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Indiana
Indiana Long-Distance Moving Company
Indiana earns its nickname as the Crossroads of America. The state ranks first in the nation for pass-through interstates, and four of them, I-65, I-69, I-70, and I-74, converge on Indianapolis, which also hosts the world's second-largest FedEx hub. Star Van Lines is a USDOT-licensed interstate carrier (USDOT #4176875, MC #1607491) that handles local and long-distance moves across all of Indiana, from Indianapolis and Fort Wayne to Evansville and South Bend. Because we've run these corridors since 2016, we read the network the way a logistics planner does, staging loads around the I-465 beltway and the hub's night-shift traffic.
Our Indiana moving services cover packing, loading, transport, delivery, and short-term storage at warehouse locations nationwide. Because advanced manufacturing and auto-parts plants sit in dozens of counties, a move here can mean a downtown Indianapolis high-rise or a mid-size factory town like Kokomo or Lafayette. We handle both with the same crew, the same coordinator, and the same written estimate from the first call through delivery.
Ready to see the numbers on your Indiana move? Call (855) 822-2722 or use our online quote calculator. You'll get an itemized estimate that breaks down every line item, so there are no surprises on moving day. And we're rated 4.0 on Trustpilot, 4.5 on Google, and 4.75 on Facebook across 240+ reviews.
Moving services in Indiana
Star Van Lines provides local, long-distance, and interstate moving services across Indiana. We handle packing, loading, transport, and delivery for residential and commercial moves. Because four interstates and the Indianapolis FedEx hub put the state at the center of the national freight map, every Indiana move benefits from reading that network correctly. Every move includes a single coordinator, trained crew, and written estimate.
Local moving in Indiana
High-demand in-state lanes run Indianapolis to Fort Wayne, about 125 miles up I-69, and Indianapolis to Chicago, roughly 183 to 185 miles up I-65, both short enough to fall in the local-to-regional pricing band where the distance coefficient stays near its highest tier. Suburb-to-suburb moves within the Carmel-Fishers-Noblesville growth corridor north of Indianapolis are among the most requested short hauls. A crew of two costs $95-$175 per hour; three movers run $145-$265. Although these lanes are short, winter snow can complicate driveway access, so we plan load days around the forecast.
Long-distance moving from Indiana
Top long-distance corridors from Indianapolis run to Chicago at about 184 miles, to Atlanta at about 534 miles via I-65 and I-75, and cross-country to Los Angeles at about 2,078 miles. Indiana to California is a leading interstate request, which puts most of those lanes in the lowest distance-coefficient bands. The biggest inbound flows come from Illinois, Ohio, and Kentucky, while the largest outbound moves head to Florida, Illinois, and Ohio. Since winter ice can slow I-65, I-70, I-69, and I-74, your coordinator tracks conditions and builds slack into the schedule.
Packing and storage
We offer full-service packing, partial packing, and self-pack options. Full-service means our crew brings every material and packs each room. Partial lets you choose which rooms we handle. And self-pack is the lowest-cost option. We have 43 warehouse locations nationwide for short-term and long-term storage. Because Indiana pairs humid summers with freeze-thaw winters and roughly 25.5 inches of snow a year, unheated storage risks condensation and warping, so climate-controlled space is worth it for wood furniture, electronics, instruments, and documents held between move dates.
Auto transport and specialty items
We ship vehicles by open or enclosed carrier, and we move pianos, gun safes, antiques, and artwork with specialty crating. Indiana built 937,726 vehicles in 2024 and has auto-parts plants in 67 of its 92 counties, so enclosed auto transport is a common add-on for engineers and skilled-trade workers relocating near plants in Lafayette, Gibson County, and Kokomo. Because new residents get 60 days to title and register a vehicle, we can sequence auto transport to line up with that BMV deadline.
How much does moving in Indiana cost?
Moving costs in Indiana depend on whether you're relocating locally or across state lines. Local moves within Indiana typically run $95-$175 per hour for a two-person crew with truck. Long-distance moves start at $700 for studio apartments and go up to $7,350 for large homes, depending on distance, weight, and access conditions.
