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Cost to move from Indianapolis, IN to Chicago, IL
About 198 road miles. A typical 2-bedroom move costs $1,690–$2,780 with full-service movers in October.
Sources: BLS wages, EIA fuel prices, U.S. CensusData updated 2026-11-04How we calculate →
Estimates by home size
| Home size | Typical weight | Full service | With packing | DIY truck |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | 2,000 lb | $670–$1,110 | $920–$1,560 | $760–$1,180 |
| 1-bedroom | 3,000 lb | $960–$1,580 | $1,460–$2,480 | $770–$1,210 |
| 2-bedroom | 5,000 lb | $1,690–$2,780 | $2,440–$4,130 | $780–$1,240 |
| 3-bedroom | 8,000 lb | $2,910–$4,820 | $4,160–$7,070 | $800–$1,300 |
| 4+ bedroom | 11,000 lb | $3,870–$6,400 | $5,620–$9,550 | $820–$1,360 |
2-bedroom breakdown
| Item | Low | High | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Linehaul transport (5,000 lb, 198 mi) | $850 | $1,340 | |
| Fuel share (EIA diesel $6.40/gal) | $50 | $60 | weight share of a shared truck |
| Loading crew at origin | $460 | $770 | |
| Unloading crew at destination | $330 | $600 |
Route data
- Mover wages: $21.24/h in Indianapolis vs. $19.50/h in Chicago (BLS OEWS 2025). Loading is priced at origin rates, unloading at destination rates.
- Diesel at origin: $6.40/gal (Midwest, EIA week of 2026-11-02).
- Census ACS 2023: about 11,555 people moved from Indiana to Illinois in one year, and 29,426 the other way.
Seasonality
| Month | 2-bedroom, full service |
|---|---|
| January | $1,570–$2,590 |
| April | $1,690–$2,780 |
| July | $1,940–$3,200 |
| October | $1,690–$2,780 |
Going the other way? See Chicago to Indianapolis.
More: moving costs in Indianapolis · moving costs in Chicago
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FAQ
How much does it cost to move from Indianapolis to Chicago?
A 2-bedroom move of about 198 road miles costs roughly $1,690–$2,780 with full-service movers in October, or $780–$1,240 with a one-way rental truck (estimates, not quotes).
When is the cheapest time to move from Indianapolis to Chicago?
Winter months (November–February) run about 5–7% below October in our model; June–August peaks at 12–15% above it.