Best California to Indiana Movers and Practical Moving Guide

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CA to IN Moving Specialists

Moving from the sun-kissed valleys of California to the heartland of America in Indiana represents an exciting shift in scenery and lifestyle. You're trading the Golden State's endless summers and tech hubs for the Crossroads of America, where bustling cities meet serene countryside. Given the distance and life change this move entails, it's crucial to rely on professional movers we've vetted at Great Guys Moving, ensuring your belongings are in trusted hands every step of the way.

California iconArrow iconIndiana icon

Best California to Indiana Moving Companies

Company NameRating QuestionBBB RatingLicenseContact
OCD Moving Services LLC9.66A+Authorized For HHGContact
Pure Moving9.64A+Authorized For HHGContact
Murdock's Moving & Hauling Inc.9.63NRAuthorized For HHGContact
Best California Movers9.52A+Authorized For HHGContact
MVM Moving & Storage9.22A+Authorized For HHGContact
Bulldogs Moving Co.9.12NRAuthorized For HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Indiana to California guide.

6 Best CA to IN Moving Companies

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

OCD Moving Services LLC Logo
Exceptional9.66/10
based on 3,273+ data points

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...Read More >>

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Long Distance Moving
  • Commercial Moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/17/2024)

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
Pure Moving Logo
Exceptional9.64/10
based on 8,688+ data points

About Pure Moving

Pure Moving has six locations across California, including an office in Los Angeles. This locally operated business moves over 10,000 client...Read More >>

Services

  • Residential moving
  • Commercial moving
  • Long-distance moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/17/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3207734 / 1115049

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers1
Total Annual Miles Moved100,000 (2022)
View Full Review
2
Murdock's Moving & Hauling Inc. Logo
Exceptional9.63/10
based on 1,645+ data points

About Murdock's Moving & Hauling Inc.

Murdock's Moving & Hauling Inc. makes it a point to go above and beyond in every moving job. This includes giving back to the community....Read More >>

Services

  • Local & Long Distance Moving
  • Residential Moving
  • Commercial Moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/17/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3421940 / 1416634

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans6
Registered Drivers9
Total Annual Miles Moved100,000 (2024)
View Full Review
3
Best California Movers Logo
Exceptional9.52/10
based on 3,003+ data points

About Best California Movers

Best California Movers is a family-owned moving company based in Southern California, with over six years of experience in the industry. Th...Read More >>

Services

  • Cheap moving services
  • Local moving services
  • Long-distance moving services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/18/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3489907 / 1173381

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans12
Registered Drivers12
Total Annual Miles Moved157,000 (2023)
View Full Review
4
MVM Moving & Storage Logo
Exceptional9.22/10
based on 1,395+ data points

About MVM Moving & Storage

Since 2006, MVM Moving and Storage has been assisting residents of Fort Wayne, IN, streamline their relocation process with its cost-effecti...Read More >>

Services

  • Residential Move
  • Commercial Move
  • Local Move

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 11/29/2022)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3098388 / 76046

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans5
Registered Drivers5
Total Annual Miles Moved75,000 (2021)
View Full Review
5
Bulldogs Moving Co. Logo
Exceptional9.12/10
based on 553+ data points

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 com...Read More >>

Services

  • Full-service Moves
  • Packing / Unpacking
  • Loading / Unloading

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/18/2024)

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
6
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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.

Pros and Cons of Moving from California to Indiana

Moving across states is a big decision, and it's important to weigh all factors carefully. This guide aims to provide an honest comparison between California and Indiana, highlighting the good and the bad aspects of such a relocation. By examining both sides of the coin, you can make a more informed decision that aligns with your lifestyle and priorities.

CONs
PROs
California iconCalifornia
  • High living cost
  • Heavy traffic
  • State income tax
  • Earthquake risks
Indiana iconIndiana
  • Lower living cost
  • Less congestion
  • No state income tax
  • Lower natural disaster risk
Indiana iconIndiana
  • No ocean access
  • Fewer entertainment options
  • Less diversity
  • Smaller tech industry
California iconCalifornia
  • Warm beaches
  • Entertainment hubs
  • Cultural diversity
  • Innovative tech scene

