Best Indianapolis to Santa Rosa Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from Indianapolis to Santa Rosa and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 2,302 mile move from Indiana to California go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 27 Indianapolis to Santa Rosa 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 OCD Moving Services LLC), 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 Santa Rosa. 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 Indianapolis to Santa Rosa Moving Companies

RankCompany NameRating QuestionAffordability IndexLicenseContact
1OCD Moving Services LLC9.669.47Authorized For HHGContact
2Celis Movers9.379.32Authorized For HHGContact
3Bulldogs Moving Co.9.129.47Authorized For HHGContact
4Soft Touch Moving8.828.86Authorized For HHGContact
5You Move Me Indianapolis8.758.32Authorized For HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428

Cost to Move from Indianapolis to Santa Rosa

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 2,302 miles from Indianapolis, IN to Santa Rosa, CA will cost on average $3,739 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Indianapolis to Santa Rosa move is roughly $9,029. 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$2,508300 ft³8.36
1 Bedroom$3,739450 ft³8.31
2 Bedrooms$6,194750 ft³8.26
3 Bedrooms$9,0291100 ft³8.21
4 Bedrooms$13,0541600 ft³8.16
5+ Bedrooms$14,5951800 ft³8.11
*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 Santa Rosa to Indianapolis guide.

Compare the 5 Best Indianapolis to Santa Rosa Movers

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

OCD Moving Services LLC Logo

OCD Moving Services LLC

Exceptional9.66/10
based on 3,273+ data points

5914 Cobblestone Ct

El Sobrante, CA, 94803

About OCD Moving Services LLC

For over five years, OCD Moving Services LLC has been providing Oakland and the Bay Area with residential and commercial relocation...

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Long Distance Moving
  • Commercial Moving

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2597230 / 911812

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans6
Registered Drivers6
Total Annual Miles Moved153,000 (2022)
View Full Review
1
Celis Movers Logo

Celis Movers

Exceptional9.37/10
based on 1,982+ data points

601 Petaluma Blvd N C

Petaluma, CA, 94952

About Celis Movers

Celis Movers is a family-owned Petaluma business committed to providing quality moves that don’t break the bank. For over 30 years,...

Services

  • Local moving services
  • Nationwide moving services
  • Strategic warehousing locations

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2594954 / 921948

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans6
Registered Drivers4
Total Annual Miles Moved95,000 (2023)
View Full Review
2
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
3
Soft Touch Moving Logo

Soft Touch Moving

Superb8.82/10
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
4
You Move Me Indianapolis Logo

You Move Me Indianapolis

Superb8.75/10
based on 1,372+ data points

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

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3821121 / 1382732

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans2
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved25,000 (2022)
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.

Indianapolis vs. Santa Rosa Neighborhood Comparison

When planning a move from Indianapolis, IN to Santa Rosa, CA, familiarizing yourself with your new city can be a challenge. That's why we've created this guide to help you find your footing by comparing popular neighborhoods between Indianapolis, IN & Santa Rosa, CA . This comparison gives you a baseline understanding of what to expect in terms of local vibes, amenities, and community spirit.

IndianapolisSanta RosaHow They're Similar
Broad RippleMontgomery VillageEclectic and vibrant shopping
Meridian-KesslerBennett ValleyFamily-friendly with a touch of history
Fountain SquareRailroad SquareArtistic hub with a historic feel
ZionsvilleOakmontUpscale, family-oriented community
CarmelFountaingroveAffluent with scenic views
Mass AveDowntown Santa RosaLively arts and entertainment scene
FishersCoffey ParkSuburban with a strong sense of community
NoraBennett ValleyShopping conveniences and quiet neighborhoods
IrvingtonRoselandHistoric with a quaint, local charm
WhitestownLarkfield-WikiupGrowing, with a rural ambiance

Exploring these neighborhoods reveals unique local gems that enrich residents' lives. In the artistic heartbeat of Santa Rosa, Railroad Square, similar to Indianapolis's Fountain Square, you'll find a vibrant community brimming with galleries, theaters, and a historic charm reminiscent of a bygone era. Both areas are celebrated for their annual festivals, artist collectives, and community-focused events. For those drawn to the family-friendly, historic vibes of Meridian-Kessler in Indianapolis, Bennett Valley in Santa Rosa echoes this sentiment with its welcoming community, educational excellence, and the strikingly beautiful Annadel State Park. Embarking on this new chapter in Santa Rosa, you'll discover an array of neighborhood parks, exceptional restaurants like the iconic Russian River Vineyards in Fountaingrove, and lively entertainment options downtown that mirror the bustling energy of Indianapolis's Mass Ave, making your transition an exciting journey of new beginnings.