Local moving rates
| Crew size | Hourly rate |
|---|---|
| 2 movers + truck | $95-$175 / hour |
| 3 movers + truck | $145-$265 / hour |
| 4 movers + truck | $195-$355 / hour |
Long-distance rates from Indiana
| Move size | Estimated price range |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 Bedroom | $700 - $1,850 |
| 2-3 Bedrooms | $1,250 - $4,050 |
| 4+ Bedrooms | $2,050 - $7,350 |
Popular routes and pricing from Indiana
| Route | Distance | Avg cost (2-3 BR) |
|---|---|---|
| Indianapolis to Chicago | 181 mi | $1,250 - $1,500 |
| Indianapolis to Atlanta | 503 mi | $1,700 - $2,100 |
| Indianapolis to Denver | 1,086 mi | $2,450 - $3,000 |
| Indianapolis to Los Angeles | 2,070 mi | $3,150 - $3,850 |
| Indianapolis to Seattle | 2,233 mi | $3,300 - $4,050 |
Pricing reflects market averages for moves in and from Indiana as of June 2026. Your final price depends on inventory weight, packing level, access at pickup and delivery, and scheduling flexibility. Call (855) 822-2722 or use our free quote calculator for an exact estimate.
What affects your moving price
- Shipment weight and volume are the biggest factors for any long-distance move from Indiana.
- Distance matters. Indianapolis to Chicago is about 181 miles; Indianapolis to Seattle is 2,233.
- Access at both ends plays a role too. The I-465 beltway and the I-65/I-70 interchange near the FedEx hub back up on night shifts, so crews stage early-morning loads.
- How much packing you want us to do. Full-service runs more than partial packing, and self-pack is the lowest option.
- When you move. Winter snow and the humid mid-summer peak both cost more than a mild move in spring or early fall.
- Add-on services like auto transport, storage, and specialty item handling (pianos, gun safes, artwork) carry their own pricing.
Moving routes from Indiana
Moving to Indiana: what you should know
When a single state sits at the junction of four major interstates and moves millions of packages a day through its capital, getting your household across it is less about raw distance and more about reading the network correctly. Indiana pairs that logistics gravity with affordable housing and a deep manufacturing base. Below is a quick guide covering cost of living, access and logistics, climate and timing, and residency requirements that affect your move.
What it costs to move to Indiana
Indiana's cost of living index is 93.3 (US average = 100, BEA RPP 2024), below the national line, so local moving labor sits near or under typical rates. Expect $95-$175 per hour for a two-person crew. Access still drives cost in places. Downtown Indianapolis high-rises and the night-shift traffic around the FedEx hub favor early-morning staging, while mid-size factory towns like Kokomo and Lafayette are usually straightforward. Median home value is $218,200 (Census ACS 2020-2024) and median monthly rent is $1,062. Because median household income is $71,957, that affordability is a real draw for households arriving from Illinois and beyond.
Access and logistics
Indiana's interstate grid is its defining feature. I-65 runs north-south from Chicago through Indianapolis to Louisville, I-70 crosses east-west, I-69 links Evansville through Indianapolis and Fort Wayne toward Michigan, and I-74 cuts diagonally from Cincinnati through Indianapolis into Illinois, all tied together by the I-465 beltway. The I-465 loop and the I-65/I-70 interchange near downtown routinely back up around the FedEx hub night shifts, so crews stage loads early. Because Indianapolis averages about 25.5 inches of snow a year, peaking in January, driveway access and load days need winter planning. Auto-parts plants sit in 67 of the 92 counties, so relocations cluster in mid-size towns, not just the capital.
Climate and timing
Indianapolis summers reach an average July high near 86 degrees, and January lows average about 20. The metro gets roughly 25.5 inches of snow a year and about 187 days with some sun. The best months for an Indiana move are late April through May or September through October, when you avoid both the January snow peak and the humid mid-summer heat. December through February is hardest, since snow and ice can slow I-65, I-70, I-69, and I-74 and complicate driveways. June through August brings peak heat and the highest moving demand, while spring carries the state's severe-storm and tornado season, when Indiana averages about 22 tornadoes a year.
