Best San Jose to Indianapolis Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from San Jose to Indianapolis and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 2,276 mile move from California to Indiana go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 31 San Jose to Indianapolis 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 D&L Movers), 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 San Jose compared to Indianapolis. 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.

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Best San Jose to Indianapolis Moving Companies

RankCompany NameRating QuestionAffordability IndexLicenseContact
1D&L Movers9.349.36ActiveContact
2Careful Movers9.318.63Authorized For HHGContact
3Joshua's Moving Packing & Storage LLC9.249.14ActiveContact
4Bulldogs Moving Co.9.129.47Authorized For HHGContact
5Soft Touch Moving8.818.86Authorized For HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428

Cost to Move from San Jose to Indianapolis

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 2,276 miles from San Jose, CA to Indianapolis, IN will cost on average $3,717 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom San Jose to Indianapolis move is roughly $8,975. 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 SizeMoving CostVolume of Packed Items (ft³)$/ft³
Studio$2,493300 ft³8.31
1 Bedroom$3,717450 ft³8.26
2 Bedrooms$6,157750 ft³8.21
3 Bedrooms$8,9751100 ft³8.16
4 Bedrooms$12,9751600 ft³8.11
5+ Bedrooms$14,5071800 ft³8.06
*Please note: These California to Indiana moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from California & Indiana. The volume listed here represents the estimated cubic footage of your household items when packed and loaded into a moving truck. To determine the exact costs associated with your move, get a quote from a licensed CA to IN mover.
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Indianapolis to San Jose guide.

Compare the 5 Best San Jose to Indianapolis Movers

These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)

D&L Movers Logo

D&L Movers

Exceptional9.34/10
based on 1,789+ data points

1563 Bahama Way

Campbell, CA, 95008

About D&L Movers

Founded by Drew Sanchez and Leo Cervantes, D&L Movers is a local moving company that offers full-service relocations for homes and...

Services

  • Cheap moving
  • Local moving
  • Long-distance moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 7/23/2023)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2706648 / -

Active

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans3
Registered Drivers5
Total Annual Miles Moved20,000 (2017)
View Full Review
1
Careful Movers Logo

Careful Movers

Exceptional9.31/10
based on 4,655+ data points

3641 Haven Ave C

Menlo Park, CA, 94025

About Careful Movers

With almost two decades of expertise and experience in the moving industry, Menlo Park-based Careful Movers promises stress-free, on-time, and on-budget...

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Long Distance Moving
  • Office Moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/9/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

1464935 / 553377

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans14
Registered Drivers14
Total Annual Miles Moved90,000 (2022)
View Full Review
2
Joshua's Moving Packing & Storage LLC Logo

Joshua's Moving Packing & Storage LLC

Exceptional9.24/10
based on 1,842+ data points

San Carlos, CA, 94070

About Joshua's Moving Packing & Storage LLC

Whether you're moving to the next street or city, Joshua's Moving, Packing & Storage offers worry-free relocation services within California. Located...

Services

  • Local moving
  • Long-distance moving
  • Cross-country moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 9/5/2023)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3184868 / -

Active

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans5
Registered Drivers5
Total Annual Miles Moved250,000 (2022)
View Full Review
3
Bulldogs Moving Co. Logo

Bulldogs Moving Co.

Exceptional9.12/10
based on 553+ data points

Noblesville, IN, 46060

About Bulldogs Moving Co.

Bulldogs Moving Co., based in Lapel, Indiana, is a local moving company dedicated to providing high-quality services for residential and commercial...

Services

  • Full-service Moves
  • Packing / Unpacking
  • Loading / Unloading

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/11/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3784131 / 1472268

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans2
Registered Drivers6
Total Annual Miles Moved10,000 (2021)
View Full Review
4
Soft Touch Moving Logo

Soft Touch Moving

Superb8.81/10
based on 174+ data points

5136b E 65th St

Indianapolis, IN, 46220

About Soft Touch Moving

Soft Touch Moving has more than 20 years in the moving and relocation industry. It has consistently provided quality full-service moving,...

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Long Distance Moving
  • Commercial Moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 5/20/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

707793 / 331362

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans7
Registered Drivers7
Total Annual Miles Moved150,000 (2023)
View Full Review
5
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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.