When moving from California to Indiana, you're trading the bustling streets of Los Angeles and the tech hubs of Silicon Valley for the tranquil parks of Indianapolis and the cultural charm of Bloomington. Imagine swapping the crowded beaches of Santa Monica for the serene shores of Lake Michigan or trading in the high-paced nightlife of San Francisco for cozy evenings at local Indianapolis restaurants and cafes. Although Indiana may not boast the same entertainment industry as Los Angeles, cities like Indianapolis and Bloomington offer vibrant local arts scenes, including live music at The Bluebird and exhibits at the Indianapolis Museum of Art. Moreover, the absence of state income tax and lower overall cost of living mean you can enjoy a spacious home in a welcoming neighborhood, such as Carmel or Fishers, all while exploring a diverse range of local eateries and shops that contribute to the unique flavor of your new state.

California vs. Indiana Food Guide

Comparing the local cuisine between California & Indiana sheds light on the rich diversity and cultural significance of food in these areas. Understanding the food scene where you're moving can significantly enhance your relocation experience, helping you to immerse in and appreciate the local culture better.

CaliforniaIndiana
Most iconic local food itemAvocado ToastPork Tenderloin Sandwich
Most popular meat dishTri-tip SteakBeef and Noodles
Most popular street food itemTacosCorn Dogs
Most popular vegan foodPlant-based BurgersSeitan Steak
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Chef Tanya’s Kitchen
  • The French Laundry
  • In-N-Out Burger
  • St. Elmo Steak House
  • Blue's Canoe Livery
  • Three Carrots Pub
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

In California, the food scene is vividly diverse with health-conscious options being a significant focus. Cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco are bursting with food trucks offering everything from gourmet tacos to avant-garde vegan dishes. Places such as Chef Tanya’s Kitchen and The French Laundry showcase the state's commitment to innovative and high-quality cuisine. Indiana’s food landscape, while different, has its charm with home-style comfort foods dominating. The pork tenderloin sandwich is a must-try, and for a true taste of Indiana, visiting establishments like St. Elmo Steak House offers an authentic experience. Both states provide unique culinary adventures, promising to be a feast for the senses.

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California vs. Indiana Real Estate & Living Facts

Real estate is a critical factor in relocating, making it essential to understand how California and Indiana compare in aspects like housing costs, architecture, and lifestyle amenities. This comparison aims to provide clarity and assist in making an informed decision.

ComparisonCaliforniaIndiana
Typical Architecture StyleModern, SpanishColonial, Ranch
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingProximity to the ocean, Energy-efficient featuresLarge yards, Proximity to schools

Choosing between California and Indiana involves weighing distinct lifestyles and housing markets. California's real estate boasts modern and Spanish architectural styles and is priced significantly higher, reflecting its coastal living and energy-efficient homes, catering to those who prioritize proximity to the ocean and an urban lifestyle. Conversely, Indiana offers more affordable housing with traditional Colonial and Ranch styles, emphasizing larger yards and schools close by. This makes Indiana appealing for those seeking a more laid-back lifestyle with a focus on community and family-friendly amenities.

California vs. Indiana Weather Considerations

Understanding how the weather in California compared to Indiana might affect you is crucial when planning a move. This comparison will highlight climatic differences, helping you adjust to your new environment.

Summer icon
85°F / 57°F

California

85°F / 64°F

Indiana

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
68°F / 48°F

California

36°F / 20°F

Indiana

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
22

California

42

Indiana

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
0-5 (varies by region)

California

22

Indiana

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonCaliforniaIndiana
Air QualityVaries widely, generally moderateGenerally good, urban areas can be moderate
Natural DisastersEarthquakes, WildfiresTornados, Floods
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

While both California and Indiana enjoy warm summers, the winter season brings a stark contrast, with Indiana experiencing significantly colder temperatures and more snowfall. Interestingly, while both states deal with natural disasters, the types they encounter differ, with California being prone to earthquakes and wildfires, whereas Indiana faces tornados and floods. Another noteworthy aspect is the higher annual humidity and fewer days of sunshine in Indiana, which might require some adjustments if you're moving from the generally sunnier and drier California.

Ready to start your move?

Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from California to Indiana

When relocating from one state to another, observing the financial landscape can significantly impact your decision-making. By comparing key economic factors, you'll understand how the cost of living and financial opportunities in California stack up against those in Indiana, ensuring a smoother transition to your new home.

