Best Indianapolis to San Diego Movers + Moving Guide
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If you're moving from Indianapolis to San Diego and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 2,127 mile move from Indiana to California go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 33 Indianapolis to San Diego moving companies and more than 15,000 movers nationwide to provide up-to-date and data-driven information about: which moving company to hire (our top recommendation is The Rock Movers), how much the move costs (approximately $2,500 - $8,500 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Indianapolis compared to San Diego. 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 San Diego Moving Companies
| Rank | Company Name | Rating  | Affordability Index | License | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Rock Movers | 9.49 | 9.53 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 2 | Coast 2 Coast Moving, Inc. | 9.46 | 9.62 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 3 | Bulldogs Moving Co. | 9.12 | 9.47 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 4 | Soft Touch Moving | 8.82 | 8.86 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 5 | You Move Me Indianapolis | 8.75 | 8.32 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
(800) 787-5428Cost to Move from Indianapolis to San Diego
Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 2,127 miles from Indianapolis, IN to San Diego, CA will cost on average $3,590 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Indianapolis to San Diego move is roughly $8,666. 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 | $2,408 | 300 ft³ | 8.03 |
| 1 Bedroom | $3,590 | 450 ft³ | 7.98 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $5,946 | 750 ft³ | 7.93 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $8,666 | 1100 ft³ | 7.88 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $12,524 | 1600 ft³ | 7.83 |
| 5+ Bedrooms | $14,000 | 1800 ft³ | 7.78 |
Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from San Diego to Indianapolis guide.
Compare the 5 Best Indianapolis to San Diego Movers
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)
The Rock Movers
7087 Camino Revueltos UNIT 306
San Diego, CA, 92111
About The Rock Movers
The Rock Movers is a San Diego County-based moving company offering professional and affordable moving services for local and long-distance relocations....
Services
- Local Residential
- Furniture Moving
- Full Packing Service
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3653432 / 1541470 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 4 |
| Registered Drivers | 7 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 40,000 (2023) |
Coast 2 Coast Moving, Inc.
2020 Camino De La Reina
San Diego, CA, 92108
About Coast 2 Coast Moving, Inc.
Coast 2 Coast Moving, Inc. is a professional moving company based in San Diego, California. Founded by Donal and Jessica O'Neill,...
Services
- Local Moves
- Long-Distance Moves
- Packing Services
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3177184 / 1157114 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 3 |
| Registered Drivers | 7 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 200,000 (2024) |
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) |
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) |
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. San Diego Neighborhood Comparison
Relocating can be an exciting yet overwhelming experience, especially when moving to a completely new city. To ease this transition, we've created a guide that compares local neighborhoods between Indianapolis, IN & San Diego, CA , helping you find a comparable community that resonates with your lifestyle and preferences. This comparison aims to familiarize you with San Diego by drawing parallels with the familiar neighborhoods of Indianapolis.
| Indianapolis | San Diego | How They're Similar |
|---|---|---|
| Broad Ripple | North Park | Vibrant nightlife, eclectic shops |
| Fletcher Place | Little Italy | Culinary hotspot, community-focused |
| Meridian-Kessler | Hillcrest | Historic homes, LGBTQ+-friendly scene |
| Irvington | South Park | Family-friendly, historic craftsman homes |
| Carmel | La Jolla | Upscale living, coastal vibes |
| Mass Ave | Gaslamp Quarter | Lively entertainment, rich history |
| Fishers | Point Loma | Family-oriented, seaside community |
| Whitestown | Ocean Beach | Relaxed atmosphere, tight-knit community |
| Zionsville | Del Mar | Luxury amenities, picturesque settings |
| Downtown | Downtown SD | Bustling urban core, cultural landmarks |
Exploring comparable neighborhoods can give you a taste of what to expect in your new city. For example, if you're drawn to the vibrant nightlife and local shops of Broad Ripple, North Park in San Diego offers a similar eclectic and lively atmosphere. Art and food enthusiasts who have loved the culinary experiences in Fletcher Place will find Little Italy a haven of gourmet delights and vibrant festivals. For those who appreciate the historic charm and progressive community of Meridian-Kessler, Hillcrest provides a diverse and inclusive environment amidst beautifully preserved homes. Each of these San Diego neighborhoods boasts unique attractions, such as the Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve near La Jolla, offering breathtaking hikes overlooking the Pacific Ocean, or the historic Gaslamp Quarter, where history meets modern entertainment. Finding a new neighborhood that mirrors the comfort of your old one can make the transition to San Diego not just easier, but exciting.