San Jose vs. Indianapolis Neighborhood Comparison

Moving from San Jose, CA to Indianapolis, IN can feel overwhelming, especially when you're not familiar with the local neighborhoods. To ease your transition, we've crafted a comparison between popular neighborhoods in San Jose, CA & Indianapolis, IN . Our goal is to help you find a new home that mirrors the comfort and charm of your current locale.

San JoseIndianapolisHow They're Similar
Willow GlenBroad RippleVibrant local shopping and dining
Almaden ValleyMeridian-KesslerUpscale, family-friendly atmosphere
Downtown San JoseDowntown IndyDiverse urban core with arts and entertainment
Los GatosZionsvilleSmall-town feel with upscale amenities
CupertinoFishersInnovative and technology-friendly community
Silver CreekGeistAffluent area with scenic reservoir views
EvergreenCarmelWell-maintained suburb with excellent schools
BerryessaEagle CreekOutdoor activities and parkland
Rose GardenIrvingtonHistoric homes and community-centric
Cambrian ParkButler-TarkingtonInviting neighborhood with historic charm

For those who cherish the vibrant, local shopping and dining scene of Willow Glen, Broad Ripple in Indianapolis offers a comparable experience with its unique boutiques, art galleries, and cozy cafes like Broad Ripple Village Association. Similarly, outdoor enthusiasts moving from Berryessa will find a new haven in Eagle Creek, renowned for its expansive park that includes picturesque trails, bird-watching spots, and watersport opportunities at Eagle Creek Park. Meanwhile, if you're accustomed to the upscale and family-friendly vibe of Almaden Valley, Meridian-Kessler provides a seamless transition with its beautiful, historic homes and strong sense of community, epitomized by gatherings at the local favorite Meridian-Kessler Neighborhood Association. Indianapolis welcomes San Jose transplants with open arms and neighborhoods that promise to make you feel right at home.

Ready to start your move?

Pros and Cons of Moving from San Jose to Indianapolis

Moving from one city to another is a major decision that involves weighing the good against the bad. This comparison between San Jose, CA, and Indianapolis, IN, seeks to showcase an honest reflection of the various attributes of this relocation. By examining the cons and pros, you'll gain a clearer insight into what this move means for you.

CONs
PROs
San Jose, CA iconSan Jose, CA
  • High Cost of Living
  • Heavy Traffic
  • Less Seasonal Weather
  • Compact City Layout
Indianapolis, IN iconIndianapolis, IN
  • More Affordable
  • Less Congestion
  • Distinct Seasons
  • More Space
Indianapolis, IN iconIndianapolis, IN
  • Fewer Tech Jobs
  • Colder Winters
  • More Traditional Fare
  • Quieter Nights
San Jose, CA iconSan Jose, CA
  • Tech Job Opportunities
  • Mild Winters
  • Diverse Cuisine
  • Vibrant Nightlife

Exploring the details, Indianapolis offers a significant cost of living advantage compared to San Jose, allowing your dollar to stretch further, especially in housing. Indianapolis’s downtown area, like Mass Ave or Fountain Square, provides quaint, vibrant hubs without San Jose's congestion, offering unique local restaurants like Bluebeard and charming spots like White River State Park. Although the tech job opportunities are more abundant in San Jose, Indianapolis’s growing tech scene, highlighted by companies within the TechPoint community, offers a promising horizon. Seasonal weather introduces Indianapolis newcomers to a beautiful range of experiences from colorful autumns to serene snowfalls, contrasting with San Jose’s mild climate. Moreover, Indianapolis's more spacious living can be a breath of fresh air.

San Jose vs. Indianapolis Food Guide

This is a comparison of the local cuisine between San Jose & Indianapolis, underscoring how food reflects the cultural essence and lifestyle of a place. By examining the culinary scenes of both cities, you'll gain insights into what flavors and dining experiences will surround you in your new home.

