Moving from Indianapolis city (balance), IN to Chicago, IL
Straight-line distance: 164 miles.
| Home size | Estimated cost |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1-bedroom | $600 – $920 |
| 2-3 bedroom | $1,787 – $2,718 |
| 4+ bedroom house | $3,283 – $4,982 |
Estimates based on typical per-mile and per-room moving-industry rates; actual quotes vary by mover, season, and access. Not a quote from any specific company.
How Chicago compares to Indianapolis city (balance)
Indianapolis city (balance)'s median home value is $184,600 — 39% lower than Chicago's $304,500.
Median household income is $59,110 in Indianapolis city (balance) versus $71,673 in Chicago.
Typical rent runs $1,046 in Indianapolis city (balance) and $1,314 in Chicago.
On housing costs, Indianapolis city (balance), IN looks more affordable than Chicago, IL — lower median home value and rent. This reflects housing only, not total cost of living.
| Metric | Indianapolis city (balance), IN | Chicago, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 882,006 | 2,721,914 |
| Median home value | $184,600 | $304,500 |
| Median household income | $59,110 | $71,673 |
| Median gross rent | $1,046 | $1,314 |
| Climate risk (FEMA) | Relatively High | Very High |
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey; FEMA National Risk Index
Data last updated July 2026.