Best Indianapolis to Salinas Movers + Moving Guide
Want help with the heavy lifting?
If you're moving from Indianapolis to Salinas and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 2,323 mile move from Indiana to California go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 23 Indianapolis 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 Bulldogs Moving Co.), 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 Indianapolis 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.

Best Indianapolis to Salinas Moving Companies
Rank | Company Name | Rating | Affordability Index | License | Contact |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Bulldogs Moving Co. | 9.12 | 9.47 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
2 | Soft Touch Moving | 8.81 | 8.86 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
3 | Mod Movers | 8.79 | 8.1 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
4 | You Move Me Indianapolis | 8.75 | 8.32 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
5 | Poulos Moving Systems | 8.34 | 8.48 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
Cost to Move from Indianapolis to Salinas
Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 2,323 miles from Indianapolis, IN to Salinas, CA will cost on average $3,757 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Indianapolis to Salinas move is roughly $9,073. 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 | $2,519 | 300 ft³ | 8.40 |
1 Bedroom | $3,757 | 450 ft³ | 8.35 |
2 Bedrooms | $6,224 | 750 ft³ | 8.30 |
3 Bedrooms | $9,073 | 1100 ft³ | 8.25 |
4 Bedrooms | $13,117 | 1600 ft³ | 8.20 |
5+ Bedrooms | $14,667 | 1800 ft³ | 8.15 |


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

Bulldogs Moving Co.
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
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3784131 / 1472268 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
Registered Trucks/Vans | 2 |
Registered Drivers | 6 |
Total Annual Miles Moved | 10,000 (2021) |

Soft Touch Moving
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
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 707793 / 331362 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
Registered Trucks/Vans | 7 |
Registered Drivers | 7 |
Total Annual Miles Moved | 150,000 (2023) |

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) |

You Move Me Indianapolis
Speedway, IN, 46224
About You Move Me Indianapolis
You Move Me Indianapolis is a professional moving company founded in September 2012 with the goal of revolutionizing the local moving...
Services
- Local Moving
- Senior Moving
- Premium Long Distance Moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3821121 / 1382732 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
Registered Trucks/Vans | 2 |
Registered Drivers | 2 |
Total Annual Miles Moved | 25,000 (2022) |

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) |

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.
Indianapolis vs. Salinas Neighborhood Comparison
Moving can feel like navigating a maze, especially when the cities are as different as Indianapolis, IN, and Salinas, CA. To ease the transition, we've created a comparison of the local neighborhoods between Indianapolis, IN & Salinas, CA , helping you to familiarize yourself with your new surroundings by using your existing city as a baseline. Discover which neighborhoods most closely match your lifestyle and preferences in your new city.
Indianapolis | Salinas | How They're Similar |
---|---|---|
Broad Ripple | South Salinas | Vibrant, youthful nightlife |
Meridian-Kessler | Maple Park | Historic homes, community-focused |
Fountain Square | Oldtown Salinas | Artsy, eclectic shops |
Nora | Creekbridge | Family-friendly, suburban |
Butler-Tarkington | University Park | Quiet, verdant parks |
Mass Ave | North Salinas | Bustling, modern amenities |
Irvington | Los Olivos | Charming, historic vibe |
Fletcher Place | East Salinas | Cultural, diverse dining options |
Carmel | Corral de Tierra | Upscale, peaceful living |
Zionsville | Toro Park | Spacious, affluent neighborhoods |
Exploring new neighborhoods is part of the adventure of moving. If you're drawn to the artsy and vibrant atmosphere of Fountain Square, you'll find a similar spirit in Oldtown Salinas, where eclectic shops and local art scenes thrive. For those enamored with the historic charm and community feel of Meridian-Kessler, Maple Park in Salinas offers a comparable setting with its own array of historic homes and a strong sense of community. And for the upscale, peaceful living akin to Carmel, Corral de Tierra presents an exquisite balance of luxury and tranquility amidst rolling hills. With these comparisons, finding a new neighborhood in Salinas that resonates with the ambiance of your Indianapolis home becomes a much more intuitive journey.

