Best Fort Wayne to Salinas Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from Fort Wayne to Salinas and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 2,405 mile move from Indiana to California go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 11 Fort Wayne to Salinas 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 Fort Wayne compared to Salinas. 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 Fort Wayne to Salinas Moving Companies

RankCompany NameRating QuestionAffordability IndexLicenseContact
1MVM Moving & Storage9.229.4Authorized For HHGContact
2Mod Movers8.798.1Authorized For HHGContact
3Poulos Moving Systems8.348.48Authorized For HHGContact
4Two Men and a Truck7.506.92Authorized For Property, HHGContact
5My Movers Inc.7.327.5Authorized For HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428

Cost to Move from Fort Wayne to Salinas

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 2,405 miles from Fort Wayne, IN to Salinas, CA will cost on average $3,826 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Fort Wayne to Salinas move is roughly $9,243. 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$2,566300 ft³8.55
1 Bedroom$3,826450 ft³8.50
2 Bedrooms$6,340750 ft³8.45
3 Bedrooms$9,2431100 ft³8.40
4 Bedrooms$13,3651600 ft³8.35
5+ Bedrooms$14,9461800 ft³8.30
*Please note: These Indiana to California moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from Indiana & California. 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 IN to CA mover.
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Salinas to Fort Wayne guide.

Compare the 5 Best Fort Wayne to Salinas Movers

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

MVM Moving & Storage Logo

MVM Moving & Storage

Exceptional9.22/10
based on 1,395+ data points

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

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 11/29/2022)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3098388 / 76046

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans5
Registered Drivers5
Total Annual Miles Moved75,000 (2021)
View Full Review
1
Mod Movers Logo

Mod Movers

Superb8.79/10
based on 1,087+ data points

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

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2983026 / 1294330

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans4
Registered Drivers4
Total Annual Miles Moved20,000 (2023)
View Full Review
2
Poulos Moving Systems Logo

Poulos Moving Systems

Very Good8.34/10
based on 527+ data points

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

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2618126 / 1016606

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans9
Registered Drivers6
Total Annual Miles Moved39,036 (2022)
View Full Review
3
Two Men and a Truck Logo

Two Men and a Truck

7.50/10
based on 2,014+ data points

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

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/5/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

1319267 / 510634

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans7
Registered Drivers8
Total Annual Miles Moved222,778 (2023)
View Full Review
4
My Movers Inc. Logo

My Movers Inc.

7.32/10
based on 53+ data points

509 E McKinley Ave

Fort Wayne, IN, 46845

About My Movers Inc.

Founded in 1974, this family-owned company has been one of Indiana's top moving companies for decades. My Movers Inc has the...

Services

  • Cheap moving services
  • Local moving services
  • Long-distance moving services

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2572145 / 897319

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans5
Registered Drivers6
Total Annual Miles Moved100,000 (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.

Fort Wayne vs. Salinas Neighborhood Comparison

When planning a move from one city to another, it's crucial to find a neighborhood that feels like home. Our guide aids in this by offering a comparison of the local neighborhoods between Fort Wayne, IN & Salinas, CA, pinpointing areas with similar vibes, amenities, and community feels to ease your transition. This comparison should help you familiarize yourself with your new city by using your old city as a baseline.

Fort WayneSalinasHow They're Similar
AboiteCreekbridgeFamily-friendly, access to parks
West CentralOld TownHistoric homes, vibrant community
New HavenLaurelwoodQuiet, suburban feel
Southwood ParkMaple ParkCharming, tree-lined streets
North AnthonySouth SalinasEducational institutions, lively
GeorgetownNorth SalinasShopping and dining options
WaynedaleEast SalinasDiverse community, cultural richness
Pine ValleyUniversity ParkUpscale, well-maintained homes
Foster ParkHardingLush parks, quiet neighborhood
HamiltonLos OlivosSerene, with access to nature

If you're someone who treasures the serene, suburban vibes of Aboite in Fort Wayne, you might find Creekbridge in Salinas to be quite welcoming, with its family-oriented atmosphere and ample green spaces like Creekbridge Park. For those drawn to the historic charm and bustling community activities of West Central, Old Town Salinas offers a similar experience, boasting historic homes and a lively downtown area highlighted by the First Fridays Art Walk. If you've enjoyed the dining and shopping conveniences of Georgetown, North Salinas will appeal to your lifestyle needs with venues like Harden Ranch Plaza. Transitioning from Fort Wayne to Salinas with these neighborhood parallels in mind will surely make your move feel more like coming home.