Residency and regulations
New Indiana residents get a single 60-day window for both the driver's license and the vehicle title and registration, which is more generous than many states. Indiana runs no statewide periodic safety inspection, just a one-time VIN check when you title an out-of-state vehicle, either at a BMV branch or on a form completed by law enforcement. Emissions testing applies only in Lake and Porter counties in the northwest, near the Chicago metro, and nowhere else in the state. Because the out-of-state license must be surrendered at transfer, bring it along with proof of residency.
What to know before moving to Indiana
Benefits of moving to Indiana
0,973,333 (Census, July 2025)
Population
$0,957
Median household income
0.3 (US = 100, BEA RPP 2024)
Cost of living index
about 0/year (Indianapolis)
Days with sunshine
0.95% flat (2026)
State income tax
#0 in the US in goods-production job concentration
Manufacturing
Indiana is home to about 6.97 million people, and the population grew 2.8% between 2020 and 2025. The headline story is logistics and making things: the state ranks first in the nation for pass-through interstates and first for the concentration of goods-production jobs, with manufacturing about 21% of all Indiana jobs. Advanced manufacturing leads, and the auto base built 937,726 vehicles in 2024. Major employers include Eli Lilly, the state's largest private employer at about 50,000 globally, Elevance Health, Cummins in Columbus, and Indiana University Health, which runs 16 to 17 hospitals with roughly 38,000 to 40,000 team members. Because median household income is $71,957 against a 93.3 cost of living index, that pay stretches further here. In 2024 Indiana posted a net domestic migration gain of about 3,200 residents, with its largest net gain from Illinois and most inbound moves arriving from Illinois, Ohio, and Kentucky.
Is Indiana a good place to live?
Indiana offers affordable housing, a low flat income tax, and a central location with easy reach to Chicago, Cincinnati, and Louisville. The trade-offs are real: winters bring snow and ice, spring carries tornado risk, and the biggest cities lack the amenities of the coasts. Whether it's a good fit depends on your job, your budget, and how much the low cost of living matters to you.
Tax environment
Indiana levies a flat 2.95% individual income tax for 2026, set to step down to 2.90% in 2027, and counties add their own local income taxes on top. The state sales tax is 7.00%, and because Indiana grants no local sales-tax authority, the combined rate stays at 7.00% statewide. The effective property tax rate on owner-occupied homes is a low 0.76%, and Indiana has no estate tax or inheritance tax. Although the county income taxes vary, the overall burden is modest, which is part of why the state draws cost-conscious households from Illinois.
Housing market
Median home value in Indiana is $218,200 (Census ACS 2020-2024), and median monthly rent is $1,062. Homeownership runs at 70.6% of households. Prices vary by region, with the Carmel-Fishers-Zionsville suburbs north of Indianapolis carrying the highest values while smaller cities stay well below the statewide median. And for buyers arriving from higher-cost markets, the math is the draw.
Job market and economy
Advanced manufacturing ranks first in the nation here for goods-production job concentration, at about 21% of all jobs, and it spans motor vehicles, RVs, engines, and machinery. Eli Lilly anchors the pharmaceutical sector as the state's largest private employer, with Elevance Health and Cummins close behind. Indiana University Health runs 16 to 17 hospitals with roughly 38,000 to 40,000 team members, and the State of Indiana and the public university systems employ a large public-sector workforce statewide. Because pharmaceuticals are Indiana's number-one export, life-sciences hiring is growing around the Boone County LEAP district. The labor force participation rate is 63.7%, and 29.5% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Safety and natural risks
Indiana's main hazards are weather, not earthquakes or hurricanes. State emergency planners name flooding and severe weather, including tornadoes, as the two most frequent hazards, and Indiana averages about 22 tornadoes a year. Severe thunderstorms and straight-line winds are recurring spring and summer risks, while winter and ice storms drive most cold-season disruptions. But the hazards here are weather-driven, so insurance and move-timing planning center on storms, tornadoes, and winter weather.
Who thrives in Indiana?
Logistics and supply-chain professionals relocating to the Indy hub
Indiana ranks first in the nation for pass-through interstates and hosts the second-largest FedEx hub plus the eighth-largest cargo airport, so distribution, warehousing, and freight roles keep drawing workers to the Indianapolis metro. These movers often relocate on a corporate timeline tied to a hub or distribution-center start date and need precise scheduling around the I-465 beltway and night-shift traffic.