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Pros and Cons of Moving from Indianapolis to Santa Rosa

Moving between cities is a significant life decision, weighted with both opportunities and challenges. This comparison aims to reflect the differences in lifestyle between Indianapolis, IN, and Santa Rosa, CA , offering an honest view of what you might gain and lose in this transition. By juxtaposing the cons of leaving Indianapolis against the pros of relocating to Santa Rosa, and vice versa, you will gain a comprehensive understanding of the change ahead.

CONs
PROs
Indianapolis, IN iconIndianapolis, IN
  • Lower job opportunities
  • Harsher winters
  • Less cultural diversity
  • Flat landscape
Santa Rosa, CA iconSanta Rosa, CA
  • Higher job opportunities
  • Milder winters
  • Greater cultural diversity
  • Scenic landscape
Santa Rosa, CA iconSanta Rosa, CA
  • Higher cost of living
  • Traffic congestion
  • Less familiar community
  • Expensive housing market
Indianapolis, IN iconIndianapolis, IN
  • Lower cost of living
  • Easy commuting
  • Close-knit community
  • More affordable housing

While Indianapolis might boast a more affordable cost of living and easier commutes, Santa Rosa offers a striking contrast with its scenic landscapes and mild winters. After relocating, you could enjoy weekend escapes to the nearby Spring Lake Regional Park, renowned for its natural beauty and recreational offerings, or explore the vibrant culinary scene at spots like Stark's Steak & Seafood. The transition from Indianapolis's ample, yet flat landscapes to the rolling hills and vineyards surrounding Santa Rosa can be visually refreshing. Nonetheless, it's important to weigh these changes against Santa Rosa's higher living and housing costs, ensuring you're prepared for the financial adjustments needed in this beautiful part of California.

Indianapolis vs. Santa Rosa Food Guide

This comparison of the local cuisine between Indianapolis & Santa Rosa highlights the diversity and flavor profiles you'll experience as you transition from one city to another. Food, a critical facet of local culture, offers insights into the living experience in each location, assisting you in becoming better acquainted with the food scene of your new home.

IndianapolisSanta Rosa
Most iconic local food itemPork Tenderloin SandwichWine Country Cuisine
Most popular meat dishIndiana Fried ChickenGrilled Tri-tip
Most popular street food itemTacosArtisanal Sandwiches
Most popular vegan foodVegetable CurryTempeh Reuben
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • St. Elmo Steak House
  • Bluebeard
  • Milktooth
  • Willi's Wine Bar
  • The French Laundry (Yountville)
  • Monti's Rotisserie
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

In Indianapolis, the Pork Tenderloin Sandwich is a must-try, embodying the city's culinary spirit. For an authentic taste, establishments like St. Elmo Steak House provide a deep dive into the city's rich food culture. Transitioning to Santa Rosa introduces you to the Wine Country Cuisine, with an emphasis on fresh, local ingredients. Areas like Railroad Square are known for their culinary diversity, with places like Willi's Wine Bar offering a unique blend of local flavors and wines. The health and fitness conscious will find Santa Rosa's greater emphasis on fresh, organic foods and vegan options in line with a healthier lifestyle.

Indianapolis vs. Santa Rosa Restaurant Comparison

When relocating from Indianapolis, IN, to Santa Rosa, CA, finding your new go-to spots for dining is key to feeling at home. This comparison charts and details will ease your transition by highlighting familiar culinary experiences. Using Indianapolis restaurants as a guide to find your new favorite eateries in Santa Rosa offers a seamless way to satisfy your appetite and explore local flavors.

