The best local moving companies in Iowa
Iowa offers 31 interstate moving companies ready to support your move to Kansas. That’s why we’ve handpicked the best local movers in Iowa, highlighting companies that are known for their clear pricing, excellent reviews, and extensive services.
- 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 Kansas moving container companies
Moving containers are an affordable way to relocate without having to haul your stuff. You handle the packing and unpacking, while the company picks up your container in Iowa and drops it off at your new home in Kansas.
We’ve rounded up the top moving container companies to make your move easy and hassle-free:
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The best Iowa to Kansas moving truck rentals
Moving truck rentals are the most cost-effective way to move from Iowa to Kansas, although they’re also the most labor-intensive. You’ll save big by doing all the heavy lifting and driving.
We like these rental moving trucks:
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The best Iowa to Kansas labor-only movers
If you just need a hand loading your stuff into a container or rental truck, labor-only movers are a great option. They’ll send a crew sized to fit your move, and you only pay for the time you use.
Check out these highly rated moving labor companies for an easy move from Iowa to Kansas.
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How we chose the best moving companies for your IA to KS move
After studying pricing from 35 Iowa movers, the moveBuddha team identified the highest-rated options by weighing customer feedback, reviews, and affordability.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): Consistent punctuality, clear updates, and costs that align with the estimate.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Admits faults and prioritizes fair, practical fixes for customers.
- Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.
- Online reputation (15%): Keeps an accurate site and responds promptly and professionally to inquiries.
- Service options (10%): Covers everything from full packing to storage, special handling, and rush delivery.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
How much does it cost to move from Iowa to Kansas?
Check out the table below for average moving cost estimates from Iowa to Kansas. You’ll find prices organized by home size and type of moving service, making it easy to compare your options.
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,041 – $3,018 | $630 – $1,527 | $385 – $689 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $1,978 – $4,997 | $1,231 – $2,234 | $418 – $885 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,215 – $7,380 | $1,480 – $2,893 | $501 – $1,055 |
*Estimated costs for a 467-mile move from IA to KS are shown here, calculated from moveBuddha’s dataset as of Nov 04, 2025. We compile thousands of verified price points from movers nationwide and update them monthly to reflect seasonal variability and market dynamics. Actual charges can vary with shipment size, extra services, parking/access limitations, fuel prices, and scheduling. For the most accurate pricing, compare quotes from several moving companies.
Cost to hire movers from Iowa to Kansas
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Iowa to Kansas will cost between $1,041 and $3,018. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from IA to KS will range from $1,978 to $4,997, and a large move from Iowa to Kansas will cost from $3,215 to $7,380.
Cost of moving containers from Iowa to Kansas
If you’re moving from Iowa to Kansas, expect to pay between $630 and $1,527 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $1,231 up to $2,234. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $1,480 and $2,893. Check out our guide on PODS cost for more details.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies for your move from Iowa.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Iowa to Kansas
Renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest option, but keep in mind you’ll be handling all the loading, unloading, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck, expect to spend between $385 and $689. For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $418 and $885. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home? You’re likely looking at anywhere from $501 up to $1,055 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Factors affecting the cost of moving from IA to KS
A few key things can affect how much it costs to move from Iowa to Kansas. Here’s what might influence your total price:
- Everything you’re taking with you: More stuff to transport means a bigger bill compared to a lighter load.
- Time of year: The peak moving season in Iowa is in the summer, so moving companies will likely charge more.
- DIY or full-service help: Handling the move yourself costs less, but hiring pros saves you the heavy lifting.
What to know before moving from IA to KS
A relocation from Iowa to Kansas comes with changes worth comparing, from lifestyle shifts to daily routines.
Cost of living: Iowa vs. Kansas
Comparing expenses in Iowa and Kansas shows how much everyday living can vary. This side-by-side view of income, unemployment, taxes, and housing sheds light on where your money may go further:
| Iowa | Kansas | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $914 | $986 |
| Average home cost | $220,277 | $229,012 |
| Average income (per capita) | $70,571 | $69,747 |
| Cost of living index | 89 | 87 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.0% | 3.4% |
| Average sales tax | 6.94% | 8.65% |
| State income tax | 4.4% | 5.7% |
- Rent in Kansas is approximately 8% higher than in Iowa, so make sure to account for this in your monthly budget.
