Moving to Indiana: costs, checklist and what to know
Indiana at a glance for movers: Midwest region · largest city Indianapolis · capital Indianapolis · Eastern, with counties near Chicago and Evansville on Central time.
Quick facts for moving to Indiana
- Income tax: Indiana taxes wages. Rates and brackets change, so check the Indiana Department of Revenue for the current year.
- Sales tax: Indiana's statewide sales tax rate is 7%. Local taxes can add more, depending on the address.
- Driver's license: New residents should get a Indiana driver's license within 60 days, according to the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV). Applies to a new resident holding a valid out-of-state license.
- Moving cost example: a 2-bedroom move from Chicago to Indianapolis (about 200 road miles) runs roughly $450–$900 with a rental truck or $1,720–$4,020 with full-service movers, by our estimate.
What to know before moving to Indiana
- On top of the flat state income tax, Indiana counties charge a local income tax, so your rate depends on where you live.
- Most of Indiana is on Eastern time, but counties near Chicago and Evansville are on Central time.
- Licenses and vehicle registration are both handled by the Bureau of Motor Vehicles.
Main cities and metros include Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, Evansville, South Bend, Carmel. Indiana borders Illinois, Michigan, Ohio and Kentucky.
How much does it cost to move to Indiana?
Estimated costs to move a typical 2-bedroom home (4,000–6,000 lbs) to Indianapolis, the largest city in Indiana. Distances are approximate road miles (straight-line distance × 1.2). Packing service, car shipping and storage are not included.
| Moving from | ≈ Miles | Rent a truck | Full-service movers |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York City | 770 | $1,190–$2,270 | $2,630–$6,070 |
| Los Angeles | 2,170 | $3,080–$5,820 | $4,870–$11,110 |
| Chicago | 200 | $450–$900 | $1,720–$4,020 |
| Dallas | 920 | $1,490–$2,860 | $2,870–$6,610 |
| Atlanta | 510 | $920–$1,780 | $2,220–$5,140 |
These ranges come from Foyeric's moving cost model, not from quotes or a survey of Indiana moves. Your real price depends on the mover, the season, your exact addresses and how much you ship. Tap a city to open it in the moving cost calculator and adjust it for your home.
Best time to move to Indiana
Late spring through early fall. Winters are cold, with lake-effect snow in the northwest.
Across the U.S., summer is the busiest and priciest moving season. Mid-month and mid-week dates are usually easier to book.
Indiana new-resident checklist
For the full timeline, from booking movers to unpacking, use our moving day countdown checklist.
Moving to Indiana: FAQ
How much does it cost to move to Indiana?
It depends mostly on distance and how much you own. By our model, moving a 2-bedroom home about 200 miles from Chicago to Indianapolis costs roughly $450–$900 if you rent a truck or $1,720–$4,020 with full-service movers. These are planning ranges, not quotes.
Does Indiana have a state income tax?
Yes. Indiana taxes wages. Rates and brackets change, so check the Indiana Department of Revenue for the current year.
What is the sales tax in Indiana?
Indiana's statewide sales tax rate is 7%. Local taxes can add more, depending on the address.
How long do I have to get a Indiana driver's license after moving?
60 days, according to the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV). Applies to a new resident holding a valid out-of-state license. Bring proof of identity, your Social Security number and proof of your new address, and check the agency's site for the exact list.
When is the best time to move to Indiana?
Late spring through early fall. Winters are cold, with lake-effect snow in the northwest.
Sources and accuracy
Tax and license facts on this page should be confirmed with the Indiana Department of Revenue and the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV), which publish the current rules. Rules change, and some cities and counties add their own taxes. Cost figures are model estimates explained on our methodology page. Spotted something out of date? Let us know.