When relocating from Iowa to Illinois, expect professional movers to cost around
$1,510 to
$4,506, roughly
$1,488 for a container move, and close to
$463
for a rental truck.
Fact Checked by:
Best overall value
The best local moving companies in Iowa
In Iowa, you can choose from 31 interstate movers capable of assisting with your move to Illinois. To help, we’ve rounded up the best local movers in Iowa. Each company on our list is known for transparent pricing, solid customer reviews, and outstanding service.
- Claeys Brothers Moving & Storage Inc: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- Key City Moving & Storage: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- Black Belt Movers: 4.48 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 70
DOT #: 70719
Claeys Brothers Moving & Storage Inc, a staple in Sioux City, IA since 1955, offers comprehensive local residential moving services. With a strong reputation reflected in their 4.2 average rating on Google and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, they are a trusted choice among local movers. Unlike many nearby moving companies, Claeys Brothers also offer packing and unpacking services, as well as the capability to move pianos, art, and antiques. The firm accepts both cash and credit cards, and no deposit is required, making them a flexible and customer-friendly option for local moves.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 27
DOT #: 2527384
Two Men and a Truck, a reputable moving company in Urbandale, IA, has been providing local residential moving services since 1998. Renowned for their packing, unpacking, and labor-only services, they stand out by requiring no deposit and accepting credit cards, adding convenience for their clients. With an impressive average rating of 4.6 on Google from over 500 reviews and a BBB rating of A+, they excel in customer satisfaction compared to other nearby movers. Their proven track record makes them a trusted choice for local moves.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 7
DOT #: 2378173
College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving, serving Clive, IA since 2018, specializes in local residential moves and stands out from other nearby movers with their comprehensive packing, unpacking, and labor-only services. They also cater to office moving needs, making them a versatile choice. While their Yelp reviews average 3.2 from 14 ratings, their astounding 4.8 out of 1452 Google reviews suggest a generally positive customer experience. Additionally, they accept credit cards and do not require a deposit, offering convenience and flexibility. Despite their F rating from the BBB, their extensive positive feedback on Google indicates a largely satisfactory service.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 115
DOT #: 125563
Key City Moving & Storage has been a trusted name in local residential moving services in and around Peosta, IA since 1910. With glowing customer feedback, including an average rating of 4.6 on Yelp and 4.9 on Google, as well as an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, they stand out among local competitors. They offer comprehensive services including packing, unpacking, and specialized fragile-only packing, ensuring a stress-free move. Unlike other movers, they don’t require a deposit and accept both cash and credit cards, making them a customer-friendly choice for your next move.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Pricing: $150/hr
Years in Business: 17
DOT #: 3527158
Black Belt Movers, serving the Ankeny, IA area since 2009, offers a comprehensive range of local residential moving services. With an A rating from the Better Business Bureau and an average Yelp rating of 4.0 based on 15 reviews, their reputation stands strong among nearby moving companies. They also provide office moving, packing, unpacking, and specialized services like moving pianos and antiques. Unlike many competitors, they accept credit cards, require no deposit, and provide full valuation insurance coverage.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
The best Iowa to Illinois moving container companies
Moving containers allow you to save money without having to go the full DIY route. While you’ll have to handle loading and unloading, the container company has you covered on transportation. They’ll pick up your pod in Iowa and drop it off at your new home in Illinois.
Check out these highly rated moving container companies:
|
|
|
|
rating
The best Iowa to Illinois moving truck rentals
If you want to save money moving from Iowa to Illinois, renting a moving truck is your best bet. Just keep in mind, you’ll be putting in the sweat equity, doing the loading, unloading, and driving yourself.
Check out our favorite picks for rental moving trucks:
|
|
|
|
The best Iowa to Illinois labor-only movers
If you need some extra muscle to load your belongings into a rental truck or container, labor-only movers are a smart choice. You get a crew that’s the right size for your move, and you only have to pay for the time it takes them to load.
For a smooth move from Iowa to Illinois, take a look at these top-rated moving labor companies.
|
|
|
|
How we chose the best moving companies for your IA to IL move
moveBuddha experts compared rates across 35 Iowa moving services, showcasing the companies that stood out for strong reviews, reliable service, and fair pricing.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): On-schedule service, proactive communication, and no surprises on price.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.
- Industry reputation (15%): Respected by peers and active in associations and trade events.
- Online reputation (15%): Maintains a trustworthy web presence and answers customers with speed and courtesy.
- Service options (10%): Comprehensive offerings including packing, secure storage, delicate-item care, and faster shipping.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
How much does it cost to move from Iowa to Illinois?
Take a look at the table below for average moving cost estimates from Iowa to Illinois. We’ve broken down prices by home size and type of moving service, so you can easily compare your choices.
