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Iowa to Montana Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Easily compare and book your next move with moveBuddha
- For a move from Iowa to Montana, a two-bedroom home with professional movers typically costs $2,600–$5,600.*Estimates reflect a 2–3 bedroom move and a two–eight day delivery window. Actual cost and timing depend on home size, distance, and seasonality.
- To get the most accurate pricing for your specific move, use moveBuddha’s moving cost calculator for a custom quote.
- Our top-recommended mover for relocating from Iowa to Montana is Safeway Moving. In addition to an excellent reputation, the company has a triple-check verification system to ensure accurate quotes, and it includes 30 days of free storage with all interstate moves.
Trusted by 400,000+ people who move every year
We review 4,500+ movers to help you choose with confidence
Get real-time pricing info and key industry insights
Who are the best movers to move from Iowa to Montana?
After hundreds of hours of research, we find the best mover to help with relocation from Iowa to Montana is Safeway Moving. This veteran-owned company specializes in affordable long-distance relocations. We appreciate their extensive service options, particularly the offer of 30 days of free storage for all interstate moves. This benefit is especially helpful if your new home isn’t ready, or if you need extra time to settle in.
Get an idea of what mover types we recommend for moving from Iowa to Montana below and which may work best for you:
- Full-service: This is the safest bet for interstate moving. The company can handle all aspects of the move, from packing, loading, transportation, unloading, and unpacking. These companies also offer plenty of speciality services for antiques and highly valuable items.
- Moving containers: If you don’t mind handling the packing and loading but don’t want to drive a moving truck, this is your ideal mover type. You can save significant money by opting for this more DIY approach.
- Labor-only: If you don’t want to handle a lot of the packing and loading but don’t mind driving a moving truck, this is your ideal mover type. This is another budget-friendly option for interstate moving.
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Local
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Best professional movers from Iowa to Montana
For a move from Iowa to Montana, we generally recommend hiring a professional interstate mover—they’re better equipped for the complex logistics that can come with a 1,115 mile relocation. Based on a review of 3,180 movers, moveBuddha found 2,642 (83%) that perform interstate moves. Leveraging our thorough rating methodology, our experts curated the best options to manage your relocation from Iowa to Montana.
- Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Best overall value
How much does it cost to move from Iowa to Montana?
It costs between $2,600–$8,300 to move a two-bedroom home with a full-service mover from Iowa to Montana. Your move’s price can be more or less depending on the size of your home, the total distance between your old home and new home, the time of the year, and any specilaity services you might require. Look at our data below to learn the average costs for other types of moves.
These cost ranges are approximate estimates based on a 1,115-mile move from IA to
MT using pricing data compiled by moveBuddha as of Feb 03, 2026.
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.
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Recent Moving Price Estimates
The following are real, anonymized quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 48 hours. Prices change with dates and availability; use these as a ballpark, not a guarantee.
Colonial Van Lines
Crescent, IA
›
Kalispell, MT
1 Bedroom (large)
Jan 13, 2026
$4,182
Budget Truck Rental
Deep River, IA
›
Helena, MT
4 Bedrooms
Jan 06, 2026
$1,538
PODS
Bertram, IA
›
Billings, MT
5+ Bedrooms
Jan 05, 2026
$4,213
Safeway Moving
Portsmouth, IA
›
Great Falls, MT
1 Bedroom (large)
Dec 14, 2025
$3,114
American Van Lines
Peosta, IA
›
Bozeman, MT
1 Bedroom (small)
Dec 07, 2025
$3,724
Mayzlin Relocation
Tabor, IA
›
Belgrade, MT
3 Bedrooms
Dec 01, 2025
$4,702
United Van Lines
Grandview, IA
›
Butte, MT
1 Bedroom (large)
Nov 24, 2025
$5,924
Joyce Van Lines
Van Meter, IA
›
Big Timber, MT
4 Bedrooms
Nov 05, 2025
$5,427
North American Van Lines
Otho, IA
›
Missoula, MT
2 Bedrooms
Oct 27, 2025
$5,414
FAQ
How much does it cost to move from Iowa to Montana?
