Best Kansas City to Indianapolis Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from Kansas City to Indianapolis and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 483 mile move from Missouri to Indiana go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 42 Kansas City to Indianapolis 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 Bulldogs Moving Co.), how much the move costs (approximately $1,500 - $5,000 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Kansas City 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 Kansas City to Indianapolis Moving Companies

RankCompany NameRating QuestionAffordability IndexLicenseContact
1Bulldogs Moving Co.9.129.47Authorized For HHGContact
2God's Movers, LLC9.069.29Authorized For Property, HHGContact
3Golden Rule Relocation8.988.75Authorized For HHGContact
4Courtesy Movers LLC8.979.27Authorized For Property, HHGContact
5Soft Touch Moving8.828.86Authorized For HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428

Cost to Move from Kansas City to Indianapolis

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 483 miles from Kansas City, MO to Indianapolis, IN will cost on average $2,192 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Kansas City to Indianapolis move is roughly $5,248. 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$1,476300 ft³4.92
1 Bedroom$2,192450 ft³4.87
2 Bedrooms$3,616750 ft³4.82
3 Bedrooms$5,2481100 ft³4.77
4 Bedrooms$7,5541600 ft³4.72
5+ Bedrooms$8,4081800 ft³4.67
*Please note: These Missouri to Indiana moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from Missouri & 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 MO to IN mover.
Missouri iconArrow iconIndiana icon
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Indianapolis to Kansas City guide.

Compare the 5 Best Kansas City to Indianapolis Movers

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

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
1
God's Movers, LLC Logo

God's Movers, LLC

Exceptional9.06/10
based on 503+ data points

11815 E 60 St

Kansas City, MO, 64133

About God's Movers, LLC

God’s Movers is a family-owned and operated moving company that has served Greater Kansas City, MO for more than 20 years....

Services

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

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2417601 / 946280

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers1
Total Annual Miles Moved1 (2023)
View Full Review
2
Golden Rule Relocation Logo

Golden Rule Relocation

Superb8.98/10
based on 318+ data points

1600 Swift St # 200

North Kansas City, MO, 64116

About Golden Rule Relocation

Golden Rule Relocation is a premier residential and commercial moving and storage company based in Kansas City, Missouri, and serves the...

Services

  • Residential Moving
  • Commercial Moving
  • Interstate Moving

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3420954 / 1105839

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans7
Registered Drivers3
Total Annual Miles Moved30,000 (2022)
View Full Review
3
Courtesy Movers LLC Logo

Courtesy Movers LLC

Superb8.97/10
based on 1,051+ data points

9353 NE 79th St

Kansas City, MO, 64158

About Courtesy Movers LLC

Courtesy Movers LLC is a client-oriented, Kansas City-based company that provides quality moving services at an affordable price. Its priority is...

Services

  • Cheap Moving Services
  • Local Moving Services
  • Long Distance Moving Services

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3241776 / 1018373

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans2
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved1 (2023)
View Full Review
4
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
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.

Kansas City vs. Indianapolis Neighborhood Comparison

Moving between cities can be a daunting task, especially when you're not familiar with your new home. This guide aims to simplify your transition by comparing Kansas City, MO & Indianapolis, IN neighborhoods , helping you find an area that feels like home. By understanding the similarities between neighborhoods in both cities, you'll be better equipped to make an informed decision on where to settle down.

Kansas CityIndianapolisHow They're Similar
WestportFountain SquareVibrant nightlife and arts scene
BrooksideMeridian-KesslerHistoric homes, family-friendly
The PlazaBroad RippleMix of shopping and dining
River MarketMass AveFresh markets, unique eateries
WaldoIrvingtonCozy vibe, community-focused
Crossroads Arts DistrictFletcher PlaceArtistic community, innovative food scene
Country Club PlazaCarmel Arts & Design DistrictUpscale shopping, aesthetic appeal
Midtown-WestportSoBro (South Broad Ripple)Eclectic mix of restaurants and bars
Quality HillLockerbie SquareQuiet, historic neighborhood feel
VolkerWoodruff PlaceResidential area with a historic charm

If you're drawn to the vibrant arts scene and diverse dining options in Westport, you'll enjoy exploring Fountain Square in Indianapolis, known for its unique art galleries and live music venues, like the HI-FI Annex. Similarly, if the historic, cobblestone streets of Brookside, with its charming boutiques and annual events, have captured your heart, you'll find a similar spirit in Meridian-Kessler, home to the beloved Meridian-Kessler Neighborhood Association that hosts family-oriented events. The Plaza, with its upscale shopping and picturesque streets, finds its match in Broad Ripple where you can enjoy a blend of local shops, such as The Bungalow, and lush parks perfect for a leisurely day out.

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Pros and Cons of Moving from Kansas City to Indianapolis

Moving from one city to another offers a blend of challenges and opportunities. This guide provides an honest reflection of moving from Kansas City, MO to Indianapolis, IN, showcasing the pros and cons of such a relocation to help you make an informed decision. The purpose of the following charts is to reveal how your lifestyle might change for better or worse in your new city.

