Best Indiana to California Movers and Practical Moving Guide
Get a Quote Now!
Trusted. Licensed. Insured.
Moving from state to state marks an exciting chapter in your life, filled with new adventures and opportunities. On one hand, you're leaving behind the Hoosier State, known for its cornfields and basketball mania, to embrace California, the Golden State, with its sun-soaked beaches and tech-savvy cities. To ensure this transition is as smooth as possible, it's crucial to team up with trusted and reliable professional movers. At Great Guys Moving, we pride ourselves on connecting you with the best in the business, making your long-distance move a breeze.
Best Indiana to California Moving Companies
| Company Name | Rating  | BBB Rating | License | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OCD Moving Services LLC | 9.66 | A+ | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| Pure Moving | 9.64 | A+ | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| MVM Moving & Storage | 9.23 | A+ | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| Bulldogs Moving Co. | 9.12 | NR | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| College Hunks Hauling Junk and Moving Merrillville | 8.87 | NR | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| Soft Touch Moving | 8.86 | A+ | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
(800) 787-5428
Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from California to Indiana guide.
6 Best IN to CA Moving Companies
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)
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
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
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
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
About College Hunks Hauling Junk and Moving Merrillville
College Hunks Hauling Junk and Moving, established in 2005, is a full-service moving and junk removal company with over 200 locations across...Read More >>
Services
- Local Moving
- Long-Distance Moving
- Hourly Moving
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, pa...Read More >>
Services
- Local Moving
- Long Distance Moving
- Commercial Moving
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.
Pros and Cons of Moving from Indiana to California
Moving can be a complex decision, especially when considering relocating from Indiana to California. This guide aims to provide an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of moving from Indiana to California , contrasting the cons with the pros and vice versa, to offer a balanced view on what to expect from such a significant change.
Indiana- Less diverse cuisine
- Harsh winters
- Lower job prospects in tech
- Smaller cultural events
California- Diverse food scene
- Mild winters
- Booming tech industry
- Large cultural festivals
California- Higher living costs
- Less living space
- Faster-paced lifestyle
- Noisier cities
Indiana- Lower cost of living
- More space
- Friendly local communities
- Quieter environment
Moving from Indiana to California introduces you to a medley of new experiences and opportunities, especially in terms of diverse food and culture. Imagine walking through the bustling streets of San Francisco, where you can enjoy authentic dim sum in Chinatown, China Live, or savor the farm-to-table dining experience in Napa Valley. The tech industry in Silicon Valley offers unmatched job prospects for those in the tech field, a stark contrast to the more limited opportunities back in Indiana. However, this comes at the cost of a higher cost of living and a faster-paced lifestyle, where the serene spaciousness of Indiana is replaced by the energetic, sometimes overcrowded vibes of California cities. While the shift can be challenging, the endless entertainment options, from the iconic Coachella Festival to the artistic streets of Los Angeles, ensure that there's always something new to explore.
Indiana vs. California Food Guide
Food is a significant aspect of local culture and provides insight into the lifestyle of an area. With this in mind, we will explore how the culinary scenes differ to help you adjust to your new surroundings. This is a comparison of the local cuisine between Indiana & California , highlighting distinct flavors and dining experiences unique to each state.
| Indiana | California | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Pork Tenderloin Sandwich | Fish Tacos |
| Most popular meat dish | Hoosier Pie | Tri-tip |
| Most popular street food item | Corn Dogs | Street Tacos |
| Most popular vegan food | Seitan BBQ | Avocado Toast |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state |
|
|
| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
When relocating from Indiana to California, you’ll notice a significant shift not only in the climate and lifestyle but also in the food scene. California's culinary scene is well-known for its health-conscious and vegan-friendly options, epitomized by the iconic avocado toast and a wide range of fresh, plant-based cuisines that saturate cities from Los Angeles to San Francisco. Moreover, the abundance and diversity of food trucks offer a taste of the world within a city block, especially in bustling neighborhoods like LA’s Arts District or San Francisco’s Mission District. On the other hand, Indiana delights with comfort food champions like the Pork Tenderloin Sandwich and a more modest but growing appreciation for farm-to-table dining, highlighted in joints like Bluebeard in Indianapolis. Transitioning to California, you'll find an abundant and diverse culinary scene that caters to a broad spectrum of tastes and dietary preferences.
