Factors that influence moving costs from Milwaukee to Indianapolistoggle

The cost of Milwaukee movers will depend on:

  • Move size: How much you're moving directly affects the cost. A one-bedroom move from Milwaukee to Indianapolis might cost as little as $1,087, while a four-bedroom home could reach up to $6,058.
  • Time of year: Summer is considered peak moving season in Milwaukee, 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 $876. Just keep in mind these options involve more hands-on work than hiring professionals.

What to know before moving from Milwaukee to Indianapolis

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

Milwaukee Indianapolis
Average rent cost $1,250 $1,399
Average home value $200,685 $220,467
Average income (per capita) $49,733 $59,110
Cost of living (single person) $2,022 $2,804
Cost of living (family of 4) $4,963 $6,667
Unemployment rate 7.4% 5.6%
Sales tax 4.9% 7.0%
State income tax 7.65% 3.15%
  • Rent prices in Indianapolis are 12% higher than in Milwaukee, 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 Milwaukee.
    Home prices in Indianapolis are 9.9% higher than in Milwaukee.
  • Income in Indianapolis is 18.9% higher than in Milwaukee, 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 38.7% higher than in Milwaukee. 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 34.3% higher than in Milwaukee.
  • The unemployment rate in Indianapolis is 24.32% lower than in Milwaukee.
  • Youโ€™ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Indianapolis, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Indianapolis are 42.86% higher than in Milwaukee.
  • One perk of moving to Indianapolis is paying less in state income taxes, which are 58.82% lower than in Milwaukee.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $4,160.24 in Indianapolis to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Milwaukee.

How life is different in Milwaukee vs. Indianapolis

Indianapolis Milwaukee
Population 887,642 577,222
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 5 8
Walkability score 31 62
Bike friendliness score 43 58
Crime Index 60.71 66.76
Safety Index 39.29 33.24
Air Quality Good Good
  • Indianapolis's population is about 54% greater than Milwaukee.
  • Indianapolis's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus Milwaukee's higher score of 8.
  • Indianapolis is less walkable than Milwaukee with a score of 31 out of 100 vs Milwaukee's 62 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 Milwaukee, which has a score of 58 out of 100.
  • Indianapolis's crime rate is lower than Milwaukee with a score of 60.71 compared to Milwaukee's 66.76. This means that Indianapolis neighborhoods are safer than 60.71% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Milwaukee neighborhoods are safer than 66.76%.
  • Indianapolis is considered to be safer than Milwaukee with a safety index of 39.29 vs Milwaukee's 33.24.
  • Air quality in Indianapolis is good, and in Milwaukee it's good.

Other things to consider for your Milwaukee 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

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

  • Arts and culture: Indianapolis features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including 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 spots โ€” perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
  • Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Indianapolis Colts (NFL), Indianapolis Pacers (NBA), or Indianapolis Fever (WNBA) game.

FAQ

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

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

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

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

The 279-mile journey from Milwaukee, WI to Indianapolis, IN typically takes one to four days. Some movers in Milwaukee 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