Things to Do in San Diego
Visit the San Diego Zoo- Tour the USS Midway Museum
- Explore Balboa Park
- Relax at Coronado Beach
- Dine in Little Italy
- Experience SeaWorld San Diego
- Play golf at Torrey Pines
Ready to start your move?
Pros and Cons of Moving from Indianapolis to San Diego
Moving from one city to another is a major decision that can impact every aspect of your life. This comparison is designed to help you weigh the cons of leaving Indianapolis, IN against the pros of moving to San Diego, CA , and vice versa. By examining both sides of the coin, this will ensure an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of this relocation.
Indianapolis, IN- Cold winters
- Less cultural diversity
- Smaller city vibe
- Fewer beaches
San Diego, CA- Mild winters
- More cultural diversity
- Bigger city vibe
- Beautiful beaches
San Diego, CA- Higher cost of living
- Busier urban areas
- Heavy traffic
- More impersonal
Indianapolis, IN- Lower cost of living
- Quiet suburban areas
- Easy traffic
- Close-knit communities
While considering the move from Indianapolis to San Diego, it's important to recognize how the change in environment might affect your lifestyle. For instance, the mild winters and beautiful beaches of San Diego such as Ocean Beach and Pacific Beach offer year-round outdoor activities, a stark contrast to the cold winters in Indianapolis which limit outdoor engagements. In San Diego, you'll have access to a diverse culinary scene in neighborhoods like Little Italy and the iconic Balboa Park for cultural experiences, something you might find less of in Indianapolis. However, San Diego's higher cost of living and heavier traffic indicate a significant adjustment, especially if you are used to the more affordable and quieter pace of life in Indianapolis.
Indianapolis vs. San Diego Food Guide
This comparison of the local cuisine between Indianapolis & San Diego is designed to give you a taste of what culinary delights await you in your new city. Understanding the food scene is crucial to experiencing the local culture and finding your new favorite dishes and dining spots.
| Indianapolis | San Diego | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Pork Tenderloin Sandwich | Fish Tacos |
| Most popular meat dish | Sugar Cream Pie | Carne Asada |
| Most popular street food item | Elote | California Burrito |
| Most popular vegan food | Seitan Wings | Jackfruit Tacos |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city |
|
|
| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
In Indianapolis, the Pork Tenderloin Sandwich reigns supreme, best enjoyed at local favorites such as the historic St. Elmo Steak House. Moving to San Diego, you'll transition to a coastal palette highlighted by Fish Tacos, a staple that can be found in numerous oceanfront spots such as George's at the Cove. San Diego's food scene is also notably more vegan-friendly and health-conscious, reflecting the city's laid-back, sunny, and outdoor lifestyle. Whether you crave the hearty Midwest fare of Indianapolis or the fresh, vibrant flavors of the Pacific Coast, both cities offer unique and delicious culinary experiences.