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $910 – $2,984 | $596 – $1,435 | $293 – $518 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $1,510 – $4,506 | $1,029 – $1,947 | $320 – $607 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,017 – $5,935 | $1,399 – $2,561 | $377 – $766 |
*These cost ranges are approximate estimates based on a 258-mile move from IA to IL using pricing data compiled by moveBuddha as of Nov 04, 2025. moveBuddha collects thousands of verified price points from moving companies nationwide and updates this data monthly to reflect seasonal fluctuations and market trends. Your final price may vary depending on move size, added services, parking or access challenges, fuel rates, and scheduling. We always recommend comparing quotes from multiple movers to get an accurate idea of pricing.
Cost to hire movers from Iowa to Illinois
Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Iowa to Illinois typically costs between $910 and $2,984. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $1,510 and $4,506 when moving from IA to IL. If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from Iowa to Illinois, you’re looking at costs ranging from $2,017 up to $5,935.
Cost of moving containers from Iowa to Illinois
If you’re relocating from Iowa to Illinois, you’ll typically spend between $596 and $1,435 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $1,029 up to $1,947. If you’re moving a larger home—four bedrooms or more—expect to pay anywhere between $1,399 and $2,561. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from Iowa.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Iowa to Illinois
Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice, but remember, you’ll be responsible for all the heavy lifting, packing, and driving on your own.
If you’re moving from a studio or one-bedroom place with a rental truck, expect to pay between $293 and $518. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $320 to $607. If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $377 and $766.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Factors affecting the cost of moving from IA to IL
Several factors can influence your moving costs from Iowa to Illinois. Here’s what could impact your final bill:
- Move size: Moving a large home costs more than moving a studio apartment.
- Seasonal timing: Summer is peak moving season in Iowa, which usually means higher prices.
- Pros vs. DIY: Doing it yourself can save money, but hiring movers saves effort and stress.
What to know before moving from IA to IL
Transitioning from Iowa to Illinois gives you a chance to look at how life in your new state will differ from what you know now.
Cost of living: Iowa vs. Illinois
Relocating comes with financial tradeoffs, and the contrasts between Iowa and Illinois are worth noting. Here’s how the two states stack up in key areas like job opportunities, taxes, housing, and income:
| Iowa | Illinois | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $914 | $1,179 |
| Average home cost | $220,277 | $249,224 |
| Average income (per capita) | $70,571 | $78,433 |
| Cost of living index | 89 | 90 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.0% | 5.3% |
| Average sales tax | 6.94% | 8.82% |
| State income tax | 4.4% | 4.95% |
- Rent is about 29% more expensive in Illinois than in Iowa. Make sure to include this increase in your monthly budget.
- Make sure to plan for a bigger monthly mortgage payment — home prices in Illinois are roughly 13% higher than in Iowa.
- Good news — you can expect to earn about 11% more in Illinois than in Iowa. That extra income could mean more savings or investment opportunities each month.
- With a similar cost of living in both Iowa and Illinois, you can relax about your budget and concentrate on finding the lifestyle and environment that fit you best.
- Unemployment in Illinois is about 77% higher than in Iowa. Since more people are searching for jobs, you’ll face tougher competition in the job market.
- Sales tax in Illinois runs 27% higher than in Iowa, so expect to spend more on everyday purchases like groceries, dining, and household goods.
- Income taxes are 12% higher in Illinois compared to Iowa. As a result, you’ll pay more in state taxes, which could lower your take-home pay.
How life is different in Illinois vs. Iowa
A move to another state brings shifts that go beyond housing and work. Things like weather, community safety, political leanings, and population size all help define what daily life looks like. This snapshot shows how Illinois and Iowa compare.
| Illinois | Iowa | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 12,549,689 | 3,207,004 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 55-45 | Republican 53-45 |
| Summer high | 86ºF | 84ºF |
| Winter low | 17ºF | 10ºF |
| Annual rain | 40″ | 35″ |
| Annual snow | 22″ | 30″ |
| Crime index | 19.7 | 16.18 |
- If you’re moving from Iowa to Illinois, you’ll find Illinois has about 291% more people. That bigger population often means better infrastructure, from hospitals and schools to public transit and entertainment.
- In the last presidential election, Illinois leaned Democratic, while Iowa supported Republican.
- The average summer high in Illinois is 86°F, while Iowa averages 84°F. With temperatures so close, you won’t notice much difference in the heat. Still, don’t forget to factor in humidity, local weather quirks, and energy costs to get the full picture.
- In winter, Illinois drops only to 17°F, milder than 10°F in Iowa. That means lower costs, easier winters, and more chances to enjoy the outdoors.
- In Illinois, you’ll experience about 40 inches of rain each year, pretty similar to the 35 inches you’re used to in Iowa. While the overall rainfall won’t shift much after your move, don’t forget that the timing and patterns of rain throughout the year can still influence your day-to-day plans.
- In Illinois, it only snows about 22 inches annually while Iowa gets 30 inches. Moving to Illinois, with less snow, means easier winters, less maintenance, and fewer weather-related hassles.