Things To Do background image

Things to Do in Salinas

  • Explore Pinnacles National Park.
  • Enjoy wine tasting at River Road Wine Trail.
  • Visit the Monterey County Agricultural & Rural Life Museum.
  • Stroll along Salinas River Walk.
  • Attend California Rodeo Salinas.
  • Shop at Oldtown Salinas.
  • Take a class at Heidi’s Studio.

Ready to start your move?

Pros and Cons of Moving from Fort Wayne to Salinas

Moving to a new city is a big step, filled with both excitement and uncertainty. This comparison aims to provide an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of relocating from Fort Wayne, IN to Salinas, CA. By laying out the pros and cons, we hope to give you a clearer picture of what to expect and help you prepare for the changes that lie ahead.

CONs
PROs
Fort Wayne, IN iconFort Wayne, IN
  • Colder winters
  • Fewer cultural venues
  • Less diversity
  • Smaller job market
Salinas, CA iconSalinas, CA
  • Milder climate
  • Rich cultural scene
  • Greater diversity
  • Larger job market
Salinas, CA iconSalinas, CA
  • Higher cost of living
  • Smaller spaces
  • More traffic
  • Fewer suburbs
Fort Wayne, IN iconFort Wayne, IN
  • Lower cost of living
  • Spacious living
  • Less traffic
  • Family-friendly suburbs

Relocating from Fort Wayne to Salinas introduces you to a warmer, milder climate that allows for outdoor activities year-round. Salinas, nestled in one of the world’s richest agricultural regions, provides an eclectic cultural scene with landmarks such as the National Steinbeck Center and vibrant community events at Central Park. On the downside, you'll find the cost of living significantly higher in Salinas, with housing often being less spacious than you might be accustomed to in Fort Wayne. Yet, the bustling job market and scenic views, including nearby attractions such as Monterey Bay, offer new opportunities and experiences that might just offset the cons. Carefully considering these aspects can help you make a well-informed decision about your move.

Fort Wayne vs. Salinas Food Guide

Food is a pivotal aspect of the local culture and offers a glimpse into what living in a different area might be like. Through a detailed comparison, we'll explore the differences and similarities in the food scene between Fort Wayne, IN, and Salinas, CA , helping you become more familiar with the culinary landscape of your new home.

Fort WayneSalinas
Most iconic local food itemFort Wayne Coney DogSalad (due to being the "Salad Bowl of the World")
Most popular meat dishPork Tenderloin SandwichCarne Asada
Most popular street food itemTacosStreet Tacos
Most popular vegan foodQuinoa BowlVegetable Tacos
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Coney Island Wiener Stand
  • Paula's on Main
  • Cindy's Diner
  • Patria
  • Giorgio's
  • First Awakenings
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

In both Fort Wayne and Salinas, local cuisine reflects the unique character of each city. Fort Wayne's Coney Island Wiener Stand is a testament to the city's love for classic American eats, serving up iconic Coney dogs cherished by locals. Conversely, Salinas, renowned as the "Salad Bowl of the World," takes pride in its fresh, vegetable-centric dishes, offering a diverse range of vegan options like vegetable tacos that encapsulate California's health-conscious ethos. With an evolving foodie scene, both cities cater to diverse palates, but Salinas stands out for its health-oriented offerings, notably at First Awakenings, where the morning fare is both delicious and nutritious. The shift from Fort Wayne to Salinas might be a delightful discovery for your taste buds, especially if you lean towards fresher, healthier dining options.