Ready to start your move?
Indiana vs. California Real Estate & Living Facts
Understanding the real estate landscape is crucial when planning a move. It's important to compare how Indiana and California stack up in terms of housing costs, architecture, and lifestyle to make an informed decision.
| Comparison | Indiana | California |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Craftsman, Colonial | Modern, Spanish |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Large yards, Family-friendly | Ocean views, Eco-friendly features |
When comparing housing in Indiana and California, it's obvious that California's higher cost of living reflects in its real estate prices. While California offers modern and Spanish-style homes often equipped with eco-friendly features and stunning ocean views, Indiana homes lean towards the Craftsman and Colonial styles, emphasizing family-friendly environments with large yards. The significant difference in median home prices and monthly rents is due to California's bustling urban lifestyle, higher walkability, and bikeability scores, catering to those seeking a vibrant city life. Nonetheless, Indiana provides a more affordable option for those valuing spacious living and a slower pace.
Indiana vs. California Weather Considerations
When planning to move from Indiana to California, understanding the weather differences between these state locations is crucial. It can greatly influence your day-to-day life and how you prepare for each season.
Indiana
California
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Indiana
California
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Indiana
California
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Indiana
California
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | Indiana | California |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Moderate | Variable, often worse in urban areas |
| Natural Disasters | Tornadoes, floods | Earthquakes, wildfires |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
While both Indiana and California enjoy warm summers, you'll find a drastic difference in winter temperatures, making California winters much milder. Additionally, California boasts nearly 100 more days of sunshine per year, allowing for more outdoor activities year-round. However, this comes with a trade-off of higher annual UV index exposure and varying air quality, particularly in urban or wildfire-prone areas. Considering these factors can help you better prepare and adapt to your new environment.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Indiana to California
Moving from one state to another can bring significant changes to your financial situation. It's essential to understand how the cost of living and average income in Indiana will compare to what you're used to when moving to California. This comparison aims to shed light on financial considerations crucial for your move.
| Comparison | Indiana | California |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $66,785 | $91,551 |
| Cost of Living Index | 92.95 | 136.4 |
| State Income Tax | 3.23 | 1 - 13.3 |
| Avg. Property Tax | 0.87 | 0.73 |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 7.00 | 8.56 |
| Top 3 Industries | Manufacturing, Health Care, Retail Trade | Technology, Agriculture, Entertainment |
| Affluence | Moderate | High |
| Poverty | Moderate | High |
| Homelessness | Low | Very High |
When transitioning from Indiana to California, the most notable difference you're likely to encounter is the cost of living. California's cost of living index is almost double that of Indiana’s, indicating that your daily expenses could significantly increase. However, it's essential to note that the average household income in California also tends to be higher, although this increase may not fully compensate for the higher expenses. Additionally, the state income tax in California varies greatly and can be considerably higher than Indiana's flat rate of 3.23%, especially for those in higher income brackets. Nevertheless, the diverse and booming industries in California, such as technology, agriculture, and entertainment, offer unique employment opportunities not as prevalent in Indiana.
Indiana vs. California Political & Religious Comparison
This brief overview aims to provide a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of the political and religious makeup of the residents in the states you're moving from and to. By comparing the politics between Indiana & California , and the religious landscape, you'll gain insights into the cultural shifts you might experience.
| Indiana | California | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Lean Republican/Conservative | Lean Democrat/Liberal |
| Local Politics | More traditional, with an emphasis on local businesses and agriculture | Progressive policies, with a focus on technology, environmental, and social justice issues |
| Religion | Higher prevalence of Protestant and Evangelical Christians | Diverse, with a significant number of non-religious residents, Catholics, and a variety of other faiths |
Indiana and California present contrasting landscapes in terms of political beliefs and religious practices. While Indiana's political makeup leans more Republican with a considerable focus on traditional values and local businesses, California stands on the progressive end of the spectrum, favoring Democrat policies with strong advocacies in technology, environmental sustainability, and social justice. The religious environment also shifts from Indiana's predominantly Protestant Christian community to California's diverse religious landscape, including a significant portion of residents identifying as non-religious. This diversity in California could offer you a more eclectic community experience compared to Indiana's more homogenous religious population. Understanding these differences will help you prepare for the cultural adjustment in your move.