CONs
PROs
Kansas City, MO iconKansas City, MO
  • Less public transportation
  • Higher crime rate
  • Smaller tech hub
Indianapolis, IN iconIndianapolis, IN
  • More public transit options
  • Lower crime rate
  • Larger tech industry
Indianapolis, IN iconIndianapolis, IN
  • Less live music
  • Less BBQ variety
  • Different sports focus
Kansas City, MO iconKansas City, MO
  • Vibrant music scene
  • World-class BBQ
  • Better sports culture

Moving to Indianapolis from Kansas City might mean saying goodbye to the iconic barbecue joints like Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que, but it also opens up the doors to a diverse culinary scene in Indy, including renowned establishments like Milktooth for innovative breakfast and brunch options. While you might miss the vibrant live music scenes of Westport and the Crossroads Arts District, Indianapolis offers its own rich cultural experiences with venues like Hi-Fi in the bustling Fountain Square neighborhood. The change in public transit options could make commuting easier, and the tech job market in Indianapolis is growing, offering more opportunities in sectors like software development and tech manufacturing. While the sports culture shift from the Chiefs to the Colts might take some adjustment, Indianapolis's passionate sports scene and events like the Indy 500 promise thrilling new experiences.

Kansas City vs. Indianapolis Food Guide

Food is an integral aspect of local culture and gives a glimpse into what life is like in different areas. In this comparison, we will explore the distinct food scenes of Kansas City, MO & Indianapolis, IN to help you better understand the culinary landscape of your new home.

Kansas CityIndianapolis
Most iconic local food itemBBQ RibsPork Tenderloin Sandwich
Most popular meat dishBurnt EndsBreaded Pork Tenderloin
Most popular street food itemBBQ SandwichTacos
Most popular vegan foodJackfruit BBQSeitan Wings
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que
  • Q39
  • Jack Stack Barbecue
  • St. Elmo Steak House
  • Bluebeard
  • Milktooth
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

When moving from Kansas City to Indianapolis, you'll find the transition in local cuisine to be an exciting adventure. While Kansas City is world-renowned for its BBQ, especially those iconic BBQ ribs and burnt ends, Indianapolis offers its own charm with the beloved pork tenderloin sandwich. You will notice a shift from the smoky flavors of BBQ to more diverse options including a notable inclination towards vegan-friendly dishes. For a taste of local favorites in Indianapolis, neighborhoods like Fletcher Place and Broad Ripple offer vibrant food scenes with establishments like Bluebeard and Milktooth standing out. Whether it’s dining in iconic restaurants or exploring health-conscious options, the culinary landscape of Indianapolis is ready to welcome you with open arms.

Kansas City vs. Indianapolis Restaurant Comparison

Finding your new go-to eateries is crucial in making a new city feel like home. This comparison between top Kansas City and Indianapolis restaurants aims to ease your transition by matching your current favorites with new ones. Whether you're into high-end dining or casual comfort food, this guide will help you find your new favorite spot.

Kansas CityIndianapolisWhat You'll Love
Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-QueBrickyard BBQauthentic, slow-cooked barbecue reminiscent of Kansas City's best
Q39Smoky Bones BBQcreative BBQ dishes and a lively atmosphere
The RiegerBluebeardinnovative American cuisine in a historic setting
Port FondaLa Margaritaunique and high-quality Mexican fare in a funky setting
BluestemTinker Streetfine dining with a focus on seasonal and local ingredients
Corvino Supper Club & Tasting RoomCeruleaninventive tasting menus and elegant dining experience
ManifestoHotel Tangocozy ambiance with creative cocktails and spirits
RyePublic Greensfarm-to-table dining with a rustic, homey vibe
NovelBeholderbold, chef-driven menu in a relaxed, eclectic space
Garozzo's RistoranteMama Carolla's Old Italian Restaurantclassic, home-style Italian cooking

When the craving for Kansas City's renowned barbecue hits, Brickyard BBQ in Indianapolis stands ready with its slow-cooked, smoky flavors that pay homage to the iconic Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que. For those who revel in an elevated dining experience, Bluebeard's innovative American dishes offer a compelling counterpart to The Rieger, combining culinary creativity with a rich historical atmosphere. And if unique, Mexican flavors are what you're after, La Margarita captures the essence of Port Fonda with its high-quality, eclectic offerings. Each Indianapolis spot has been carefully matched to ensure you can find a piece of your Kansas City culinary memories in your new home, making the transition just a bit more delicious.

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Kansas City vs. Indianapolis Real Estate & Living Facts

When planning a move, comparing real estate between Kansas City and Indianapolis is essential to make informed decisions. This comparison will help you understand the nuances of housing, including costs, architecture, and lifestyle in each city.