Fort Wayne vs. Salinas Restaurant Comparison

Relocating from Fort Wayne, IN, to Salinas, CA, can be a grand adventure, especially when it comes to dining out. Since food is essential in making somewhere feel like home, this restaurant comparison between Fort Wayne and Salinas aims to help you discover new favorite dining spots. Let's use the flavors of your old hometown as a guide to explore the culinary scene in your new city.

Fort WayneSalinasWhat You'll Love
Cork 'N CleaverMonterey Coast BrewingCasual yet elegant dining experience
Paula's On MainFish House Bar & GrillFresh seafood with a creative twist
Bailey'sXL Public HouseCozy pub atmosphere with unique eats
Coney Island Wiener StandDog HouseClassic American hot dogs with a local flare
Club SodaThe Grower's PubSteakhouse with a farm-to-table approach
AsakusaSakura All You Can EatOffers an extensive sushi and sashimi selection
The Hoppy GnomeAlvarado Street Brewery & GrillCraft beer and innovative meals
Shigs In Pit BBQEagle RestaurantAuthentic barbecue with a Californian touch
Junk Ditch Brewing CompanySalinas City BBQCraft brews and slow-cooked meats
DeBrand Fine ChocolatesChocolates by the PacificHandcrafted chocolates and sweets

Transitioning from the comfort of familiar Fort Wayne eateries to the thrilling new tastes of Salinas can be an exciting journey. For instance, the move from the homely ambience of Bailey’s in Fort Wayne to the intimate and quirky XL Public House in Salinas offers a seamless transition for those who cherish a good pub's warmth. Likewise, aficionados of exquisite barbecue will be pleasantly surprised by the authentic flavors and Californian twist found at Eagle Restaurant, similar to the cherished experiences at Shigs In Pit BBQ. Moreover, sushi lovers will revel in the vast selection available at Sakura All You Can Eat, echoing Asakusa's celebrated offerings in Fort Wayne. These comparisons illuminate the culinary bridges between your Fort Wayne favorites and Salinas’s vibrant dining scene, ensuring you feel right at home in no time.

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Ready to start your move?

Fort Wayne vs. Salinas Real Estate & Living Facts

Real estate is one of the most important aspects of a move. Knowing how two cities compare can greatly influence your decision. This comparison highlights the key differences in housing between Fort Wayne, IN , and Salinas, CA , to help you make an informed choice.

ComparisonFort WayneSalinas
Typical Architecture StyleModern and RanchSpanish Colonial and Ranch
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingLarge yards, quiet neighborhoodsProximity to agriculture, ocean views

The jump from Fort Wayne's median home price to Salinas's reflects not just the change in geographic location but also the lifestyle and cost of living differences. While Fort Wayne offers modern and ranch-style homes at more affordable prices, Salinas presents a higher cost of living but compensates with its Spanish Colonial architecture and proximity to scenic views and agricultural richness. The bikeability in Salinas is notably higher, indicating a more bike-friendly environment, which aligns with its slightly more urban lifestyle score compared to Fort Wayne. These aspects are crucial to consider beyond just financial implications, as they significantly impact daily living and well-being.

Pet-friendly neighborhoods background image

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Salinas, CA

1. South Salinas: Known for its family-friendly atmosphere, South Salinas offers several parks and open spaces where your pets can enjoy a walk, including the popular Central Park where dogs can roam freely in designated off-leash areas.

2. CreekBridge: This neighborhood is recognized for its walkable paths and proximity to the Natividad Creek Park, a beautiful place for dog owners looking for scenic walks and outdoor activities to enjoy with their furry friends.

3. Laurelwood: Laurelwood stands out for its quiet streets and access to pet-friendly facilities, including several dog parks and the nearby Petco for all your pet's needs, making it a convenient and pleasant neighborhood for pet owners.

Fort Wayne vs. Salinas Weather Considerations

Moving between cities means adapting to new climates. This comparison will help you understand the weather differences you can expect. The purpose of this comparison is to highlight how the weather varies between Fort Wayne, IN and Salinas, CA , essential for anticipating lifestyle adjustments needed in your new home.

