Moving from North Dakota to Iowa ($1,430-$6,690)
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The cost to move from North Dakota to Iowa ranges from $1,430 to $6,690 with full-service movers, based on 772 real quotes from moveBuddha users. Our moving cost calculator weighs your exact distance, home size, and move date together, so your estimate reflects this specific North Dakota to Iowa route rather than a flat average.
How much does it cost to move from North Dakota to Iowa?
The average cost of moving from North Dakota to Iowa with full-service movers typically ranges between $1,430 to $6,690 for a studio to 3-bedroom home. We calculated this average by reviewing 772 real-time quotes provided to moveBuddha users over the past 90 days. The average moving distance quoted was 715 miles.
The final price of your North Dakota to Iowa move will be dependent on the type of mover you choose, how much you're moving, time of year, distance, access, and add-on services. Get a free and accurate estimate using our moving cost calculator.
The rates below are for full-service movers, meaning the crew loads, transports, and unloads your belongings for you:
| Move Size | Full-Service Mover Cost |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,430 - $4,960 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,810 - $6,690 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,980 - $10,130 |
How much do moving containers cost from North Dakota to Iowa?
A moving container from North Dakota to Iowa costs between $730 and $3,720, depending on how much you're moving. For a 2-3 bedroom home, expect $1,320 to $2,670, roughly 60% less than full-service movers on this route. You pack and load the container yourself; the container company handles the 715-mile drive.
| Move Size | Moving Container Cost |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $730 - $1,870 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,320 - $2,670 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,920 - $3,720 |
0% of movers in North Dakota offer climate-controlled storage, worth asking about if your container needs to sit before delivery.
How much does a rental truck cost from North Dakota to Iowa?
A rental truck from North Dakota to Iowa costs between $550 and $1,390. For a 2-3 bedroom home, budget $600 to $1,240, about 85% less than hiring full-service movers. That figure covers the truck itself; with gas in North Dakota averaging $2.83 per gallon, fuel for the 715-mile drive, plus insurance, equipment rental, and lodging, all land on top of the base rate.
| Move Size | Rental Truck Cost |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $550 - $990 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $600 - $1,240 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $730 - $1,390 |
Add-on costs for a North Dakota to Iowa move
Add-on services are where a North Dakota to Iowa quote quietly grows. The $1,430-$6,690 range above covers loading, 715 miles of transport, and unloading. Nothing else is included.
At 715 miles, a North Dakota to Iowa move is typically a one-to-two-day haul. That's the range where storage-in-transit and shuttle fees start appearing on quotes, since your shipment may sit briefly before a delivery window opens in Iowa. Guaranteed-delivery upgrades are available but uncommon at this distance.
Iowa's cost of living sits roughly 7% below North Dakota's, which pulls destination-side fees like shuttle service and storage near Des Moines down. Origin-side labor in North Dakota stays the expensive half of this route, so packing services and stair carries at pickup deserve the closest scrutiny on your quote.
| Add-On Service | Typical Cost (North Dakota to Iowa) |
|---|---|
| Full packing service | $500 - $1,290 |
| Packing materials only | $140 - $410 |
| Specialty item (piano, safe, pool table) | $300 - $830 |
| Appliance disconnect & reconnect | $100 - $260 |
| Stair or elevator carry | $70 - $220 |
| Storage-in-transit (per month) | $160 - $380 |
| Shuttle service at delivery | $180 - $510 |
| Auto transport (1 vehicle) | $390 - $590 |
| Full-value protection | 1% - 2% of declared shipment value |
Released-value protection at 60¢ per pound is included at no charge on every interstate move, but it pays out almost nothing on a damaged item. A 40-pound TV settles at $24. Full-value protection is the line item most worth the money on a 715-mile haul. Our moving cost calculator prices these accessorials into your North Dakota to Iowa estimate up front instead of leaving them to surface on moving day.
80% of movers in North Dakota handle piano moves, 30% handle pool tables, and 40% handle safes — confirm your mover covers whichever specialty item you're moving before booking. 10% of North Dakota movers require a deposit to book, and 30% offer full-value protection as an add-on rather than folding it into every quote.
Our recommended North Dakota to Iowa Movers
These movers average a 90% positive review rate among North Dakota movers we track.
Compare movers for your North Dakota to Iowa move
Before you request quotes, take a look at the North Dakota long-distance movers our team has reviewed and rated for routes like this one to Iowa:
20% of North Dakota movers we track offer instant online quotes, below the 45% national average, so you can compare several before picking up the phone.
430 28th Ct NW, Unit A, West Fargo, ND 58078
1400 Burlington Dr #2D, Bismarck, ND 58504
3222 4th Ave S, #1, Fargo, ND 58103
3709 Grandwood Dr, North Fargo, ND 58102
2402 N 69th St, Grand Forks, ND 58203
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Alternate North Dakota to Iowa moving options
DIY moving options offer real cost savings on a North Dakota to Iowa move, with the right choice depending on how hands-on you want to be. Moving containers run about 60% less than full-service interstate movers, and rental trucks come in around 85% less.