San JoseIndianapolis
Most iconic local food itemPhoPork Tenderloin Sandwich
Most popular meat dishCarne AsadaSmoked Ribs
Most popular street food itemTacosElote
Most popular vegan foodImpossible BurgerSeitan Wings
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Original Joe's
  • Fogo de Chão
  • Adega
  • St. Elmo Steak House
  • Bluebeard
  • Milktooth
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

In San Jose, the vibrant tech hub of Silicon Valley, you'll find a diverse culinary scene rooted in fresh, local ingredients and global flavors, much like the city's cultural makeup. Pho, representing the city's strong Vietnamese community, can be particularly enjoyed in neighborhoods like Little Saigon. Similarly, innovative dishes like the Impossible Burger highlight San Jose's forward-thinking and adaptability in food trends. On the other hand, Indianapolis, with its hearty Midwestern flavors, embodies traditional comfort foods, as seen in its iconic Pork Tenderloin Sandwich. Restaurants like St. Elmo Steak House and Milktooth provide a glimpse into the city's rich culinary heritage coupled with a contemporary twist, anchoring the dining experience in familiar yet novel tastes. Both cities offer a rich tapestry of flavors that reflect their unique identities and histories.

San Jose vs. Indianapolis Restaurant Comparison

Finding your new go-to eateries is crucial in making a new city feel like home. This restaurant comparison between San Jose and Indianapolis will help you discover your next favorite dining spots by drawing parallels with familiar places from your previous hometown.

San JoseIndianapolisWhat You'll Love
AdegaSt. Elmo Steak HouseBoth offer a high-end dining experience with a focus on exceptional ingredients and flavors.
La Foret RestaurantBluebeardBoth provide a unique dining ambiance and inventive dishes inspired by local ingredients.
Back A YardYatsCasual spot offering flavorful, comforting dishes that have a soul-food touch.
Dia de PescaThe Tamale PlaceBoth serve up authentic, affordable eats focusing on specific cultural dishes.
Original Joe's San JoseHarry & Izzy'sIconic spots in their cities, known for classic dishes and a timeless atmosphere.
ManresaVidaHigh-end dining emphasizing innovative, visually stunning dishes and exceptional service.
Smoking Pig BBQSmokehouse on ShelbyBoth are all about casual vibes and smoked meats, creating a foodie's paradise for BBQ lovers.
Falafel Drive-InMama Carolla's Old Italian RestaurantThough different cuisines, both are affordable, iconic eateries with a loyal local following.
Bill's CaféCafé PatachouCasual dining with a focus on breakfast and brunch, valued for fresh, high-quality ingredients and a friendly atmosphere.
SantoukaRamen RayBoth specialize in authentic ramen dishes, providing comfort food that attracts a diverse crowd.

Exploring the food scene is a fantastic way to get to know your new city. For instance, if you were a regular at Adega, a high-end Portuguese dining spot in San Jose, you'll be delighted with St. Elmo Steak House in Indianapolis. Though St. Elmo focuses more on steaks, the attention to detail and quality mirrors your experiences at Adega. Likewise, the casual and welcoming vibes at Back A Yard compare to those at Yats in Indianapolis, where the Creole and Cajun dishes will warm your soul just as the Caribbean flavors did. Lastly, those accustomed to the rich flavors of ramen at Santouka will find a comforting bowl of noodles waiting for them at Ramen Ray, serving as a testament to the universal language of food and its power to make us feel at home, no matter where we are.

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Ready to start your move?

San Jose vs. Indianapolis Real Estate & Living Facts

Real estate significantly influences the decision-making process when relocating. Understanding how housing costs, architecture, and lifestyle in San Jose and Indianapolis stack up against each other is crucial for a well-informed move. Let’s delve into the comparative specifics of these two cities to aid your decision.

ComparisonSan JoseIndianapolis
Typical Architecture StyleModern and Mission RevivalColonial and Craftsman
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingSmart home technology, solar panelsBig backyards, proximity to parks

When comparing the real estate landscape between San Jose and Indianapolis, the vast difference in median home prices and monthly rent stands out. San Jose, with its Silicon Valley influence , boasts modern amenities like smart home technology and energy-saving solar panels, reflecting its higher cost of living. Indianapolis offers a more affordable housing market , characterized by traditional styles and spacious outdoor areas. Despite their differences, both cities cater to various lifestyle preferences, whether you’re seeking an urban vibe in San Jose or the charm of Midwest city life in Indianapolis.

San Jose vs. Indianapolis Weather Considerations

When considering a move from San Jose, CA to Indianapolis, IN, it is crucial to understand how the weather in these two cities will impact your daily life. Familiarizing yourself with the climate differences ensures you adjust more smoothly to your new environment.