ComparisonKansas CityIndianapolis
Typical Architecture StylePrairie and CraftsmanTraditional and Ranch
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingSpacious yards, historical featuresOpen-concept layouts, proximity to amenities

Understanding the housing dynamics between Kansas City and Indianapolis can greatly influence your moving decision. For example, while the median home price is slightly lower in Indianapolis, making it an attractive option for homebuyers, Kansas City boasts larger yards and distinct historical features in its homes. On the other hand, Indianapolis offers a slightly more walkable and bikeable environment, appealing to those who prefer an urban lifestyle with easy access to city amenities. Each city's real estate listings often highlight features catering to their unique lifestyles; spacious yards in Kansas City for outdoor activities versus open-concept layouts in Indianapolis for a more integrated living space.

Kansas City vs. Indianapolis Weather Considerations

When planning a move from one city to another, it's essential to grasp how the climate might change. This comparison between Kansas City, MO, and Indianapolis, IN, highlights key weather differences so you can prepare for your new environment. Understanding weather patterns ensures a smoother transition.

Summer icon
89/68

Kansas City, MO

85/64

Indianapolis, IN

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
41/24

Kansas City, MO

36/20

Indianapolis, IN

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
42

Kansas City, MO

42.4

Indianapolis, IN

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
18

Kansas City, MO

22

Indianapolis, IN

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonKansas CityIndianapolis
Air QualityModerateGood
Natural DisastersTornadoes, FloodsTornadoes, Extreme Snow/Winter Storms
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

Despite both cities experiencing all four seasons, Indianapolis tends to have colder winters with more snowfall compared to Kansas City. Also, Kansas City enjoys more days of sunshine annually, which can significantly boost your mood, especially during the shoulder seasons. The slight difference in average annual humidity could be a relief or a slight adjustment, depending on your preference. Considering air quality and natural disaster risks is also important; Kansas City faces challenges from tornadoes, just like Indianapolis, but Indianapolis benefits from generally better air quality.

Ready to start your move?

Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Kansas City to Indianapolis

If you're considering a move, it's crucial to grasp how the cost of living and economic conditions of Kansas City stack up against Indianapolis. Understanding these differences will ensure you're financially prepared for what lies ahead.

ComparisonKansas CityIndianapolis
Avg. Household Income$63,396$58,479
Cost of Living Index97.887.2
State Income Tax5.43.23
Avg. Property Tax1.20.87
Avg. Sales Tax8.67
Top 3 IndustriesAgriculture, Manufacturing, ServiceAutomotive, Life Sciences, IT
AffluenceModerateComparable
PovertyModerateSimilar
HomelessnessConcerningWorrisome

When relocating from Kansas City to Indianapolis, you'll notice a slight decrease in average household income but also a modest reduction in the cost of living. While state income tax is significantly lower in Indianapolis, giving you more of your paycheck to take home, sales tax and property taxes are also more favorable. This can provide slight relief in your yearly expenses, especially if you plan to purchase a home. The top industries in Indianapolis, revolving around automotive, life sciences, and IT, offer a different employment landscape compared to Kansas City's agriculture, manufacturing, and service sectors, which might influence your job search strategy.

Kansas City vs. Indianapolis Political & Religious Comparison

When considering a move from Kansas City, MO, to Indianapolis, IN, it’s helpful to understand how the two cities compare. This brief guide provides a comparison of the politics and religious makeup between Kansas City & Indianapolis , offering insight into the community you're moving into.

Kansas CityIndianapolis
Political Make-upLeans DemocraticLeans Democratic
Local PoliticsModerately ProgressiveModerately Conservative
ReligionChristianity predominant, with diverse religious communities Local ChurchChristianity predominant, similar diversity in religious communities Local Church

Both Kansas City and Indianapolis lean Democratic in terms of political makeup, which might suggest similar values and priorities among their residents. However, the local political climates show some variance, with Kansas City being slightly more progressive, whereas Indianapolis holds a more moderate to conservative stance. Religion plays a prominent role in both communities, with Christianity being predominant. There's a rich tapestry of religious diversity in both cities, providing ample opportunities for you to find a community that resonates with your beliefs.

Kansas City vs. Indianapolis Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

When considering a move from Kansas City, MO to Indianapolis, IN, it’s essential to compare the traffic and transportation options between Kansas City & Indianapolis. This will help you better understand what to expect in terms of your daily commute and traffic conditions.

ComparisonKansas CityIndianapolis
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)2425
Traffic Congestion 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦
Availability of Public Transit 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇
Can you get by without car?ChallengingPossible, though inconvenient

While the average commute time in both cities is fairly similar, with Kansas City averaging 24 minutes and Indianapolis at about 25 minutes, there are distinct differences in terms of public transportation and overall dependence on a car. Both cities present some challenges if you are looking to live without a car. However, Indianapolis offers slightly better public transit options, reflected in its higher availability score. This could be particularly beneficial for those who prefer or rely on public transportation for their daily commute. Keep in mind, though, that both locations might still require a car to comfortably access all areas of the city and beyond.

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