Thinking of moving to Indiana? More than 44,000 people moved to Indiana in 2024, and for good reason. Home to 8 Fortune 500 companies, like Anthem and Cummins, the Hoosier State is recognized as the most cost-effective state to do business.
But the move comes with trade-offs. The state has one of the highest sales taxes in the country. Still, many continue to choose cities like Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, and Evansville for their lower living costs and better quality of life.
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AT A GLANCE:
- Indiana has a robust economy, with a growing number of jobs in the life sciences, manufacturing, and logistics sectors.
- The state is expected to add over 101,000 new jobs by the end of 2032.
- The cost of living in Indiana is 7% lower than the national average.
- Indiana levies a 0.77% property tax, one of the lowest in the country.
- Expect to pay between $2,200 and $6,400 for your move, depending on how far you’re moving and the size of your belongings.
- The climate in Indiana is temperate. Summers are usually warm and humid, while winters tend to be cold and snowy.
3 Reasons to Move to Indiana
Why settle for just sunny beaches when you can also enjoy the high life? Browse through over thousands of mansions, high-rise penthouses, and spacious luxury homes for sale in Indiana, and enjoy the finest the state has to offer.
1. Affordable Housing
With a median home price of $254K, Indiana ranks is one of the most affordable housing market in the country. Renting a house in Indiana typically costs $1450, which is 30% cheaper than the national average.
Additionally, recent trends in the Indiana housing market show that over 33% of listed houses have seen a price reduction, and inventory has increased significantly. This price drop and spike in inventory is good news for buyers, giving them more negotiating power.
2. Job Opportunities
Indiana has a rapidly growing job market, with 135,000 job openings in 2025. Moreover, the Hoosier State aims to add 101,087 new jobs by the end of 2032.
- Life Sciences: With over 3,200 companies, Indiana’s life science sector contributes over $99 billion and directly supports more than 70,000 jobs in the state. Microbiologists, biochemists, chemical technicians, and medical scientists are in high demand.
- Transportation and Logistics: Often referred to as the Crossroads of America, Indiana is home to around 470 logistics companies, including global giants like UPS, FedEx, and DHL. The average salary in the logistics sector is $39,843 per year.
- Manufacturing: The manufacturing sector contributes to 26% of Indiana’s total GDP, the highest share of any state in the country. It supports 510,827 jobs in the state, with the average annual salary for a manufacturing worker in Indiana at $49,376.
3. Ease of Doing Business
Indiana has one of the easiest and most cost-effective business registration processes. It takes only $100 to register a Limited Liability Company. Plus, with a low corporate tax of 4.9% and 65% workforce participation, Indiana is the #2 best US state to start a business.
Additionally, the state offers several incentives to encourage job creators. This includes the Employer Training Grant, which offers reimbursement of up to $5,000 per employee. In order to qualify, the employee must be trained, hired, and retained for at least 6 months.
Pros and Cons of Moving to Indiana
Here are the major benefits and downsides of living in Indiana:
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. You’ll have access to a robust job market, with growing demand in the life sciences, logistics, and manufacturing sectors. | 1. Winters in Indiana are harsh. Snowfall ranges from 5 to 60 inches, depending on your location. |
| 2. Indiana is home to several top-ranked universities, including Purdue University and the University of Notre Dame. | 2. Indiana is prone to tornadoes and frequent floods. The state averages 22 tornadoes each year. |
| 3. The cost of living is 7% lower than the national average, with relatively affordable housing. | 3. Rural areas have fewer job opportunities than cities like Indianapolis and South Bend. |
| 4. Indiana has a 0.77% property tax, which is one of the lowest in the country. | 4. Indiana has a violent crime rate of 3.9 per 1,000, slightly above the national average. |
Things to Know Before Moving to Indiana 📌
Here’s what to keep in mind before relocating to Indiana:
1. Cost of Living in Indiana
The cost of living in Indiana is 7% lower than the national average. While healthcare is slightly more expensive, you’ll spend less on recurring expenses like renting, utilities, food, and transportation.
Indiana is an appealing option compared to more popular states like California and New York, where living costs are 58% and 30% above the national average.
2. Infrastructure and Transportation
Indiana faces several challenges due to its aging and overburdened infrastructure. 13% of the roads in the state are considered to be poor condition, and 6% of bridges are rated structurally deficient.
However, the state is actively working to improve its infrastructure. Indiana is set to receive $6.9 billion over five years in federal funding for highway and bridge improvement projects.
3. Climate in Indiana
Indiana has a temperate climate. Summers are usually warm, with temperatures ranging from 63°F to 83°F. Winters are cold and snowy, with temperatures between 21°F and 36°F.
However, the state is prone to several natural disasters, including tornadoes, floods, severe storms, winter storms, and earthquakes. Make sure to check FEMA-designated high-risk zones and your city guidelines before you buy a house in Indiana.
4. Laws and Regulations
- Vehicle Registration and Driver’s License: You have to register your vehicle and obtain an Indiana driver’s license within 60 days of establishing your residency. You will need proof of residency, insurance, and title documents for the registration process.