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 Indianapolis to Salinas
Moving from one place to another is always a blend of excitement and challenge. This comparison of moving from Indianapolis, IN to Salinas, CA aims to show an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of this relocation, helping you weigh your options accurately. Here is a close-up comparison between the two cities to consider.
- Harsher winters
- More affordable
- Less cultural diversity
- Smaller city feel
- Milder climate
- Higher living costs
- Rich cultural diversity
- Larger city advantages
- Higher cost of living
- Less personal
- Traffic can be heavier
- Potentially higher crime
- Affordability
- Community warmth
- Easy to navigate
- Lower crime rates
When considering a move from Indianapolis, IN, to Salinas, CA, it's essential to note the milder, more temperate climate of Salinas, offering an appealing respite from the harsh winters of Indianapolis. This factor alone can significantly impact your daily life and outdoor activity levels. While the higher cost of living in Salinas might be a concern, the city's rich cultural diversity and the enhanced quality of life it provides can balance it out. Salinas is known for its vibrant agricultural community and houses attractions like the John Steinbeck Center, showcasing the region's rich heritage. For those who appreciate local cuisine, Salinas boasts a variety of restaurants such as Tico's Tacos that offer farm-to-table dining experiences, tapping into the area's fresh produce. Furthermore, parks like Natividad Creek Park provide serene outdoor spaces for relaxation and recreation, making the city not just a place to live but a place to thrive.
Indianapolis vs. Salinas Food Guide
This is a comparison of the local cuisine between Indianapolis & Salinas, highlighting food as a crucial aspect of local culture and lifestyle. Understanding the distinct food scenes in these cities will better prepare you for your move.
Indianapolis | Salinas | |
---|---|---|
Most iconic local food item | Pork Tenderloin Sandwich | Artichokes |
Most popular meat dish | Beef and Noodles | Carne Asada |
Most popular street food item | Tacos | Tacos |
Most popular vegan food | Seitan Wings | Vegetable Tamales |
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city |
|
|
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
In Indianapolis, the iconic Pork Tenderloin Sandwich reflects the city's Midwestern roots, often found in local favorites like St. Elmo Steak House. Meanwhile, Salinas, known as the "Salad Bowl of the World," boasts a vibrant food scene where artichokes and vegetable tamales steal the show. Dining in Salinas, you might find yourself in the heart of its agro-rich lands, trying out local delicacies at places like Pata De Azucar. Both cities offer unique tastes influenced by their geography and culture, making your relocation a flavorful adventure.
Indianapolis vs. Salinas Restaurant Comparison
Food is a quintessential part of making anywhere feel like home. Through this guide, we aim to ease your transition by comparing top restaurants in Indianapolis to their closest counterparts in Salinas, CA, serving as your culinary compass . Discover places where flavors feel familiar, and new favorites await in your soon-to-be hometown.
Indianapolis | Salinas | What You'll Love |
---|---|---|
St. Elmo Steak House | Monterey Coast Brewing | Classic steaks and brews in a cozy setting reminiscent of St. Elmo's charm |
Bluebeard | Giorgio's | Creative Italian cuisine with a rustic, artisanal flair that echoes Bluebeard’s innovative dishes |
Milktooth | Eagle Restaurant & Bakery | Offering hearty breakfast options and sweet treats, it's a local favorite like Milktooth |
The Eagle | Growers Pub | Known for their fried chicken and homey vibes, just as The Eagle is celebrated in Indianapolis |
BRU Burger Bar | Gino's Fine Italian Food | While known for Italian, their exquisite burgers are a match for BRU’s craft |
Rook | Salinas City BBQ | Both spots offer a unique twist on their specialty dishes, with Rook for Asian and Salinas City for BBQ |
Café Patachou | First Awakenings | Like Café Patachou, it’s a breakfast staple in the community known for pancakes and omelets |
Zaharakos Ice Cream Parlor | Rosita's Armory Cafe | Offers a nostalgic vibe with their selection of sweets and savories reminiscent of Zaharakos |
Fogo de Chão | Rancho Cielo Drummond Culinary Academy | While not a traditional restaurant, the dining nights offer a gourmet experience akin to Fogo de Chão’s elegance |
Livery | Patria | Offering modern takes on traditional dishes, Patria brings a similar upscale but accessible dining experience |
Bridging the gap between old favorites and new discoveries, this comparison sheds light on how Salinas reflects the culinary diversity and quality you've cherished in Indianapolis. Places like Giorgio's in Salinas capture the imaginative spirit of Bluebeard, focusing on the craft and essence of the food. Eagle Restaurant & Bakery in Salinas offers a cozy retreat for breakfast lovers, mirroring Milktooth’s reputation as a morning haven. Meanwhile, the choice of Patria presents an exciting venture into elegant dining with a flair for innovation reminiscent of Livery’s unique approach. This transition is not just about moving locations, but about continuing to celebrate life's flavors and finding comfort in new culinary adventures.

Ready to start your move?
Indianapolis vs. Salinas Real Estate & Living Facts
When planning a transition between locations, understanding the real estate differences between Indianapolis, IN and Salinas, CA is crucial. This comparison elucidates key aspects of housing such as cost, design, and lifestyle amenities, providing indispensable insights.
Comparison | Indianapolis | Salinas |
---|---|---|
Typical Architecture Style | Colonial, Ranch | Ranch, Spanish Revival |
Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Spacious yards, Hardwood floors | Proximity to agriculture, Ocean views |
While the median home price in Indianapolis is significantly more affordable at around $200,000 compared to $595,000 in Salinas, it's essential to consider what each city offers beyond the price tag. Indianapolis homes frequently boast spacious yards and classic hardwood floors, aligning with its more traditional architectural styles like Colonial and Ranch. Conversely, Salinas, with its higher walkability score and proximity to agriculture, often features homes in the Ranch and Spanish Revival styles, some offering stunning ocean views. This variance in living environment and lifestyle can be a deciding factor for many potential homeowners.

