Best Salinas to Fort Wayne Movers + Moving Guide
Want help with the heavy lifting?
If you're moving from Salinas to Fort Wayne and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 2,370 mile move from California to Indiana go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 11 Salinas to Fort Wayne moving companies and more than 20,000 movers nationwide to provide up-to-date and data-driven information about: which moving company to hire (our top recommendation is MVM Moving & Storage), how much the move costs (approximately $2,500 - $9,000 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Salinas compared to Fort Wayne. With a move this big, you want big data on your side and Great Guys Moving is your trusted ally to help you sift through the noise to make informed moving decisions.

Best Salinas to Fort Wayne Moving Companies
Rank | Company Name | Rating | Affordability Index | License | Contact |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | MVM Moving & Storage | 9.22 | 9.4 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
2 | Mod Movers | 8.79 | 8.1 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
3 | Poulos Moving Systems | 8.34 | 8.48 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
4 | Cardinale Moving & Storage | 7.60 | 7.06 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
5 | Two Men and a Truck | 7.50 | 6.92 | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
Cost to Move from Salinas to Fort Wayne
Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 2,370 miles from Salinas, CA to Fort Wayne, IN will cost on average $3,797 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Salinas to Fort Wayne move is roughly $9,171. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by type of move and home size. Pricing will vary based upon the exact locations of pickup and dropoff as well as several other factors. The most important pricing component that is often overlooked is how far away the move date is. The earlier you can reserve movers, the better your pricing and options will be.
Home Size | Moving Cost | Volume of Packed Items (ft³) | $/ft³ |
---|---|---|---|
Studio | $2,546 | 300 ft³ | 8.49 |
1 Bedroom | $3,797 | 450 ft³ | 8.44 |
2 Bedrooms | $6,290 | 750 ft³ | 8.39 |
3 Bedrooms | $9,171 | 1100 ft³ | 8.34 |
4 Bedrooms | $13,259 | 1600 ft³ | 8.29 |
5+ Bedrooms | $14,827 | 1800 ft³ | 8.24 |


Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Fort Wayne to Salinas guide.
Compare the 5 Best Salinas to Fort Wayne Movers
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)

MVM Moving & Storage
6429 Highview Dr
Fort Wayne, IN, 46818
About MVM Moving & Storage
Since 2006, MVM Moving and Storage has been assisting residents of Fort Wayne, IN, streamline their relocation process with its cost-effective...
Services
- Residential Move
- Commercial Move
- Local Move
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3098388 / 76046 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
Registered Trucks/Vans | 5 |
Registered Drivers | 5 |
Total Annual Miles Moved | 75,000 (2021) |

Mod Movers
1118 Airport Way STE 100
Monterey, CA, 93940
About Mod Movers
Mod Movers is one of the top-rated moving companies in Northern California. This locally-owned business in Monterey operates throughout the Golden...
Services
- Local Movers
- Long Distance Movers
- Interstate Movers
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2983026 / 1294330 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
Registered Trucks/Vans | 4 |
Registered Drivers | 4 |
Total Annual Miles Moved | 20,000 (2023) |

Poulos Moving Systems
222 Commission St
Salinas, CA, 93901
About Poulos Moving Systems
A locally owned and operated moving company that started in 2009, Poulos Moving Systems is proud to continue providing reliable and...
Services
- Local Moves
- Office Moves
- Intrastate Moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2618126 / 1016606 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
Registered Trucks/Vans | 9 |
Registered Drivers | 6 |
Total Annual Miles Moved | 39,036 (2022) |

Cardinale Moving & Storage
11360 Commercial Pkwy
Castroville, CA, 95012
About Cardinale Moving & Storage
Cardinale Moving & Storage is owned and operated by the Cardinale family who has lived on the Monterey peninsula for well...
Services
- Local moves
- Moves within California
- Interstate moves
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 45193 / 138022 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
Registered Trucks/Vans | 22 |
Registered Drivers | 20 |
Total Annual Miles Moved | 50,000 (2022) |

Two Men and a Truck
321 Ley Rd
Fort Wayne, IN, 46825
About Two Men and a Truck
Two Men and a Truck has locations across the country, with its Fort Wayne location opening in 2005. This nationally-recognized moving...
Services
- Local moving
- Junk removal
- Storage
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 1319267 / 510634 Authorized For Property, HHG Carrier |
Registered Trucks/Vans | 7 |
Registered Drivers | 8 |
Total Annual Miles Moved | 222,778 (2023) |

Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!
Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:
- No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
- Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.

Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!
Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:
- No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
- Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.
Salinas vs. Fort Wayne Neighborhood Comparison
Moving between cities can be a daunting task, especially when you're not familiar with your new surroundings. To ease this transition, we offer a comparison of Salinas, CA & Fort Wayne, IN local neighborhoods , providing a baseline to help you find a new home that resonates with your preferences. By looking at the similarities between popular neighborhoods in both cities, you'll gain insights into which areas might feel like home.
Salinas | Fort Wayne | How They're Similar |
---|---|---|
South Salinas | Aboite Township | Family friendly with similar school ratings |
North Salinas | New Haven | Growing community with diverse housing |
Creekbridge | Auburn North | New developments, similar suburban feel |
Maple Park | West Central | Historic homes, active community |
Monterey Park | North Anthony | College vibe, affordable living |
Laurel Wood | Pine Valley | Well-kept, planned community |
Los Olivos | Georgetown | Quiet, family-oriented, good schools |
Harrod Park | Lakeside Park | Parks nearby, community focused |
South Salinas | Blackhawk | Diverse, with similar urban-suburban mix |
University Park | Chapel Oaks | Close to educational institutions, young vibe |
Exploring the neighborhoods of Salinas and Fort Wayne, you'll find that both cities have unique yet comparably attractive areas. For instance, Maple Park in Salinas, known for its historic charm and bustling community events, closely aligns with West Central in Fort Wayne, where residents take pride in their century-old homes and vibrant local scene. Both areas are perfect for history enthusiasts and those who enjoy a lively community atmosphere. If you're drawn to the family-friendly vibe and well-regarded schools of South Salinas, you'll be pleased with Aboite Township in Fort Wayne, offering a similar living experience with plenty of parks and recreational activities for the whole family. Fort Wayne's Lakeside Park is a fitting match for those who appreciate Harrod Park's community focus and outdoor spaces, providing serene park settings and a strong sense of community.
Ready to start your move?
Pros and Cons of Moving from Salinas to Fort Wayne
Moving can be a significant life change and comparing your current city, Salinas, CA, with your potential new home in Fort Wayne, IN, is essential to understand what lies ahead. This comparison aims to show an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of this relocation, highlighting the contrast between Salinas, CA and Fort Wayne, IN through two distinct charts, each outlining the pros and cons of the move.
- Higher cost of living
- Less seasonal variety
- Frequent fog
- Heavier traffic
- Less affordable housing
- More affordable living
- Distinct seasons
- Sunnier days
- Less traffic
- More housing options
- Colder winters
- No nearby beaches
- Smaller cultural scene
- Less local produce
- Far from tech hubs
- Milder winters
- Access to beaches
- Vibrant cultural scene
- Fresh local produce
- Nearby Silicon Valley
Moving from Salinas to Fort Wayne brings significant changes in lifestyle and opportunities. The moderate Salinas climate you're accustomed to, featuring mild winters and access to California's beautiful coastlines, contrasts sharply with Fort Wayne's distinct four seasons and notably colder winters. However, you'll find appealing new aspects in Fort Wayne such as the vibrant downtown area, beautiful neighborhood parks like Franke Park, and historic treasures like the Embassy Theatre. Fort Wayne's lower cost of living means more affordable housing options, letting you explore exciting neighborhoods or the charming local dining scene, with establishments such as Cindy's Diner offering a taste of the local cuisine. Both cities have their unique charms and challenges, but moving presents an opportunity to embrace new experiences while finding comfort in the fact that every city has something special to offer.