Summer icon
84°F / 63°F

Fort Wayne, IN

70°F / 52°F

Salinas, CA

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
34°F / 19°F

Fort Wayne, IN

62°F / 42°F

Salinas, CA

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
37.8

Fort Wayne, IN

15.2

Salinas, CA

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
33.5

Fort Wayne, IN

0

Salinas, CA

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonFort WayneSalinas
Air QualityGoodModerate
Natural DisastersTornadoes, StormsEarthquakes, Wildfires
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

Weather plays a significant role in your day-to-day life, and the transition from Fort Wayne to Salinas will bring notable changes. The mild winters and cool summers of Salinas are a stark contrast to the more extreme temperatures and higher snowfall you're used to. The abundance of sunshine in Salinas is a significant perk, potentially offering a mood boost and more opportunity for outdoor activities year-round. Adapting to the local climate will also include preparing for different natural disaster risks, such as earthquakes instead of tornadoes, emphasizing the importance of understanding and preparing for your new environment.

Ready to start your move?

Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Fort Wayne to Salinas

When planning a move from one city to another, grasping the financial implications is crucial. This comparison aims to offer a clear insight into the cost of living and financial aspects when moving from Fort Wayne, IN to Salinas, CA . By evaluating key economic indicators, you can make an informed decision best suited to your financial health.

ComparisonFort WayneSalinas
Avg. Household Income$54,737$80,154
Cost of Living Index94.4136.4
State Income Tax3.239.3
Avg. Property Tax0.850.79
Avg. Sales Tax78.25
Top 3 IndustriesManufacturing, Healthcare, RetailAgriculture, Manufacturing, Construction
AffluenceModerateHigher
PovertyNoticeableConsiderable
HomelessnessModerateSignificant

Moving from Fort Wayne to Salinas means adjusting to a significantly higher cost of living, primarily driven by housing and taxes. While the average household income in Salinas is slightly higher, the state income and sales taxes are notably greater, which can impact your disposable income. The dominant industries in each city reflect the local economies and job markets, shaping employment opportunities. Despite the higher affluence in Salinas, the poverty and homelessness levels underscore the complex socioeconomic landscape that newcomers should be mindful of.

Fort Wayne vs. Salinas Political & Religious Comparison

In comparing the places you're moving from and to, it's essential to peek into the residents' beliefs and governance styles. This quick overview aims to provide a snapshot of the political and religious makeup between Fort Wayne & Salinas, giving you a clearer picture of the community vibes you're about to embrace.

Fort WayneSalinas
Political Make-upLean ConservativeLean Liberal
Local PoliticsMixed, with Republican leanDemocratic dominance
ReligionChristian majorityMixed, with a significant Catholic presence

When moving from Fort Wayne to Salinas, you're transitioning from a community with a conservative lean to one that embraces a more liberal political stance. Fort Wayne's mixed local politics, with a slight Republican lean, contrast sharply with Salinas's strong Democratic presence. Religious landscapes differ as well; Fort Wayne's predominantly Christian makeup will change to Salinas’s diverse religious environment, which notably includes a significant Catholic community. This shift indicates not just a move across the country but into an area with distinctly different community values and social norms.

Fort Wayne vs. Salinas Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

In moving from Fort Wayne, IN to Salinas, CA, understanding the differences in traffic and transportation options between the two cities is crucial. This comparison aims to give you a better grasp of what your daily commute and traffic encounters will be like.

ComparisonFort WayneSalinas
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)2224
Traffic Congestion 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦
Availability of Public Transit 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇
Can you get by without car?NoYes, but challenging

When comparing traffic and transportation options between Fort Wayne and Salinas, several distinctions are notable. Fort Wayne residents typically enjoy slightly shorter average commute times, which suggests lesser traffic congestion than in Salinas. However, both cities do not rank very high in terms of traffic congestion, making them relatively easier to navigate than larger metropolitan areas. While Fort Wayne has a moderate availability of public transit, Salinas scores slightly higher, reflecting its efforts to bolster transit options. Nonetheless, residing in Salinas without a car might be possible but could present challenges, particularly for those working outside the city center or in areas not well-serviced by public transportation. This comparison highlights important considerations for anyone contemplating this interstate move, especially for those who prioritize commute times and transportation accessibility in their daily lives.

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