Moving from Iowa to Montana can cost anywhere from $1,187–$6,930, but most people pay around $2,561–$5,571 Here are average cost ranges by home size and service type:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,187 – $4,806 | $843 – $1,957 | $664 – $1,238 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $2,561 – $6,072 | $1,555 – $3,018 | $725 – $1,579 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,193 – $8,326 | $1,921 – $4,024 | $884 – $1,904 |
These are approximate estimates for a 1,115-mile move from IA to MT using moveBuddha pricing data as of Feb 03, 2026.
Final costs can vary based on move size, add-on services, parking/access challenges, fuel rates, and scheduling.
How much does it cost to hire movers (a moving company) for this route?
It typically costs around $2,561 – $6,072 to hire a moving company to move you from Iowa to Montana. Here is what it might cost you based on your home’s size:
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $1,187 – $4,806
- 2–3 bedrooms: $2,561 – $6,072
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,193 – $8,326
How much do moving containers cost from Iowa to Montana?
Using a moving container from Iowa to Montana costs, on average, $1,555 – $3,018. Learn what it might cost you to use a moving container here:
- Small move: $843 – $1,957
- 2–3 bedrooms: $1,555 – $3,018
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,921 – $4,024
Learn more about PODS cost here.
How much does a rental truck cost for this move?
Using a rental moving truck to move from Iowa to Montana will costs you between $725 – $1,579, but your price might differ as follows below:
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $664 – $1,238
- 2–3 bedrooms: $725 – $1,579
- 4+ bedrooms: $884 – $1,904
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Which option is usually the cheapest?
A rental truck is generally the cheapest option to move from Iowa to Montana, but you’ll handle the driving and labor yourself. Consider your needs and wants to determine what type of moving service is worth it for you.
How do I get the most accurate price for my exact move?
To get the most accurate moving quote, give movers or marketplaces detailed info upfront: exact pickup and drop-off addresses, move date and time window, home layout (stairs, elevators, walk distance), and an inventory list—or better yet, a video walkthrough. Don’t forget to flag bulky or special items.
Ask for an in-home or video survey and request a binding or “not-to-exceed” estimate with a full itemized breakdown: labor hours, travel time, packing materials, and any fees (fuel, stairs, long-carry, insurance/valuation, etc.).
Then compare at least three quotes that match in scope. Confirm what’s excluded—like tips, packing, shuttles, storage, or cancellation fees—and go with the most transparent option, not just the cheapest.
What “extra costs” should I plan for after moving from IA to MT?
Beyond your moving bill, it’s smart to budget for the “extra costs” that can change once you arrive in Montana — especially everyday expenses like housing and taxes. For example, average rent shifts from $914 in Iowa to $974 in Montana, and average home values go from $220,277 to $462,631.
You’ll also want to factor in differences in the cost of living index (89 vs. 100), unemployment (3.0% vs. 3.3%), and taxes — including average sales tax (6.94% vs. 0.0%) and state income tax (4.4% vs. 6.75%). Taking a quick look at these side-by-side numbers can help you avoid surprises and plan a more accurate post-move monthly budget. Learn more with the table below.
| Iowa | Montana | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $914 | $974 |
| Average home cost | $220,277 | $462,631 |
| Average income (per capita) | $70,571 | $66,341 |
| Cost of living index | 89 | 100 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.0% | 3.3% |
| Average sales tax | 6.94% | 0.0% |
| State income tax | 4.4% | 6.75% |
Will rent be more expensive in Montana?
Rent is about 7% higher in Montana than in Iowa.
Avg rent: $914 vs. $974
How do home prices compare (if I’m buying after the move)?
Home prices are about 110% higher in Montana than in Iowa.
Avg home value: $220,277 vs. $462,631
Will my earning power likely change after moving?
Average income is about 6% lower in Montana than in Iowa.
Avg income (per capita): $70,571 vs. $66,341
Is the overall cost of living higher in Montana?
The cost of living is 12% higher in Montana than in Iowa.
Cost of living index: 89 vs. 100
Will sales tax increase my everyday spending?
Montana doesn’t charge a sales tax, so you’ll save money on everyday purchases compared to Iowa.
Avg sales tax: 6.94% vs. 0.0%
Will state income tax change my take-home pay?
Income taxes are 53% higher in Montana than in Iowa.
State income tax: 4.4% vs. 6.75%
How is daily life different in Montana compared to Iowa?