Salinas vs. Fort Wayne Food Guide
Food is an integral part of experiencing local culture and understanding what life is like in a new area. In this brief overview, we will embark on a delicious journey, comparing the local cuisine between Salinas & Fort Wayne . This comparison aims to give you a taste of the culinary landscapes you’ll be exploring as you transition from one city to the other.
Salinas | Fort Wayne | |
---|---|---|
Most iconic local food item | Salinas Valley Salad | Coney Dog |
Most popular meat dish | Carne Asada | Pork Tenderloin Sandwich |
Most popular street food item | Tacos | Funnel Cakes |
Most popular vegan food | Açai Bowl | Seitan Wings |
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city |
|
|
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
Salinas, known as the Salad Bowl of the World, offers a bounty of fresh, farm-to-table dining options, like the iconic Salinas Valley Salad. Its fertile grounds produce some of the finest ingredients found in its local dishes, particularly celebrated in places like Giorgio's. Fort Wayne, on the other hand, delights in hearty Midwestern fare, with the Coney Dog standing out as a local favorite. This city takes pride in its comfort foods, often found in cozy, family-owned establishments like Cindy's Diner. Whether you're exploring the open-air markets in Salinas or enjoying the historic charm of Fort Wayne eateries, each city offers unique flavors influenced by their local traditions and culinary heritage.
Salinas vs. Fort Wayne Restaurant Comparison
Finding comfort in a new city often starts with discovering great places to eat. This guide will help bridge the move from Salinas, CA to Fort Wayne, IN by comparing top restaurants, aiming to transform the unfamiliar into the familiar. Whether you’re craving a casual bite or a fine dining experience, let’s explore where you could find your next favorite meal.
Salinas | Fort Wayne | What You'll Love |
---|---|---|
Patria | Tolon | Ethically sourced ingredients in fine dining |
Gino's Fine Italian Food | Casa Ristoranti Italiano | Classic Italian with a cozy vibe |
The Steinbeck House | Joseph Decuis | Farm-to-table dining in a historic setting |
Eagle Restaurant | Baan Thai Restaurant | Authentic Thai cuisine with a homey feel |
First Awakenings | Cindy's Diner | Serving up classic diner breakfast and lunch |
Miya's Sushi | Asakusa | Wide range of sushi options and Japanese dishes |
Salinas City BBQ | Shigs In Pit | Award-winning BBQ with a local twist |
La Casa Del Sazon | Tacos Arandas "El Amish" | Authentic Mexican street food |
Giorgio's at 201 Main | Copper Spoon | Cocktails and fine dining with a modern twist |
Ellie's Great American Restaurant | Mad Anthony Brewing Company | Diverse menu and craft beers |
When you make the move, it's not just the locations that change but the entire dining scene around you. For example, Patria in Salinas, known for its emphasis on local ingredients and Italian-inspired dishes, finds a match in Fort Wayne's Tolon, where the commitment to ethically sourced produce stands out. Similarly, the transition from Salinas City BBQ with its smoky, home-cooked flavors to Shigs In Pit in Fort Wayne ensures that your barbecue cravings are well catered to, with both spots earning accolades for their authentic approach and passionate cooking. Meanwhile, the comforts of home-like a breakfast from First Awakenings can be relished at Cindy's Diner in Fort Wayne, where the nostalgic feel of a classic American diner is alive, serving breakfast and lunch that remind you of the essence of comfort foods. Each Fort Wayne eatery reflects a unique characteristic of its Salinas counterpart, ensuring that you don’t have to give up the flavors you love.