Auto-manufacturing and EV-plant skilled-trade workers
Indiana produced 937,726 vehicles in 2024 and has secured over $12.9 billion in EV investment, with assembly and parts plants spread across counties like Tippecanoe, Gibson, and Kokomo. Engineers, line workers, and trades relocate into these mid-size towns, frequently bringing a personal vehicle or two that calls for enclosed auto transport.
Pharmaceutical and life-sciences talent for the LEAP District
Pharmaceuticals are Indiana's number-one export, anchored by Eli Lilly and the new Boone County LEAP Research and Innovation District northwest of Indianapolis. Researchers, lab staff, and corporate professionals move in for these roles, often settling in affluent northern suburbs like Carmel, Fishers, and Zionsville and needing careful handling of sensitive electronics and lab equipment.
Families chasing the Carmel-Fishers suburban growth corridor
The northern Indianapolis suburbs are Indiana's fastest-growing places, with Carmel up about 5.7% and Fishers up about 5.3% in recent estimates, drawing households for top-rated schools and a median home value near $218,200 statewide. These movers are typically trading up in size and want suburb-to-suburb moves handled within the Carmel-Fishers-Noblesville corridor.
Big Ten students, faculty, and graduates
Bloomington, home to Indiana University and about 80,000 residents, and the Lafayette area, home to Purdue, anchor large academic communities, and 29.5% of Indiana adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Faculty taking new appointments and graduates leaving for jobs in Chicago, Atlanta, or California drive steady academic-calendar moves, often clustered around May and August.
First week after moving to Indiana: what to do
After your move to Indiana, several tasks share a single 60-day window: both your driver's license and your vehicle title and registration are due within 60 days of becoming a resident. Here is a prioritized checklist.
- Update your driver's license.
Indiana gives new residents 60 days to get an Indiana driver's license. Bring proof of residency and your current out-of-state license, which you'll surrender at transfer, to the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles. (in.gov/bmv)
- Register your vehicle.
Title and register within 60 days at the BMV. There is no statewide periodic safety inspection, just a one-time VIN check when you title an out-of-state vehicle, either at a branch or on a form completed by law enforcement.
- Transfer your auto insurance.
Contact your insurer to re-rate your policy for Indiana, where minimum liability requirements may differ from your previous state.
- Register to vote.
Indiana offers online registration at indianavoters.in.gov, by mail, and in person at the county office, with the deadline 29 days before an election. Registration is also available through the BMV.
- Update homeowner's or renter's insurance.
Indiana's tornado, severe-storm, and flooding exposure may change your coverage needs and premiums, so review the policy once you arrive.
- Forward your mail.
USPS Change of Address is free online at usps.com. Mail forwarding starts within 7-10 business days.
- Transfer medical records.
Contact current providers before your move and find a new primary care physician in Indiana. If you're on employer insurance, verify your new plan's Indiana network before scheduling appointments.
- Update school records.
If you have children, request transcripts from the previous district and contact your new district for enrollment requirements and start dates.
Indiana at a glance: schools, jobs, and things to do
Schools and universities
For families weighing districts, Niche's 2026 rankings put West Lafayette Community School Corporation first in Indiana, followed by Carmel Clay Schools, with about 16,100 students, and Zionsville Community Schools, with about 7,900. The state's universities carry national weight too. Indiana University Bloomington is the most commonly cited flagship, with about 48,000 students, while Purdue University in West Lafayette is the largest by enrollment at about 58,000. The University of Notre Dame, near South Bend, rounds out a strong research-university base.
Major employers
Eli Lilly, headquartered in Indianapolis since 1876, is the state's largest private employer at about 50,000 globally. Elevance Health, also based in Indianapolis, and Cummins, the diesel-engine maker in Columbus, are among the largest companies by revenue. Indiana University Health runs 16 to 17 hospitals with roughly 38,000 to 40,000 team members, and the State of Indiana and the public university systems employ a large public-sector workforce. Because advanced manufacturing leads the economy and pharmaceuticals are the top export, hiring concentrates in those sectors plus healthcare and logistics.