IndianapolisSanta RosaWhat You'll Love
St. Elmo Steak HouseStark’s Steak & SeafoodBoth offer a classic steakhouse experience with high-quality meats and sophisticated sides.
BluebeardSpinster SistersBoth share a commitment to new American cuisine, featuring locally sourced ingredients and innovative dishes.
MilktoothThe Naked Pig CafeBoth are brunch favorites offering unique, inventive dishes and cozy, welcoming atmospheres.
Eagle's NestJohn Ash & Co.Both provide a fine dining experience with exceptional views and a focus on seasonal, local cuisine.
Shapiro’s DelicatessenHank’s Creekside RestaurantBoth are iconic spots for hearty, comforting meals reminiscent of a home-cooked feast.
The Tamale PlaceEl Coqui Puerto Rican CuisineBoth specialize in authentic, flavorful dishes from their respective cultures, promising an unforgettably genuine taste experience.
ThunderbirdWhiskey TipBoth are known for their lively atmosphere, inventive cocktails, and great selection of small, shareable plates.
Goose The MarketOliver’s MarketBoth offer a selection of gourmet foods, high-quality meats, and cheeses, catering to food enthusiasts.
Love HandleLowell’sBoth prioritize creativity in their dishes, serving up comfort food with a twist that leaves a lasting impression.
Bazbeaux PizzaMary’s Pizza ShackBoth pizzerias are beloved in their respective cities for offering a range of tasty, handcrafted pizzas.

For those who have cherished dining at St. Elmo Steak House in Indianapolis, Stark’s Steak & Seafood in Santa Rosa provides an impressive alternative that upholds the steakhouse tradition. Both are renowned for their meticulous selection of meats and exquisite sides. Fans of inventive brunch options that frequented Milktooth will find solace in the innovative and fresh offerings at The Naked Pig Cafe. Those in search of a cultural culinary experience reminiscent of The Tamale Place's authenticity will be delighted by the rich flavors of El Coqui Puerto Rican Cuisine. Each establishment in Santa Rosa mirrors the vibrant, diverse culinary scene of Indianapolis, ensuring that every meal is an exploration and celebration of local and global cuisine.

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Indianapolis vs. Santa Rosa Real Estate & Living Facts

Real estate is a crucial factor in any relocation effort. Understanding how housing options in Indianapolis, IN, and Santa Rosa, CA compare will significantly impact your moving plans. This comparison intends to arm you with the necessary knowledge for a smooth transition.

ComparisonIndianapolisSanta Rosa
Typical Architecture StyleTraditional, Mid-Century ModernSpanish, Craftsman
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingSpacious yards, downtown proximityVineyard proximity, eco-friendly features

When comparing housing between Indianapolis and Santa Rosa, it's clear that the cost of living varies significantly, with Santa Rosa presenting a much higher median home price and rent. This discrepancy is attributed to the high demand and limited availability in Santa Rosa, attributed to its proximity to the wine country and more sustainable, eco-friendly living options. Moreover, Santa Rosa outscores Indianapolis in terms of walkability and bikeability, thanks primarily to its comprehensive urban planning and abundance of bike lanes and pedestrian paths. The typical architecture style also reflects local cultural and economic differences, with Indianapolis favoring traditional and mid-century modern designs, while Santa Rosa leans towards Spanish and Craftsman styles, highlighting its unique historical and environmental influences.

Pet-friendly neighborhoods background image

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Santa Rosa, CA

1. Montgomery Village: With its numerous pathways and the nearby Howarth Park, your furry friends will enjoy countless hours of outdoor activity and socializing.

2. Oakmont: This neighborhood is known for its hiking club and proximity to Annadel State Park, offering expansive areas for you and your pets to explore the great outdoors together.

3. Bennett Valley: Home to the Galvin Community Park, which features a dedicated dog park where your pets can run free and socialize with other dogs in a safe and friendly environment.

Indianapolis vs. Santa Rosa Weather Considerations

When relocating from one city to another, it’s crucial to understand how different the weather can be in your new home. This comparison between Indianapolis, IN, and Santa Rosa, CA, aims to highlight the distinctive climate features you'll encounter, setting the stage for a smoother transition. Knowing the differences in weather patterns can help you prepare for your move.