- Moving to Indiana With Guns: No permits are required to carry a handgun, shotguns, or rifles in Indiana for people aged 18 or above. However, a permit can be useful when you plan to carry your firearm to another state.
- Recreational Marijuana: Use of marijuana for recreational purposes is illegal in Indiana. Possession of any amount can attract penalties between $1,000 and $10,000 in fines, and 6 months to 2 years in prison.
- Pet Registration: Indiana does not have a statewide law that requires pet registration. However, some cities have local regulations that require you to register your pet. Visit your city’s website to know more about pet registration laws in your area.
5. Tax Burden in Indiana
Indiana is known to have a relatively higher tax burden. Here’s a breakdown:
- Income Tax: Indiana has a flat income tax of 3%, with plans to lower it gradually to 2.9% by 2027. However, cities often levy a 0.5% to 3% local income tax. Keep in mind, a married couple can claim up to $2,000 as tax deduction every year.
- Sales Tax: Indiana levies a flat sales tax of 7%, which is among the highest in the country. But unlike other states, Indiana does not allow cities to levy additional local sales tax.
- Property Tax: Indiana levies a 0.77% property tax, which is lower than the national average of 0.90%. You will pay an average of $1,415 in property taxes in Indiana.
How to Move to Indiana?
Before buying a house in Indiana, follow this step-by-step guide for a seamless move:
1. How to Plan Your Logistics?
- If you want to skip all the heavy lifting, consider hiring a professional mover. You can expect to pay around $140 per hour. However, this amount can vary depending on the size of your belongings and the distance.
- If you want to DIY, hiring a truck is a better option. The average cost to rent a mid-sized truck with a load capacity of 4,000 to 6,000 lbs ranges between $40 and $80 per day. Make sure to factor in additional charges for mileage, fuel, and insurance.
2. How to Set Up Utilities?
Getting your utilities set up is a straightforward process in Indiana:
- Electricity and Gas: NIPSCO (Northern Indiana Public Service Company) serves 1.3 million people in northern Indiana, while Duke Energy serves 852K people in central and southern Indiana. You can visit their respective websites to register.
- Water: Water and sewer services in Indiana are managed by local municipalities, along with some local companies. Visit your city’s website to find service providers in your area.
- Internet: Xfinity, AT&T, and Spectrum are among the major internet and cable service providers in Indiana. The average cost of internet and cable in Indiana ranges from $20 to $80 per month. Visit their websites to check the availability of service in your city.
3. How to Enroll Your Kids in School?
Most schools in Indiana let you register online:
- For Kindergarten: Your children must be 5 years old for kindergarten and 7 for the first grade before August 1. You will need the child’s birth certificate, vaccination records, proof of residency, and a photo ID.
- For Older Kids: You’ll need all the above-mentioned documents, in addition to transcripts or report cards from their previous school.
- Transfers & Special Cases: These are usually managed by local school districts. You can directly contact the school district office or visit their website to initiate the process.
4. How to Transfer Your Job or Find a New One?
- Work From Home: 14% of Indiana’s employees work from their homes. If you’re a remote worker and moving to Indiana, ask your employer for state-specific employment and tax policies.
- Find a New Job: You can utilize state resources like the WorkforIndiana website, which allows you to search for jobs, apply, and track your application. Additionally, you can visit online job boards like Indeed, LinkedIn, and Glassdoor for new openings in your area.
5. How to Find the Perfect House?
The Indiana housing market currently leans in favor of buyers. 33.4% listed homes have seen price drops, and inventory has increased by 8.6%. This gives buyers more negotiating power.
- The average rent in popular cities like Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, and Evansville is around $1,455. This can vary depending on nearby amenities and the neighborhood you are moving to.
- If you plan to buy a home in a popular city, homes for sale in Indianapolis cost around $233K. On the other hand, cities like Gary and Anderson have more affordable options, with median house prices of $86K and $135K respectively.
Should I Move to Indiana?
Yes, you should definitely move to Indiana. The state combines new opportunities, a good quality of life, and friendly communities. However, relocating to Indiana isn’t easy. It takes time, careful planning, and effort to find the perfect place to call your home.
With Houzeo, Indiana’s best home-buying website, buying a house in the Hoosier State is simple. You can browse through the latest listings, save your favorites, schedule showings, and submit offers, all at your fingertips.
» NEED MORE CLARITY? Read these exclusive Houzeo reviews and learn why the platform is the best in America’s competitive housing market.
Data Sources
To help you make a smart move to Indiana, we analyzed key data points that impact relocation costs, lifestyle, and employment prospects. We’ve sourced reliable, up-to-date data across the following categories:
- Statistical Atlas: Major employers
- Zillow: Average rent, Median home price
- MoveBuddha: Estimated moving costs
- Thisoldhouse: DIY truck rental rates, Average cost of moving
By backing our insights with real numbers, we give you a clear picture of what it really takes to relocate to Indiana, long before the moving boxes are packed.