Indianapolis vs. San Diego Restaurant Comparison
Understanding the importance of food in making a place feel like home, this restaurant comparison will help you find your new favorite eateries by utilizing your current Indianapolis roots as a guide. This restaurant comparison charts using Indianapolis and San Diego aims to ease your transition and cater to your dining preferences.
| Indianapolis | San Diego | What You'll Love |
|---|---|---|
| St. Elmo Steak House | Donovan's Steak & Chop House | High-end steakhouse known for its exceptional cuts of meat. |
| Bluebeard | Juniper & Ivy | Both offer innovative and modern American cuisine in a chic setting. |
| Milktooth | The Cottage La Jolla | Both renowned for brunch, offering unique and delectable dishes. |
| The Eagle | Phil's BBQ | Though one is famous for fried chicken and the other for BBQ, both are beloved for their hearty, comfort food plates. |
| Beholder | Herb & Wood | Both are trendy spots offering creative dishes in a stylish atmosphere. |
| Cafe Patachou | Breakfast Republic | Both places prioritize fresh, gourmet breakfast and lunch with a unique twist. |
| Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse | Rei Do Gado Brazilian Steakhouse | Authentic Brazilian barbecue experience with an endless supply of meat. |
| Goose the Market | Liberty Public Market | Both markets offer a selection of gourmet foods and an authentic local experience. |
| Rook | NOBU | Both provide a refreshing approach to contemporary, high-end Asian cuisine. |
| Shapiro’s Delicatessen | D.Z. Akin's Delicatessen | Traditional delis known for hearty portions and a timeless ambiance. |
When exploring the culinary scene in your new city, San Diego, you'll find familiar comforts and exciting new flavors that mirror the dining experiences you cherished back in Indianapolis. For instance, if you've enjoyed the rich, smoky flavors and cozy atmosphere at The Eagle, Phil's BBQ in San Diego promises a similar vibe with its famous BBQ dishes. Meanwhile, fans of inventive and modern cuisine who frequented Beholder will discover a kindred spirit in Herb & Wood, where the emphasis on creativity and style in both food and setting will make you feel right at home. Whether it's a morning pick-me-up at Cafe Patachou or experiencing the gourmet market vibes at Goose the Market, your transition to San Diego is met with Breakfast Republic's imaginative egg dishes and Liberty Public Market's dynamic food scene, ensuring your culinary adventures continue seamlessly in your new city.
Ready to start your move?
Indianapolis vs. San Diego Real Estate & Living Facts
Real estate significantly influences your moving experience, making it crucial to understand how Indianapolis, IN and San Diego, CA compare in terms of housing. This comparison offers insights into costs, styles, and lifestyles to help you make the best decision for your relocation.
| Comparison | Indianapolis | San Diego |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Colonial, Craftsman | Spanish, Modern |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Spacious backyards, family neighborhoods | Ocean views, proximity to beaches |
In comparing Indianapolis and San Diego, the stark contrast in median home prices and monthly rent reflects the cost of living difference between the two cities. While Indianapolis offers affordable housing with larger spaces typical of Colonial and Craftsman styles, San Diego's real estate market is steeply priced, favoring Spanish and modern architecture, often with stunning ocean views. The higher walkability and urban lifestyle score in San Diego suggest a more dynamic, outdoor-oriented way of life, appealing to those seeking proximity to beaches and vibrant urban centers. This difference in lifestyle is also reflected in the bikeability scores, making San Diego a better fit for those prioritizing an active and pedestrian-friendly living environment.
Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in San Diego, CA
1. Ocean Beach: Known for its laid-back vibe, Ocean Beach features Dog Beach, where your furry friends can play off-leash in the surf and sand.
2. North Park: A neighborhood that embraces pet owners, North Park offers several pet-friendly dining options and the Morley Field Dog Park for off-leash fun.
3. Little Italy: This vibrant neighborhood not only has multiple pet-friendly patios for dining but also hosts the annual Little Italy Doggie Street Festival, celebrating pets and their families.
Indianapolis vs. San Diego Weather Considerations
When planning a move from one city to another, it's essential to consider how the weather compares between Indianapolis, IN, and San Diego, CA. This comparison will help you understand the climatic changes you should expect and prepare for in your new home.