- Home prices are about the same in Kansas and Iowa, so there’s no need to change up your mortgage budget, unless you’re upgrading your living situation.
- Good news — you won’t need to stress about your finances since average incomes are similar in both Kansas and Iowa.
- Since the cost of living is about the same in Kansas and Iowa, you don’t have to stress about your budget. Just focus on choosing the lifestyle and environment that suit you best.
- Unemployment in Kansas is about 13% higher than in Iowa. With more people looking for work, employers have a bigger talent pool to choose from, which can make your job search more competitive.
- Sales taxes are 25% higher in Kansas than in Iowa, so you’ll pay extra for everyday purchases like clothes, electronics, dining out, and household items.
- Income taxes are 30% higher in Kansas than in Iowa. This means a larger portion of your earnings will go to state taxes, potentially reducing your take-home pay.
How life is different in Kansas vs. Iowa
Relocating to a new state is about more than finding a job or a place to live. It’s about how your day-to-day life will feel. Things like weather, safety, local culture, and the size of your community will all play a part in your overall experience. Here’s a side-by-side look at how life in Kansas stacks up against Iowa across important lifestyle factors:
| Kansas | Iowa | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,940,546 | 3,207,004 |
| Political leaning | Republican 57.1%-41.1 | Republican 53-45 |
| Summer high | 91ºF | 84ºF |
| Winter low | 19ºF | 10ºF |
| Annual rain | 33″ | 35″ |
| Annual snow | 15″ | 30″ |
| Crime index | 24.07 | 16.18 |
- With a population about 8% smaller than Iowa, Kansas offers you more room to breathe, lower costs, and a laid-back lifestyle. Just keep in mind, you may need to get used to fewer amenities and a job market that moves at a slower pace.
- During the last presidential election, both Iowa and Kansas supported the Republican candidate.
- Kansas averages 91°F in summer compared to 84°F in Iowa. That extra heat means more sunshine and outdoor activity, but also higher cooling costs.
- During the coldest part of the year, Kansas bottoms out around 19°F, compared to 10°F in Iowa. A move to Kansas with milder winters offers easier living, lower bills, and more outdoor freedom.
- In Kansas, you’ll get about 33 inches of rain each year, while Iowa sees around 35 inches annually. So, your total yearly rainfall won’t change much with the move. However, keep in mind that when and how that rain falls throughout the seasons can still affect your daily routine.
- In Kansas, you can expect about 15 inches of snow each year, much less than the 30 inches you’d deal with in Iowa. So, if you’re moving to Kansas, get ready for milder winters, less shoveling, and fewer extreme winter weather events.
- Kansas has a higher crime rate than Iowa with a crime index of 24.07 vs. 16.18. A higher state-level crime rate shouldn’t be a dealbreaker, but it should prompt you to dig deeper into local safety conditions, choose your neighborhood wisely, and consider the impact on your lifestyle.
Comparing the pros of Iowa vs. Kansas
Starting over somewhere new is always exciting. Check out this quick comparison of what life’s like in Kansas versus Iowa:
| Pros of living in Iowa | Pros of living in Kansas |
|---|---|
| Low cost of living | Delicious barbecue |
| Ample economic opportunity | Low cost housing |
| High quality of education | Cheap living |
| No traffic | Four season living |
| Beautiful outdoors | Ample economic opportunity |
Comparing the cons of living in Iowa vs. Kansas
Moving from Iowa to Kansas comes with its own set of challenges. Keep these things in mind to make your move smoother:
| Cons of living in Iowa | Cons of living in Kansas |
|---|---|
| Severe weather conditions | Extreme weather |
| Limited recreational opportunities | Dull landscape |
| High taxes | High taxes |
| High emphasis on politics | Lack of public transportation |
| Rustic food | Remote small-town lifestyle |
Other things to consider for your Iowa to Kansas move
- HOA rules: Take a moment to review your neighborhood or community guidelines before moving day to ensure everything goes off without a hitch and you don’t run into any unexpected issues.