With a rental truck (ex: U-Haul), you handle all the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus added costs like fuel, insurance, and equipment rentals on top of the base rate. If you'd rather skip the heavy lifting, local labor-only crews in North Dakota run $60 - $79 per hour to load the truck for you, while you still drive and unload on the Iowa end. 60% of movers in North Dakota offer labor-only service, so finding one shouldn't take long.
With a moving container (ex: PODS), you handle the packing and loading in North Dakota on your own timeline, and the container company will drop it off in Iowa for you to unload. A standard 16-foot container (the size most 2-3 bedroom interstate moves need) typically runs $325 - $831 to rent in North Dakota, before the long-distance haul fee shown above is added.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 772 real quotes from North Dakota to Iowa, so we know current pricing better than most. Checking our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Iowa to North Dakota guide.
North Dakota to Iowa cost of living comparison
Before you commit to a North Dakota to Iowa move, it helps to know how the two states actually compare. Based on the moving trends moveBuddha tracks nationwide, cost of living, job markets, housing, and lifestyle are the factors that most often make or break a relocation decision:
| Factor | North Dakota | Iowa |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 96 | 89 |
| Average household income | $73,959 | $70,571 |
| Median home value | $263,410 | $220,277 |
| Unemployment rate | 2.4% | 3.0% |
| State income tax | 2.9% | 4.4% |
| Average monthly rent | $912 | $914 |
| Average sales tax | 6.96% | 6.94% |
| Crime index | 22.74 | 16.18 |
| College graduation rate | 31.74% | 30.54% |
| Population | 783,926 | 3,207,004 |
Iowa's cost of living index of 89 is lower than North Dakota's 96, making affordability a common driver of this move. Lower housing costs and everyday expenses can offset the upfront cost of a long-distance move within the first 1 - 2 years.
Iowa's largest industries are Manufacturing ($33.6 billion), Finance and insurance ($25.9 billion), and Real estate and rental and leasing ($19.5 billion), worth a look if a job change is part of this move.
FAQs: Moving from North Dakota to Iowa
What's the cheapest way to move from North Dakota to Iowa?
A rental truck is cheapest: $600 - $1,240 for a 2-3 bedroom move, about 85% less than full-service. At 715 miles, that's 2 days behind the wheel, plus around $224 in fuel. Moving containers ($1,320 - $2,670, about 60% less than full-service) skip the drive entirely. Use our moving cost calculator to compare all 3 for your move size.
How do I get a moving quote from North Dakota to Iowa?
Use our moving cost calculator for an instant estimate on this 715-mile route. Full-service runs $1,430-$6,690, or a rental truck starts at $554. Take a room-by-room inventory of your furniture and bulky items so your quote matches your final bill. Then collect a few real quotes and confirm whether each is binding or non-binding — moveBuddha has reviewed 10 movers in North Dakota alone.
Who regulates interstate moves?
Interstate moves are regulated federally by the FMCSA. Verify your mover's USDOT number for free at FMCSA's carrier lookup tool. Report violations at 1-888-368-7238. You can also look up licensed movers in North Dakota at North Dakota's official regulatorandin Iowa at Iowa's official regulator.
Are full-service movers worth it for a North Dakota to Iowa move?
People making this move are often chasing low cost of living in Iowa.Full-service makes sense for a large home (3+ bedrooms), a tight timeline, or high-value items. DIY fits a smaller home (1-2 bedrooms) when cost matters most and you have time to spare. Moving containers, about 60% less than full-service, split the difference by skipping the drive.
How does the cost of living in Iowa compare to North Dakota?
Iowa's cost of living index of 89 is lower than North Dakota's 96 (100 is the national average), so day-to-day costs should feel cheaper. Average rent runs $912 in North Dakota versus $914 in Iowa. Crime index is 22.74 in North Dakota vs 16.18 in Iowa. 30.54% of Iowa adults hold a college degree, versus 31.74% in North Dakota.
Popular North Dakota to Iowa moving routes
These are the most common city-to-city moves on the North Dakota to Iowa corridor. Each guide covers local mover recommendations, cost estimates specific to those metro areas, and neighborhood information to help you plan your destination.
Moving from North Dakota to Iowa: the bottom line
The cost to move from North Dakota to Iowa ranges from $1,430 - $6,690 for a studio to 3-bedroom home with full-service movers. Moving containers and rental trucks cost 60% - 85% less for the same move. For most people making this 715-mile relocation, hiring a full-service mover is the most reliable option, especially for larger homes, time-sensitive moves, or relocations involving high-value items.
To get the best price, collect at least 3 quotes, book 4 - 12 weeks in advance depending on your season, and schedule a mid-week, mid-month pickup date when possible. Use our moving cost calculator to compare costs across all service types for your specific home size.
