antonio to Indianapolis?

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

When is the cheapest time to move from San Antonio to Indianapolis?

Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from San Antonio 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 San Antonio to Indianapolis take?

The 1,173-mile journey from San Antonio, TX to Indianapolis, IN typically takes two to eight days. Some movers in San Antonio 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