Education Guide When Moving from Indiana to California
Moving from Indiana to California involves navigating many changes, including the educational landscape. To help you better understand what the comparisons are between school options in Indiana and California , this chart lays out the top educational institutions and districts in both states. By comparing these, you can make informed decisions for your family's educational needs.
| Indiana | California |
|---|---|
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3) Indiana University Bloomington Purdue University Ball State UniversityUniversity of California Los Angeles University of California Berkeley Stanford University | |
Top 3 Elementary Schools Smoky Row Elementary School Carmel; Signature School Evansville; Union Elementary School ZionsvillePoint Vicente Elementary School Rancho Palos Verdes; Pacific Elementary School Manhattan Beach; Millikin Basics+ Elementary School Santa Clara | |
Top 3 Middle Schools West Lafayette Jr./Sr. High School West Lafayette; Brown County Junior High School Nashville; Riverside Junior High School FishersHenry M. Gunn High School Palo Alto; Whitney High School Cerritos; Miller Creek Middle School San Rafael | |
Top 3 High Schools Signature School Evansville; Carmel High School Carmel; West Lafayette Jr./Sr. High School West LafayetteCalifornia Academy of Mathematics & Science Carson; Henry M. Gunn High School Palo Alto; Troy High School Fullerton | |
Top 3 private high schools Culver Academies Culver; Park Tudor School Indianapolis; Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School IndianapolisHarvard-Westlake School Los Angeles; The Harker School San Jose; Phillips Academy Andover | |
Top 3 private K-12 schools Traders Point Christian Academy Whitestown; Bethany Christian School Goshen; Lutheran High School of Indianapolis IndianapolisHead-Royce School Oakland; Crossroads School for Arts & Sciences Santa Monica; The Thacher School Ojai | |
Top 3 School Districts Carmel Clay Schools Brown County School District Zionsville Community SchoolsPalo Alto Unified School District Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District San Marino Unified School District | |
California offers some of the most prestigious universities and high-strength K-12 programs in the nation, reflecting its larger population and compelling cultural diversity. Institutions like Stanford University and UCLA are known globally for their excellence. Similarly, the private school sector, including Harvard-Westlake School and The Harker School, continues to set academic benchmarks nationally. Conversely, Indiana's educational scene, exemplified by schools such as Signature School and Culver Academies, showcases an impressive commitment to high-quality education with a focus on community engagement and character-building. Both states clearly prioritize educational excellence, albeit through their unique regional characteristics and resources.
Popular Indiana to California Moving Routes
- Indianapolis to Los Angeles
- Indianapolis to San Diego
- Indianapolis to San Jose
- Indianapolis to San Francisco
- Indianapolis to Fresno
- Indianapolis to Sacramento
- Indianapolis to Long Beach
- Indianapolis to Oakland
- Indianapolis to Bakersfield
- Indianapolis to Anaheim
- Indianapolis to Santa Ana
- Indianapolis to Riverside
- Indianapolis to Stockton
- Indianapolis to Irvine
- Indianapolis to Chula Vista
- Indianapolis to Fremont
- Indianapolis to San Bernardino
- Indianapolis to Modesto
- Indianapolis to Fontana
- Indianapolis to Moreno Valley
- Fort Wayne to Los Angeles
- Fort Wayne to San Diego
- Fort Wayne to San Jose
- Fort Wayne to San Francisco
- Fort Wayne to Fresno
- Fort Wayne to Sacramento
- Fort Wayne to Long Beach
- Fort Wayne to Oakland
- Fort Wayne to Bakersfield
- Fort Wayne to Anaheim
- Fort Wayne to Santa Ana
- Fort Wayne to Riverside
- Fort Wayne to Stockton
- Fort Wayne to Irvine
- Fort Wayne to Chula Vista
- Fort Wayne to Fremont
- Fort Wayne to San Bernardino
- Fort Wayne to Modesto
- Fort Wayne to Fontana
- Fort Wayne to Moreno Valley