- Elevator reservation: Reserve your building’s elevator in advance and review any moving day guidelines beforehand.
- Parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles. Find out about your new local rules ahead of time.
- State licensing: In Kansas, the Transportation Division of the Kansas Corporation Commission monitors, licenses, and regulates intrastate motor carriers like movers. The state’s Corporation Commission issues moving companies operating authority in the form of KCC Numbers, which customers can verify online here before hiring a mover. Verify that your moving company is properly licensed before booking their services.
- State regulator: Easily verify a Kansas moving license and its current status on the official state regulator’s website, here.
- Moving permits: You won’t need a moving permit in Kansas, but it’s a good idea to review local parking rules ahead of your move.
- Change of address: Submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. That way, once you’ve locked in your moving date, your mail will start forwarding to Kansas without a hitch. Get started here.
- Mover’s insurance: Interstate moving companies are required under federal law to provide basic insurance, also called “released value protection,” free of charge to all moving customers. Released Value Protection is the most economical option because it doesn’t cost anything. It is offered by movers at no additional charge, but the protection is minimal. Under this option, the mover is responsible for no more than 60 cents per pound per article. For example, if your mover lost or damaged a 50 inch TV weighing 25 pounds, you would only receive $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). If you need for the full value of your items to be covered, please consult with the moving company you’re hiring for other options or a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving checklist: Nothing beats peace of mind. Use our moving checklist to make sure you haven’t missed a thing.
Things to do in Kansas
Get ready to discover all that Kansas has to offer. Here are some must-see places to check out in your new state:
Museums in Kansas
- Evel Knievel Museum
- Old Cowtown Museum
- Boot Hill Museum
- Exploration Place
- Flint Hills Discovery Center
Parks in Kansas
- Ernie Miller Nature Center
- Coronado Heights
- Lewis & Clark Historic Park at Kaw Point
- Black Hoof Park and Lake Lenexa
- Gezer Park
Sports teams in Kansas
- Sporting Kansas City (MLS)
- Wichita Thunder (ECHL)
- Wichita Wind Surge (Double-A Central)
- Kansas Jayhawks (NCAA)
- Kansas State Wildcats (NCAA)
Universities in Kansas
- University of Kansas
- Kansas State University
- Wichita State University
- Fort Hays State University
- Emporia State University
FAQs
What is the cheapest way to move from Iowa to Kansas?
Opting for a full-service Iowa moving company might mean a higher upfront cost, but it lets you relax while the pros tackle all the details. Want to be more budget-friendly? You can rent a moving truck or choose a moving container. Just keep in mind you’ll be taking on more of the work yourself. If you’re keen to cut costs even further, check out our guide to the cheapest ways to move out of state.
Do movers transport your car from Iowa to Kansas?
Plenty of full-service movers can handle your car transport for an added cost. Prefer to manage it yourself? You can quickly set up vehicle shipping from Iowa to Kansas using a top-rated auto transport company.
What are the benefits of moving from Iowa to Kansas?
The main reasons people are moving from Iowa to Kansas are the amazing upsides of living in Kansas, such as delicious barbecue and low cost housing.
Is it cheaper to live in Iowa or Kansas?
Living in Iowa usually costs less than in Kansas. While the overall cost of living is similar for both states, housing is more affordable in Iowa, with average rent about 7% less and home prices 4% lower than in Kansas. Taxes are also lower in Iowa, most notably income taxes, which are more than 20% less than those paid by Kansas residents.
How much should you make a year to live comfortably in Kansas?
You should make approximately $61,447 as a single adult with no children to live comfortably in Kansas. The cost of living in Kansas is about $2,433 per month for an individual and $5,464 for a family of four. Exact expenses will vary depending on your city. Larger cities like Wichita and Overland Park tend to be more expensive than smaller towns.
Which discounts can you find from movers in Iowa?
Some movers in Iowa provide budget-friendly deals. Special pricing for military members is available from 1 moving companies.
Discount details vary, so confirm terms with each mover before booking.
Helpful moving resources
Iowa moving services
Popular Iowa routes
Popular moving resources
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