Planning your move to the Hoosier State? You’re not alone! More than 22,500 people are moving to Indiana, making it one of the top states for relocation. With this growth, Indiana’s population has hit 6.89 million in 2024.
The Hoosier State hosts 8 Fortune 500 companies—Anthem and Cummins—and offers a strong job market. The cost to live in Indiana is as low as $2,667 per month. Additionally, the state’s pleasant climate appeals to potential movers too.
3 Reasons to Move to Indiana
Indiana is one of the favorite relocation destinations for Americans. Here are three reasons to move to IN:
| # | Reasons to Move to IN | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Cost of Living | The average cost of living in Indiana is 8% lower than the national average. |
| 2. | Employment | The Hoosier State aims to add 101,087 new jobs by 2032 across different sectors. |
| 3. | Tax Benefits | The state of Indiana fully exempts Social Security benefits from state income tax. |
1. Low Cost of Living
The cost of living in Indiana is 8% lower than the national average. It’s an attractive option compared to popular states like California and New York, where living costs are 38% and 26% above the national average.
Here’s a breakdown of monthly expenses in Indiana’s popular cities:
| City | Median Home Price | Median Rent | Public Transport | Utilities | Food |
| Indianapolis | $237,500 | $1,221 | $124 | $230.0 | $613 |
| Fort Wayne | $225,900 | $1,146 | $59 | $155.56 | $535 |
| Evansville | $151,000 | $987 | $47.8 | $274.41 | $571 |
| South Bend | $160,250 | $1,292 | $49.9 | $117.65 | $485 |
2. Employment Opportunities in Indiana
Indiana’s robust economy offers various employment opportunities across several industries. The Hoosier State aims to add 101,087 new jobs by the end of 2032.
- Healthcare and Social Assistance: This sector is projected to add 33,000 new jobs by 2032, with roles in nursing, home health, and medical assisting. Top employers include Indiana University Health and Community Health Network.
- Transportation and Warehousing: With Indiana’s strategic position as a logistics hub, this sector is set to add 20,000 new jobs by 2032. Positions such as truck drivers, warehouse operators, and logistics managers are in high demand.
- Professional and Technical Services: This sector, including fields like IT, engineering, and consulting, is projected to add 29,000 new jobs. Roles such as software developers, data analysts, and engineering consultants are in high demand.
- Construction: Indiana’s construction industry is projected to add 5,000 new jobs. Key roles in demand include electricians, carpenters, and project managers.
3. Tax Benefits
Indiana has a flat state income tax rate of 3.05%, with plans to lower it gradually to 2.9% by 2027. In addition, Indiana fully exempts Social Security benefits from state income tax. However, distributions from retirement accounts, like 401(k)s and IRAs, are taxed at the standard rate.
Indiana also has one of the lowest property taxes in the US at 0.83% of assessed home value. Retirees aged 65 and older can qualify for extra property tax deductions, including the Over-65 Deduction and Circuit Breaker Credit
Cost of Moving to Indiana 💲
There are additional costs involved in moving from one state to another. Here’s a breakdown of costs you may incur while relocating to IN:
1. Moving Costs ≈ $474 to $4,581
Moving to Indiana involves several costs, including the costs involved in moving your belongings.
- Movers in Indiana typically cost $140 per hour. However, this figure depends entirely on your belongings and the distance traveled.
- If you want to DIY your move, renting a truck can be a better option. The average rent of a mid-size moving truck with a load capacity of 4,000-6,000 pounds ranges between $40 and $80 per day.
- 👉 Tip: Moving can be expensive, especially if you are selling your home before you move. In this case, you can use a Flat Fee MLS company to save on listing agent commissions. This way, you can have additional cash when you move to Indiana.
2. Utility Expenses ≈ $500 to $600 Per Month
Apart from moving and housing costs, you will have to incur utility expenses when migrating to Indiana.
- When relocating to Indiana, you must set up utilities like gas, electricity, water, etc. The average utility bill in IN is around $469/month.
- You will have to register your vehicle in Indiana. The first-time registration cost of a passenger vehicle in IN is $21.35. A standard title fee is around $15.
3. Housing Costs
Housing costs in the Hoosier State can vary depending on your location.
- In popular cities like Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, and Evansville the average rent ranges between $900 and $2,000.
- However, if you’re looking to buy a house in Indiana, home prices vary across the state. Make sure you find cheap houses for sale in Indiana in your budget. Popular towns like Zionsville have a median home price of $580K. On the other hand, the average cost of a home in small cities like Gary is $120K.
4 Tips for a Seamless Move to Indiana ✅
Moving to a new place can be tough. Here are some tips to help you make a smooth transition.
- Research Cities and Neighborhoods: It’s important to research the area you want to live in. You must know if your home is in the city or suburbs. Find out where the nearby schools, hospitals, coffee shops, or restaurants are.
- Find the Living Costs: Your living costs will change once you migrate. Before moving to IN, get an estimate of the basic living expenses in your desired location.
- Visit the Neighborhood: Once you’ve decided where you want to live. You must visit that Indiana neighborhood in person and see what you feel about the area.
- Meet Your Neighbors: Connect with your neighbors and socialize. Local Facebook groups can be the best way to meet your neighbors.