ComparisonCaliforniaIndiana
Avg. Household Income$91,551$66,785
Cost of Living Index136.492.95
State Income Tax1 - 13.3%3.23%
Avg. Property Tax0.73%0.87%
Avg. Sales Tax8.68%7.00%
Top 3 IndustriesTechnology, Entertainment, AgricultureManufacturing, Healthcare, Agriculture
AffluenceHighModerate
PovertyModerateLow
HomelessnessHighLow


Relocating from California to Indiana, you'll discover significant cost of living differences. For example, the average household income in California is higher, but so is the cost of living. Indiana offers a more affordable housing market, with a lower cost of living index and consistent state income tax rate. Notably, both states share agriculture as a key industry but diverge with California's strong presence in technology and entertainment versus Indiana's focus on manufacturing and healthcare. Understanding these differences will enable you to better navigate your financial transition.

California vs. Indiana Political & Religious Comparison

In this quick comparison, we explore the comparison of the politics between California & Indiana , alongside a glance at the prevailing religious beliefs of each state's residents. This overview aims to furnish you with an at-a-glance understanding of the political and religious landscape you're moving from and to.

CaliforniaIndiana
Political Make-upLiberal/DemocraticConservative/Republican
Local PoliticsProgressive urban centersConservative with progressive pockets
ReligionMulticultural and diversePredominantly Christian

When considering the political and religious makeup of California and Indiana, you'll encounter distinct differences. California is known for its liberal stance and progressive politics, especially in urban areas, contributing to a diverse and multicultural environment which supports a wide array of religions and beliefs. On the other hand, Indiana leans more conservative, with a largely Christian population influencing its local politics, although you'll find progressive pockets, particularly in academic communities and urban neighborhoods. Understanding these dynamics will help you anticipate and adapt to the cultural shift as you make your move.

Education Guide When Moving from California to Indiana

Moving across state lines entails a load of considerations, especially when it comes to education for your family. To aid your decision-making, we’ve compared the educational landscapes of California and Indiana, focusing on schools and districts. The purpose of this chart is to better understand the comparisons between school options in California and Indiana.

CaliforniaIndiana

Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)

UCLA
UC Berkeley
Stanford University
Indiana University
Purdue University
University of Notre Dame

Top 3 Elementary Schools

Waldorf School of Peninsula (Los Altos)
Hollywood Schoolhouse (Los Angeles)
The Nueva School (Hillsborough)
Signature School Inc. (Evansville)
West Lafayette Community School Corporation (West Lafayette)
Fall Creek Elementary (Fishers)

Top 3 Middle Schools

The Nueva School (Hillsborough)
The Mirman School (Los Angeles)
Castilleja School (Palo Alto)
West Lafayette Jr/Sr High School (West Lafayette)
Brown County Junior High (Nashville)
Fall Creek Junior High (Fishers)

Top 3 High School Schools

Henry M. Gunn High School (Palo Alto)
Troy High School (Fullerton)
Whitney High School (Cerritos)
Signature School Inc. (Evansville)
Carmel High School (Carmel)
West Lafayette Jr/Sr High School (West Lafayette)

Top 3 private high schools

The Thacher School (Ojai)
Harvard-Westlake School (Los Angeles)
The College Preparatory School (Oakland)
Culver Academies (Culver)
Park Tudor School (Indianapolis)
Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School (Indianapolis)

Top 3 private K-12 schools

The Nueva School (Hillsborough)
Crossroads School for Arts & Sciences (Santa Monica)
Head-Royce School (Oakland)
Traders Point Christian Academy (Whitestown)
University High School of Indiana (Carmel)
The Orchard School (Indianapolis)

Top 3 School Districts

Palo Alto Unified School District
San Marino Unified School District
Irvine Unified School District
Carmel Clay Schools
West Lafayette Community School Corporation
Zionsville Community Schools

When comparing educational opportunities between California and Indiana, it's evident that both states offer exceptional choices for families. In California, institutions like UCLA and Stanford University highlight the state's strong emphasis on higher education excellence. Meanwhile, Indiana's notable institutions, including Purdue University and University of Notre Dame, showcase a commitment to producing distinguished professionals. Noteworthy is California's The Nueva School, a leader in innovative education for grades pre-K through 12, compared to Indiana's Signature School Inc., the state's standout for combining rigorous academics with a diverse curriculum. Whether seeking top-tier elementary education or distinguished high schools, both states cater to a range of educational preferences with their excellent districts and private institutions.

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