Summer icon
85° / 65°

Indianapolis, IN

82° / 51°

Santa Rosa, CA

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
35° / 20°

Indianapolis, IN

60° / 40°

Santa Rosa, CA

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
42

Indianapolis, IN

30

Santa Rosa, CA

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
22

Indianapolis, IN

0

Santa Rosa, CA

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonIndianapolisSanta Rosa
Air QualityModerateGood
Natural DisastersTornadoes, stormsEarthquakes, wildfires
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

Indianapolis and Santa Rosa offer starkly different weather experiences, from the mild, wet winters of Santa Rosa to the snowy, colder season in Indianapolis. If moving to Santa Rosa, you will enjoy more sunny days annually, which reflects California's generally sunnier disposition compared to the Midwest. However, Santa Rosa's proximity to the Pacific Ocean influences its weather, leading to cooler summers and milder winters than what you might be used to in Indianapolis. Adjusting to a new climate involves not only a wardrobe change but also acclimatizing to a different kind of natural disaster preparedness, acknowledging wildfire and earthquake protocols in California versus tornado readiness in Indiana.

Ready to start your move?

Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Indianapolis to Santa Rosa

When planning your move from Indianapolis, IN to Santa Rosa, CA, it's crucial to know how the cost of living, taxes, and average income between Indianapolis and Santa Rosa will impact your finances. Understanding these differences will help you prepare for the economic environment you're about to enter.

ComparisonIndianapolisSanta Rosa
Avg. Household Income$58,479$86,459
Cost of Living Index87.2136.4
State Income Tax3.239.3 - 13.3
Avg. Property Tax0.870.73
Avg. Sales Tax7.08.75
Top 3 IndustriesFinance, Insurance, ManufacturingHealthcare, Wine, Tourism
AffluenceModerateHigh
PovertyModerateLower
HomelessnessHighHigh

The transition from Indianapolis to Santa Rosa encompasses significant financial and economic changes. Notably, you'll find Santa Rosa's cost of living markedly higher—this includes housing, food, and healthcare. The average household income in Santa Rosa is higher, which partially offsets the higher living costs. However, California's progressive state income tax system means that higher earners could see a substantial portion of that income going to state taxes, something to keep in mind given the diverse range of economic opportunities available in Santa Rosa's robust healthcare, wine, and tourism industries.

Indianapolis vs. Santa Rosa Political & Religious Comparison

In this quick guide, we provide a snapshot to help you understand how moving from Indianapolis, IN to Santa Rosa, CA might feel in terms of the community you'll find. Specifically, this is a comparison of the politics between Indianapolis & Santa Rosa gives you a glimpse into the political leanings, local political climate, and predominant religious beliefs of your potential new neighbors.

IndianapolisSanta Rosa
Political Make-upModerately LiberalLiberal
Local PoliticsMixed, with both Democratic and Republican representationMostly Democratic representation
ReligionDiverse, with a significant Christian populationLess religiously affiliated, with a mix of spirituality and traditional religions

Shifting from Indianapolis to Santa Rosa, you'll notice a significant change in the political and religious landscapes. Indianapolis presents a balanced mix of political views, leaning moderately liberal but with representatives from both major political parties making their voices heard. Religion plays an important role in the community, with a significant presence of Christian organizations and churches. In contrast, Santa Rosa sports a more liberal stance, with predominantly Democratic representation, which reflects in local policies and community initiatives. The religious scene is also more varied, with many residents prioritizing spiritual values over traditional religious affiliation. Understanding these differences can help you better integrate into your new community.

Indianapolis vs. Santa Rosa Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

Moving across states can feel overwhelming, especially when adapting to new traffic patterns and public transit systems. Through this comparison of traffic and transportation options between Indianapolis & Santa Rosa, you’ll better understand what your daily commute might look like. This guide is designed to prepare you for the differences and similarities in driving/transiting experiences in both cities.

ComparisonIndianapolisSanta Rosa
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)2522
Traffic Congestion 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦
Availability of Public Transit 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇
Can you get by without a car?DifficultModerately

When moving from Indianapolis to Santa Rosa, you'll likely notice that your average commute time may slightly decrease. Despite both cities not being notorious for heavy traffic congestion, you’ll find Santa Rosa a bit more relaxed in terms of traffic, with a score of 3 out of 10 compared to Indianapolis's 4. The availability of public transit in Indianapolis scores slightly higher, though both cities present challenges for those attempting to live without a car. In Indianapolis, despite a decent public transit score, the city's spread-out nature makes it difficult without a car. Santa Rosa, while offering slightly less in terms of public transit, provides a somewhat more accommodating environment for biking and walking, especially in its more centralized areas.

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