Everyday life is shaped by factors like climate, safety, politics, and community size.
| Montana | Iowa | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,132,812 | 3,207,004 |
| Political leaning | Republican 58.4-38.5 | Republican 53-45 |
| Summer high | 84ºF | 84ºF |
| Winter low | 12ºF | 10ºF |
| Annual rain | 15″ | 35″ |
| Annual snow | 49″ | 30″ |
| Crime index | 23.37 | 16.18 |
Will Montana feel more crowded than Iowa?
Montana is about 65% less populous than Iowa — which can mean more space and a slower pace.
Will the political culture feel different?
In the last presidential election, both Iowa and Montana voted Republican.
How different is the weather (summer and winter)?
Summer: Highs are very similar (84°F vs. 84°F).
Winter: Lows are very similar (12°F vs. 10°F).
Will it be wetter or snowier in Montana?
Rain: Montana gets less rain (15″ vs. 35″).
Snow: Montana gets more snow (49 inches vs. 30 inches).
Is Montana safer than Iowa?
Montana has a higher crime index than Iowa (23.37 vs. 16.18). Research neighborhoods to find the best fit.
What are some things to do in Montana?
Museums in Montana
- National Museum of Wildlife Art
- Museum of the Rockies
- Aerial Fire Depot and Smokejumper Center
- Moss Mansion
- Conrad Mansion
Parks in Montana
- Lone Pine State Park
- Caras Park
- Sacajawea Park
- Herron Park
- Phil Baux Park
Sports teams in Montana
- Montana Grizzlies (NCAA)
- Montana State Bobcats (NCAA)
Universities in Montana
- Montana State University
- The University of Montana
- Montana Tech
- Montana State University Billings
- Carroll College
source: AttractionsofAmerica
What other things should I plan for besides the move itself?
Other things to consider for your Iowa to Montana move
- HOA rules: Before moving day, make sure to review any rules your neighborhood or community might have so your move goes off without a hitch.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to reserve your building’s elevator as soon as possible and review any moving day rules well in advance.
- Parking permits: Some cities expect you to have a parking permit for moving trucks, so double-check your new area’s rules before moving day to prevent any last-minute headaches.
- State licensing: In Montana, local and intrastate movers need to have a valid Public Service Commission (PSC) number issued by the Montana Department of Transportation (MDOT). Make sure your moving company is fully licensed before you book.
- State regulator: You can verify a Montana moving license and its status on the state regulator’s official website.
- Moving permits: You don’t need a moving permit in Montana, but it’s a good idea to look into local parking rules before your move.
- Change of address: Make sure to submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before moving. Get started here.
- Mover’s insurance: By law, interstate movers have to give you basic insurance at no extra cost. Opt for Released Value Protection, a no-cost option from movers with basic coverage. Movers assume liability for up to 60 cents per pound per item. For instance, if your mover lost or damaged a valuable painting weighing 20 pounds, you would only receive $12 (60 cents x 20 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for the full value of your items, discuss alternative options with your chosen moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving checklist: Make moving day a breeze with our straightforward moving checklist.
Do I need to follow HOA or building rules on moving day?
Before moving day, make sure to review any rules your neighborhood or community might have so your move goes off without a hitch.
Should I reserve an elevator for moving day?
Make sure to reserve your building’s elevator as soon as possible.
Do I need a parking permit for a moving truck in Montana?
Some cities expect a parking permit for moving trucks.
How can I confirm a mover is properly licensed in Montana?
In Montana, local and intrastate movers need to have a valid Public Service Commission (PSC) number issued by the Montana Department of Transportation (MDOT).
You can verify licensing on the state regulator’s official site: check a Montana moving license here.
Do I need a moving permit in Montana?
You don’t need a moving permit in Montana.
What should I do about mail forwarding, insurance, and potential discounts?
Make sure to submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before moving. Get started here.
Interstate movers provide basic insurance free of charge. Opt for Released Value Protection, a no-cost option from movers with basic coverage. Movers assume liability for up to 60 cents per pound per item. For instance, if your mover lost or damaged a valuable painting weighing 20 pounds, you would only receive $12 (60 cents x 20 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for the full value of your items, discuss alternative options with your chosen moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
Some movers in Iowa offer discounts: 1 military discounts;
Discount types, amounts, and eligibility vary.
Make moving day a breeze with our moving checklist.
Handy Moving Resources
Iowa Moving Services
Frequently Traveled Iowa Routes
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