Ready to start your move?
Salinas vs. Fort Wayne Real Estate & Living Facts
When planning a move, understanding the real estate landscape is crucial. It helps to compare the housing attributes of Salinas, CA, and Fort Wayne, IN , to make informed decisions. This comparison covers aspects like cost, architecture, and lifestyle, offering a clearer view of what each city has to offer.
Comparison | Salinas | Fort Wayne |
---|---|---|
Typical Architecture Style | Ranch, Mediterranean | Colonial, Craftsman |
Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Spacious backyards, proximity to agriculture | Family-friendly neighborhoods, historic districts |
In comparing Salinas and Fort Wayne, it's evident that housing costs significantly vary, with Salinas having a higher median home price and monthly rent. This reflects California's overall higher cost of living. However, Salinas's Mediterranean and Ranch-style homes contrast with Fort Wayne's Colonial and Craftsman designs, offering a distinct aesthetic appeal. Fort Wayne boasts better walkability and bikeability, implying a slightly more accessible urban lifestyle despite its lower score in that category. Moreover, Fort Wayne's real estate listings often highlight its historic districts and family-friendly atmosphere, indicating a community-focused environment. This comparison underscores the importance of considering lifestyle preferences and financial constraints when relocating.
Salinas vs. Fort Wayne Weather Considerations
When relocating from one city to another, it's crucial to familiarize yourself with the climate differences you'll encounter. This comparison aims to shed light on how the weather in Salinas contrasts with that in Fort Wayne, offering a comprehensive understanding of what to expect in your new home.
Salinas, CA
Fort Wayne, IN
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Salinas, CA
Fort Wayne, IN
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Salinas, CA
Fort Wayne, IN
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Salinas, CA
Fort Wayne, IN
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Comparison | Salinas | Fort Wayne |
---|---|---|
Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
Natural Disasters | Earthquakes | Severe Storms, Tornadoes |
Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
If you're moving from Salinas to Fort Wayne, prepare for more distinct seasonal changes. Fort Wayne experiences colder winters with significant snowfall, a stark contrast to Salinas's milder climate. The higher average UV index in Salinas reflects more frequent sunshine, something you'll notice decreases in Fort Wayne. Another critical aspect to consider is the potential for natural disasters: Salinas is prone to earthquakes, whereas Fort Wayne faces severe storms and tornadoes. Understanding these differences can help you prepare better for your move, ensuring you're ready for your new environment.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Salinas to Fort Wayne
Moving from one location to another can significantly impact your finances. It's crucial to understand how the cost of living and financial climate in Salinas compare to what you'll experience in Fort Wayne. This comparison will help make your transition smoother.
Comparison | Salinas | Fort Wayne |
---|---|---|
Avg. Household Income | $80,154 | $54,737 |
Cost of Living Index | 136.4 | 94.4 |
State Income Tax | 9.3 | 3.23 |
Avg. Property Tax | 0.79 | 0.85 |
Avg. Sales Tax | 9.25 | 7 |
Top 3 Industries | Agriculture, Manufacturing, Health Services | Manufacturing, Healthcare, Retail |
Affluence | Moderate | Emerging |
Poverty | Noticeable | Lower than national average |
Homelessness | Significant | Moderate |
When moving from Salinas to Fort Wayne, you'll find a substantial difference in financial aspects such as income, taxation, and cost of living. For example, although the average household income is higher in Salinas, Fort Wayne boasts a significantly lower cost of living index and friendlier state income tax rate. This combination in Fort Wayne may allow for a more comfortable lifestyle, despite the lower average income. Additionally, the differences in the top industries between the two cities highlight the economic diversity and opportunities available, which can influence job prospects and economic growth in your new home.
Salinas vs. Fort Wayne Political & Religious Comparison
Moving from one city to another can be quite a transition, especially when considering the different atmospheres they offer. This guide provides a comparison of the politics and religious makeup between Salinas & Fort Wayne , aiming to give you a quick snapshot of what to expect from your new home in terms of its societal fabric.
Salinas | Fort Wayne | |
---|---|---|
Political Make-up | Leans Democratic | Leans Republican |
Local Politics | Active local governance with emphasis on community development | Strong focus on economic development and public safety |
Religion | Diverse, with a significant Catholic presence. Catholic Diocese of Monterey | Diverse, with a notable Evangelical and Catholic community. Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend |
In both Salinas and Fort Wayne, you'll find a tapestry of beliefs and political opinions that reflect the diverse character of each city. While Salinas leans more Democratic with a robust focus on community development, Fort Wayne presents a more Republican outlook, prioritizing economic growth and public safety. Religion plays a significant role in the community life of both cities, although the dominant denominations may vary. This contrast in political and religious landscapes offers a unique opportunity for you to engage with your new community in meaningful ways.
Salinas vs. Fort Wayne Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
Moving can be an exciting yet daunting experience, particularly when it comes to adapting to new commuting habits. To help ease the transition, we've compiled a detailed comparison of the traffic and transportation options between Salinas & Fort Wayne, aiming to give you a clearer picture of what your daily commute and traffic might look like once you relocate.
Comparison | Salinas | Fort Wayne |
---|---|---|
Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 24 | 22 |
Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
Can you get by without a car? | Challenging | Difficult |
While both Salinas, CA, and Fort Wayne, IN, offer relatively moderate commute times, there are differences in their traffic and public transportation systems that could impact your daily life. Salinas boasts slightly better public transit availability, which might be more accommodating for those looking to reduce their reliance on a car. However, getting by without a vehicle is still considered challenging in Salinas and even more difficult in Fort Wayne, reflecting the city's more limited public transit options. Despite the lower traffic congestion levels in Fort Wayne, the city's larger spread and fewer public transportation options make owning a car more of a necessity than in Salinas.



Additional Resources
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Popular Salinas to Indiana Routes
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