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.
Indianapolis vs. Salinas Weather Considerations
Moving from one location to another brings a plethora of changes, notably the weather's impact on your daily life. Thus, understanding how the weather in Indianapolis, IN, and Salinas, CA, will compare is invaluable for a smooth transition.
Indianapolis, IN
Salinas, CA
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Indianapolis, IN
Salinas, CA
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Indianapolis, IN
Salinas, CA
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Indianapolis, IN
Salinas, CA
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Comparison | Indianapolis | Salinas |
---|---|---|
Air Quality | Moderate | Good |
Natural Disasters | Tornados, Severe Thunderstorms | Earthquakes |
Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
When relocating from Indianapolis to Salinas, you'll experience a drastic change in daily weather, particularly in sunshine and temperature. Salinas boasts nearly 262 sunny days per year, significantly more than Indianapolis, ensuring more outdoor activities all year long. The mild climate in Salinas with cooler summers and warmer winters compared to Indianapolis means your wardrobe adjustments will be key. Additionally, different natural disaster risks and top seasonal allergies in both cities mean preparation and awareness are crucial for a comfortable living experience.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Indianapolis to Salinas
When planning a move from one location to another, understanding the financial implications is crucial. This comparison will delve into the cost of living, taxation, and economic conditions between Indianapolis, IN and Salinas, CA, providing you with a clear picture to better prepare for your relocation.
Comparison | Indianapolis | Salinas |
---|---|---|
Avg. Household Income | $58,479 | $80,154 |
Cost of Living Index | 87.2 | 136.4 |
State Income Tax | 3.23 | 9.3 |
Avg. Property Tax | 0.87 | 0.76 |
Avg. Sales Tax | 7.0 | 9.25 |
Top 3 Industries | Manufacturing, Health Care, Retail | Agriculture, Manufacturing, Education |
Affluence | Moderate | Higher |
Poverty | Moderate | Lower |
Homelessness | Noticeable | Concerning |
The contrast in the average household income and cost of living index between Indianapolis and Salinas is prominent. While the income in Salinas is higher, the cost of living there significantly surpasses that of Indianapolis, largely due to housing costs. Furthermore, state and sales taxes in California are higher, affecting your overall budget. However, Salinas has a lower poverty rate and offers a potentially higher affluence level due to its vibrant agriculture and manufacturing sectors. These economic factors are essential to consider for a balanced lifestyle post-move.
Indianapolis vs. Salinas Political & Religious Comparison
Moving from Indianapolis, IN to Salinas, CA? This quick guide offers a glimpse into the comparison of the politics between Indianapolis & Salinas and the religious landscape in both cities. Keeping these differences in mind can help you adjust more smoothly to your new home.
Indianapolis | Salinas | |
---|---|---|
Political Make-up | Moderately Democratic | Strongly Democratic |
Local Politics | Mixed views on local governance | Progressive stance on local issues |
Religion | Diverse, with a strong Christian majority | Highly diverse, significant Catholic presence |
While Indianapolis leans moderately Democratic, Salinas is known for its strong Democratic values, reflecting in its local politics which tend to take a more progressive stance on issues. The religious landscape in both cities is diverse; however, Salinas has a more pronounced Catholic community. Salinas's progressive leaning might be more noticeable in everyday discussions and local policies, possibly providing a different atmosphere from what you're used to in Indianapolis. Understanding these nuances will help you integrate into your new community more comfortably.
Indianapolis vs. Salinas Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
Understanding the differences in traffic and transportation options between Indianapolis & Salinas is key to preparing for your move. This comparison will help you better understand what the daily commute and traffic is like, easing your transition from one city to the other.
Comparison | Indianapolis | Salinas |
---|---|---|
Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 25 | 23 |
Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
Can you get by without car? | No | Yes, but challenging |
When comparing the daily life in Indianapolis to Salinas, you'll find distinct differences in their traffic and transportation dynamics. For starters, the average commute time is slightly shorter in Salinas, potentially due to less traffic congestion. Salinas scores better in public transit options, thanks to services like Monterey-Salinas Transit, which serves the region efficiently, albeit with some limitations. However, while it's feasible to get around Salinas without a car, residents often find it more convenient to have one due to the geographical spread of amenities and activities. In contrast, Indianapolis's reliance on personal vehicles is accentuated by its limited public transit availability, making daily life without a car significantly more challenging.



Additional Resources
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