Indianapolis, IN
San Diego, CA
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Indianapolis, IN
San Diego, CA
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Indianapolis, IN
San Diego, CA
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Indianapolis, IN
San Diego, CA
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | Indianapolis | San Diego |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Good to Moderate | Good to Moderate |
| Natural Disasters | Tornadoes, Severe Storms | Earthquakes, Wildfires |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
Moving from Indianapolis to San Diego will bring significant weather changes, especially in terms of warmer winters and noticeably more sunshine throughout the year. San Diego's mild climate means winter temperatures rarely dip below 50°F, a stark contrast to Indianapolis' colder winters. Additionally, the increased number of sunny days in San Diego supports an active, outdoor lifestyle year-round. However, it's also essential to prepare for San Diego's unique natural disaster risks, such as earthquakes and wildfires, which are not as prevalent in Indianapolis.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Indianapolis to San Diego
When pondering a move from Indianapolis, IN to San Diego, CA, it's crucial to grasp how the cost of living, taxes, and economic opportunities between these two cities will impact your finances. This comparison aims to provide a clearer picture of what to expect, financially speaking, in your new city.
| Comparison | Indianapolis | San Diego |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $58,479 | $93,042 |
| Cost of Living Index | 87.2 | 132.3 |
| State Income Tax | 3.23 | 13.3 (max rate) |
| Avg. Property Tax | 0.87 | 0.76 |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 7 | 8.75 |
| Top 3 Industries | Manufacturing, Health Care, Retail | BioTech, Military, Tourism |
| Affluence | Moderate | High |
| Poverty | Moderate | Low |
| Homelessness | High | Very High |
The jump in the cost of living from Indianapolis to San Diego is significant, with San Diego's index far exceeding the national average. This is reflected not just in housing costs but in daily expenses and taxes as well. However, the higher average household income in San Diego can help mitigate some of these costs. Additionally, California's higher top income tax rate might be a concern, but the state's thriving industries, such as BioTech and Tourism, offer lucrative employment opportunities. Moreover, while San Diego boasts a high affluence level, it also faces a very high rate of homelessness, highlighting the economic disparities within the city.
Indianapolis vs. San Diego Political & Religious Comparison
When planning your move from Indianapolis, IN to San Diego, CA, understanding the communities you're transitioning between is crucial. This quick guide offers a comparison of the politics between Indianapolis & San Diego and delves into the religious landscapes of both cities, providing a snapshot to help you appreciate the demographic differences.
| Indianapolis | San Diego | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Lean Conservative | Lean Liberal |
| Local Politics | Divided Government | Democratic Majority |
| Religion | Mixed; with notable Christian communities | Mixed; with a significant presence of non-religious individuals |
Shifting from Indianapolis to San Diego, you'll experience a transition in the political landscape, moving from a locale that leans conservative to a stronghold of liberal leanings. Your engagement with local politics might also transform, transitioning from a divided governmental structure to a city governed by a Democratic majority. The religious makeup in both cities is diverse, yet in San Diego, there's a noticeable shift towards a community with a significant number of non-religious individuals, contrasting with Indianapolis' prominent Christian communities. This move will not just take you across the country; it will immerse you in diverse social fabrics that shape the local culture and community interactions.
Indianapolis vs. San Diego Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
Moving to a new city involves a myriad of changes, particularly when it comes to navigating daily life. To help you better understand the daily commute and traffic, as well as transportation options between Indianapolis & San Diego , we’ve put together a direct comparison. This should give you a clearer idea of what to expect as you make your transition from the Midwest to the West Coast.
| Comparison | Indianapolis | San Diego |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 25 | 26 |
| Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
| Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
| Can you get by without car? | No | Yes, with some planning |
When moving from Indianapolis to San Diego, you'll notice several key differences in daily commutes and transportation options. Indianapolis boasts shorter average commute times and lesser traffic congestion. However, its reliance on personal vehicles is significantly higher due to limited public transit options. San Diego, in contrast, offers better public transportation with services like the San Diego Trolley and buses, making it more feasible to live without a car. Adjusting to the more congested traffic in San Diego might take some time, but the city compensates with its robust public transit system and beautiful weather year-round, ideal for biking or walking as alternative transportation means.
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