- Illinois has a higher crime rate than Iowa, with a crime index of 19.7 compared to 16.18. While a higher statewide crime rate isn’t necessarily a reason to rule out your move, it’s smart to research specific neighborhoods, stay aware of local safety, and think about how it might affect your daily life.
Comparing the pros of Iowa vs. Illinois
Starting fresh in a new place can be thrilling. Here’s a quick snapshot comparing life in Illinois to Iowa:
| Pros of living in Iowa | Pros of living in Illinois |
|---|---|
| Low cost of living | Home of chicago |
| Ample economic opportunity | Ample economic opportunity |
| High quality of education | Bountiful recreational opportunities |
| No traffic | Delicious food |
| Beautiful outdoors | World-class sports culture |
Comparing the cons of living in Iowa vs. Illinois
No matter your location, life isn’t always perfect. Keep these points in mind as you make the move from Iowa to Illinois:
| Cons of living in Iowa | Cons of living in Illinois |
|---|---|
| Severe weather conditions | Harsh winter weather |
| Limited recreational opportunities | Bad traffic |
| High taxes | High crime rate |
| High emphasis on politics | Dull landscape |
| Rustic food | Strict laws |
Other things to consider for your Iowa to Illinois move
- HOA rules: Double-check your neighborhood or community guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises and keep everything running smoothly.
- Elevator reservation: One common issue you should handle ahead of your move is reserving the building’s elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
- Parking permits: Some cities require you to get a parking permit for moving trucks. Check your new local regulations before moving day so you’re not caught off guard.
- State licensing: In Illinois, regulations on in-state moves and local movers are set forth by the Illinois Commerce Commission. To move household goods locally and intrastate, companies need to have a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity, so make sure the companies you’re considering have one and that it’s current. Make sure your moving company has the right licenses before you book with them.
- State regulator: Quickly check the status of a Illinois moving license anytime on the official state regulator’s website, here.
- Moving permits: No moving permit is required in Illinois, but be sure to check local parking regulations before your move.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form so that all your mail will get properly forwarded to Illinois. Get started here.
- Mover’s insurance: By law, interstate moving companies are required to provide basic insurance coverage, known as “released value protection,” at no extra cost. Choose cost-free Released Value Protection from movers for basic coverage at 60 cents per pound. For more extensive protection matching your items’ full value, consult your moving company for alternative options or consider a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving checklist: Keep your move stress-free with our handy moving checklist. It’s the easiest way to make sure nothing gets overlooked.
Things to do in Illinois
Get excited to explore Illinois. Don’t miss these top spots in your new home state:
Museums in Illinois
- The Art Institute of Chicago
- Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum
- Caterpillar Visitors Center
- Lincoln Home National Historic Site
- Museum of Hummels
Parks in Illinois
- Starved Rock State Park
- Matthiessen State Park
- Illinois Beach State Park
- Pere Marquette State Park
- Kankakee river State Park
Sports teams in Illinois
- Chicago Cubs (MLB)
- Chicago White Sox (MLB)
- Chicago Bulls (NBA)
- Chicago Sky (WNBA)
- Chicago Bears (NFL)
Universities in Illinois
- University of Chicago
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- Northwestern University
- University of Illinois at Chicago
- Northern Illinois University
FAQs
What is the cheapest way to move from Iowa to Illinois?
If you want a stress-free move, hiring a full-service Iowa moving company is the way to go, even if it costs a bit more. Looking to save money? Try renting a moving truck or going with a moving container, but be prepared to do more of the heavy lifting yourself. Want to spend even less? Check out our tips for the cheapest ways to move out of state.
Do movers transport your car from Iowa to Illinois?
Some full-service movers can coordinate auto transport for you as part of your relocation package for an additional fee. But you can also handle vehicle transport from Iowa to Illinois separately through one of the top car shipping companies.
What are the benefits of moving from Iowa to Illinois?
Many people are making the move from Iowa to Illinois to take advantage of all the great benefits that life in Illinois has to offer, like home of Chicago and ample economic opportunity.
Is it cheaper to live in Iowa or Illinois?
Living in Iowa usually costs less than in Illinois. While the overall cost of living is similar for both states, housing is more affordable in Iowa, with average rent about 22% less and home prices 12% lower than in Illinois. Taxes are also lower in Iowa, most notably income taxes, which are more than 10% less than those paid by Illinois residents.
How much should you make a year to live comfortably in Illinois?
Planning to move to Illinois? A single adult should aim for an income of around $83,234 to live comfortably. Monthly costs average $3,434 for an individual, or $7,489 for a family of four. Your expenses depend a lot on location — bigger cities like Chicago and Aurora usually have steeper housing costs than smaller towns.
Which discounts can you find from movers in Iowa?
Here’s a breakdown of discount types currently available in Iowa: 1 provide military discounts;
Availability can change, so always verify details before booking.
Helpful moving resources
Iowa moving services
Popular Iowa routes
Popular moving resources
Not what you were looking for?
Check out other categories that can help you find the information you need!
