Moving from Tennessee to Iowa (2026 Cost Data)
There is no single average cost for a 712-mile interstate move from Tennessee to Iowa. It depends on your home size, how much you're bringing, the time of year, and which service level you choose. Based on 818 real quotes from moveBuddha moving cost calculator users, the table below breaks out typical costs by home size across the main options: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Use our moving cost calculator to compare actual estimates for your specific move.
How much does it cost to move from Tennessee to Iowa?
The rates below are based on 818 real quotes from moveBuddha moving cost calculator users on this 712-mile interstate route, broken out by home size and service type.
| Move Size | Full-Service Mover Cost | Moving Container Cost | Rental Truck Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,190 - $3,980 | $710 - $1,710 | $520 - $960 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,230 - $5,800 | $1,250 - $2,700 | $520 - $1,180 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,030 - $8,200 | $1,690 - $3,170 | $660 - $1,300 |
Moving containers run about 55% less than full-service movers on this route, and rental trucks about 80% less. Both require you to handle the loading yourself (and the driving, for a rental truck).
22% of movers in Tennessee offer climate-controlled storage, worth asking about if your container needs to sit before delivery.
Add-on costs for a Tennessee to Iowa move
The ranges above cover loading, 712 miles of transport, and unloading. Accessorial charges are quoted separately and commonly add 10% to 22% to the final invoice. At this distance, storage-in-transit and shuttle fees start to appear if your shipment sits briefly before a delivery window opens.
| Add-On Service | Typical Cost (Tennessee to Iowa) |
|---|---|
| Full packing service | $620 - $1,610 |
| Packing materials only | $140 - $380 |
| Specialty item (piano, safe, pool table) | $290 - $800 |
| Appliance disconnect & reconnect | $90 - $250 |
| Stair or elevator carry | $70 - $220 |
| Storage-in-transit (per month) | $160 - $380 |
| Shuttle service at delivery | $180 - $510 |
| Auto transport (1 vehicle) | $380 - $570 |
| 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 add-on most worth paying for on a 712-mile haul.
41% of movers in Tennessee handle piano moves, 11% handle pool tables, and 25% handle safes. 8% of Tennessee movers require a deposit to book, and 14% offer full-value protection as an add-on.
Our recommended Tennessee to Iowa Movers
These movers average a 89% positive review rate among Tennessee movers we track.
Compare movers for your Tennessee to Iowa move
We track and rate long-distance movers based in Tennessee year-round — here's how the top options for a Iowa move stack up against each other:
2% of Tennessee movers we track offer instant online quotes, so you can compare several before picking up the phone.
223 Threet Industrial Road, Smyrna, TN 37167
2000 Stuart Street, Chattanooga, TN 37406
2609 Cruzen St, Nashville, TN 37211
1520 Amherst Road, Knoxville, TN 37909
2709 Locust Street, Nashville, TN 37207
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Alternate Tennessee to Iowa moving options
DIY moving options offer real cost savings on a Tennessee to Iowa move, with the right choice depending on how hands-on you want to be. Moving containers run about 55% less than full-service interstate movers, and rental trucks come in around 80% 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 Tennessee run $61 - $81 per hour to load the truck for you, while you still drive and unload on the Iowa end. 36% of movers in Tennessee offer labor-only service, so finding one shouldn't take long.
With a moving container (ex: PODS), you handle the packing and loading in Tennessee 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 $322 - $835 to rent in Tennessee, before the long-distance haul fee shown above is added.
Why book a moveBuddha Certified mover for your Tennessee to Iowa move:
Every moveBuddha Certified mover passes our vetting for safety, licensing, reputation, transparency, and pricing, and agrees to ongoing monitoring. That adds a layer of protection most interstate moves don't come with.
- Up to $1,000 in coverage: Get up to $1,000 in added move coverage on eligible moves.
- Dispute mediation: If something goes wrong, we work with your Certified mover to resolve it.
- Dedicated support: Enjoy ongoing support from moveBuddha throughout your move.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Iowa to Tennessee guide.
Tennessee to Iowa cost of living comparison
Moving from Tennessee to Iowa means adjusting to a different cost of living, job market, and housing landscape. Our moving trends data across major U.S. routes shows these are the factors that most commonly shape a relocation like this one:
| Factor | Tennessee | Iowa |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 90 | 89 |
| Average household income | $64,035 | $70,571 |
| Median home value | $319,208 | $220,277 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.3% | 3.0% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 4.4% |
| Average monthly rent | $1,047 | $914 |
| Average sales tax | 9.55% | 6.94% |
| Crime index | 29.24 | 16.18 |
| College graduation rate | 30.48% | 30.54% |
| Population | 7,126,489 | 3,207,004 |
The cost of living in Iowa is comparable to Tennessee, so most people making this move are driven by career, family, or personal reasons rather than cost differences. Day-to-day expenses should feel familiar after you settle in.
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 Tennessee to Iowa
How long does it take to move from Tennessee to Iowa?
Expect 1 - 6 days from pickup to delivery, depending on distance, your mover's routing, and whether your shipment is consolidated with others. Moving containers take longer, typically 1 - 2 weeks from loading to delivery since they ship by scheduled ground freight. Rental trucks give you the most control since you drive directly, but add 1 - 2 days depending on distance.
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 Tennessee at Tennessee's official regulatorandin Iowa at Iowa's official regulator.
Are full-service movers worth it for a Tennessee 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 55% less than full-service, split the difference by skipping the drive.
What's the cheapest way to move from Tennessee to Iowa?
A rental truck is cheapest: $520 - $1,180 for a 2-3 bedroom move, about 80% less than full-service. At 712 miles, that's 2 days behind the wheel, plus around $218 in fuel. Moving containers ($1,250 - $2,700, about 55% 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 Tennessee to Iowa?
Use our moving cost calculator for an instant estimate on this 712-mile route. Full-service runs $1,190-$5,800, or a rental truck starts at $522. 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 213 movers in Tennessee alone.
Popular Tennessee to Iowa moving routes
These are the most common city-to-city moves on the Tennessee 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 Tennessee to Iowa: the bottom line
The cost to move from Tennessee to Iowa depends on your home size, the service type you choose, and your move date. Moving containers and rental trucks cost 55% - 80% less than full-service movers for the same move. For most people making this 712-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.