Summer icon
82°F / 58°F

San Jose, CA

85°F / 66°F

Indianapolis, IN

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
60°F / 42°F

San Jose, CA

35°F / 20°F

Indianapolis, IN

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
15.82

San Jose, CA

42.4

Indianapolis, IN

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
0

San Jose, CA

22

Indianapolis, IN

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonSan JoseIndianapolis
Air QualityGoodModerate
Natural DisastersEarthquakesTornados
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

Moving from the mild climate of San Jose with its abundant sunshine to the more varied and seasonal Indianapolis can be a significant adjustment. Indianapolis experiences colder winters, which includes snowfall—something San Jose residents are not accustomed to managing. Furthermore, the higher annual rainfall in Indianapolis can impact outdoor activities and requires more preparedness for varying weather conditions. Additionally, the differences in natural disasters between the two cities—earthquakes in San Jose versus tornados in Indianapolis—highlight the importance of familiarizing yourself with local safety measures and preparedness steps in your new home.

Ready to start your move?

Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from San Jose to Indianapolis

When planning a move from San Jose, CA to Indianapolis, IN, it's crucial to grasp the financial implications of such a decision. Understanding how the cost of living, taxes, and income in your new city compare to what you're accustomed to can significantly affect your transition. This comparison aims to highlight the key financial differences between San Jose and Indianapolis that you should consider.

ComparisonSan JoseIndianapolis
Avg. Household Income$126,377$58,479
Cost of Living Index156.187.2
State Income Tax13.33.23
Avg. Property Tax0.790.87
Avg. Sales Tax9.257.00
Top 3 IndustriesTechnology, Manufacturing, RetailHealthcare, Manufacturing, Retail
AffluenceHighModerate
PovertyLowModerate
HomelessnessNoticeableModerate

When moving from San Jose to Indianapolis, you'll notice significant adjustments in terms of finances. The average household income in San Jose is notably higher, reflecting the city's tech-driven economy and high cost of living, which is more than double that of Indianapolis. However, this difference in income is balanced by the cost of living and taxes, which are significantly lower in Indianapolis. Such changes mean that your financial situation could feel different, especially with Indiana's more favorable state income and sales tax rates. Understanding the economic landscape, including the leading industries in each city, can help you navigate the job market and plan your finances accordingly.

San Jose vs. Indianapolis Political & Religious Comparison

This comparison of the politics between San Jose & Indianapolis provides a quick look at the political and religious landscape of both cities, offering a snapshot of what residents might expect when relocating from one city to the other.

San JoseIndianapolis
Political Make-upPrimarily DemocraticMore politically diverse, mix of Democratic and Republican
Local PoliticsLiberal policies and governanceModerate with a balance of policies
ReligionReligious diversity with no one dominant faithChristianity predominantly, with diverse religious presence

When moving from San Jose to Indianapolis, you'll find that political and religious landscapes are quite distinct. San Jose's political atmosphere is notably more liberal, often aligning with Democratic values, whereas Indianapolis presents a more politically mixed environment, where both Republican and Democratic influences shape local governance. This diversity in political thought is reflective in local policies and community initiatives. On the religious front, while both cities embrace a variety of faiths, Christianity holds a more prominent presence in Indianapolis. This hints at a differing cultural climate, potentially influencing local culture, events, and community engagements. Understanding these dynamics can help ease your transition and integration into your new home.

San Jose vs. Indianapolis Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

When planning your move from San Jose, CA, to Indianapolis, IN, understanding the differences in daily commute and traffic is crucial. This comparison between San Jose & Indianapolis will help you adapt to your new city's transportation landscape.

ComparisonSan JoseIndianapolis
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)3025
Traffic Congestion 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦
Availability of Public Transit 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇
Can you get by without car?Possibly, with challengesDifficult

San Jose and Indianapolis offer contrasting commuting experiences, which you'll feel shortly after making the move. In San Jose, the average commute time might be slightly longer, but its public transit system, including services like the Valley Transportation Authority (VTA), provides a feasible alternative to driving. On the other hand, Indianapolis, with its lower traffic congestion, seems like a driver's city at first glance. However, relying entirely on a car in Indy might actually be easier due to the limited public transportation options, despite efforts to improve services like the IndyGo bus system. Adapting to these transportation changes will be an essential part of your relocation journey.

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