Attractions and recreation
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway, home of the Indianapolis 500, is the largest sports venue in the world. Indiana Dunes National Park runs 15 miles along Lake Michigan in the northwest, with more than 50 miles of trails, and it draws people to the lakeshore. Brown County State Park near Nashville is the state's largest, known for fall foliage and forested hills. Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial in Lincoln City preserves where Abraham Lincoln grew up, and the historic West Baden Springs Hotel and French Lick Resort anchor a mineral-springs destination in the south.
FAQ
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(855) 822-2722 or email
Local moving in Indiana typically costs $95-$175 per hour for a two-person crew with truck. A standard three-bedroom home usually runs between $428 and $3,550 depending on crew size, hours, and access. Add-ons like packing, disassembly, and long carries increase the total. Call (855) 822-2722 for an itemized estimate.
Long-distance moves from Indiana start at $700 for studio apartments and go up to $7,350 for four-plus-bedroom homes. The final price depends on shipment weight, distance, and access at both locations. Star Van Lines provides binding estimates so your price won't change after booking.
Search our USDOT number 4176875 on the FMCSA SAFER website (safer.fmcsa.dot.gov). This federal database confirms our operating authority, MC number 1607491, insurance status, and safety record. Any legitimate interstate mover should be able to provide a verifiable USDOT number.
Common surcharges include shuttle fees (if a full-size truck can't reach a downtown Indianapolis high-rise), long-carry charges for distances over 75 feet from truck to door, stair fees, and elevator waiting time. We disclose all potential charges in your written estimate before you book.
Federal law requires interstate movers to offer two levels: Released Value Protection (free, covers $0.60 per pound per item) and Full Value Protection (paid, covers repair, replacement, or cash settlement at current value). Star Van Lines is fully insured under USDOT #4176875 and can explain both options when you request a quote.
Sixty days for both. New residents holding a valid out-of-state license have 60 days to get an Indiana driver's license, and they must title and register all out-of-state vehicles within 60 days of becoming a resident. That shared window is more generous than many states, but the out-of-state license has to be surrendered when you transfer it at the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles.
Indiana requires a one-time VIN inspection when you title an out-of-state vehicle, either at a BMV branch or on a form completed by law enforcement, but there is no statewide periodic safety inspection. Emissions testing applies only in Lake and Porter counties in northwest Indiana, part of the Chicago metro; the other 90 counties have no emissions test.
Indiana is affordable by national standards. The median home value is about $218,200 and median monthly rent is near $1,062 (Census ACS 2020-2024), and the cost of living index is 93.3 (US average = 100, BEA RPP 2024), below the national line. Homeownership is high at 70.6% of households. Prices run higher in the Carmel-Fishers suburbs and lower in smaller cities.
Late April through May and September through October are the smoothest windows, with mild temperatures and lower precipitation. Indianapolis averages about 25.5 inches of snow a year with a January peak, so December through February can slow load days and driveway access. June through August brings peak heat and the highest demand, so book early if you must move then.
Yes. We offer open and enclosed auto transport, and on lanes like Indianapolis to Chicago, Atlanta, or Los Angeles it's usually more economical to bundle the vehicle with your household goods than to book it separately. Enclosed transport is worth considering for newer or high-value cars, and because Indiana gives new residents 60 days to register, we can time delivery to that window.
Indiana has a flat 2.95% individual income tax for 2026, stepping down to 2.90% in 2027, and counties levy their own local income taxes on top. The state sales tax is 7.00% with no local add-on, and the effective property tax rate on owner-occupied homes is a low 0.76%. There is no estate or inheritance tax, which keeps the long-term burden modest.
Indiana ranks first in the nation for pass-through interstates, with I-65, I-69, I-70, and I-74 converging on Indianapolis, which also hosts the world's second-largest FedEx hub. For your move, that dense network means efficient routing in almost any direction, though the I-465 beltway and the interchanges near the hub can back up on night shifts, so crews stage loads early.
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USDOT #4176875 | MC #1607491 | Licensed & Insured