Local moving companies in Iowa
When you are heading from Iowa to Lexington, KY, you deserve movers who make your transition simple and stress-free.
Out of 32 Iowa movers that handle state-to-state moves, here are the top 5 that can handle your move to Lexington, KY.
- Claeys Brothers Moving & Storage Inc: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- Action Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- White Glove Movers: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.38 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 70
DOT #: 70719
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
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 42
DOT #: 299154
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 21
DOT #: 2991947
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 7
DOT #: 2378173
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Cost to move from Iowa to Lexington, KY
See the table below for average move cost ranges from Iowa to Lexington, KY, organized by service type and the size of your home.
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,085 – $3,477 | $693 – $1,673 | $431 – $840 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $2,021 – $5,056 | $1,176 – $2,268 | $503 – $956 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,790 – $7,365 | $1,571 – $3,028 | $610 – $1,241 |
These cost ranges are approximate estimates based on a 646-mile move from Iowa to Lexington, KY using pricing data compiled by moveBuddha as of Jan 17, 2026. Every month, moveBuddha refreshes thousands of verified pricing entries from moving companies around the country to mirror seasonal changes and market trends. Final costs may shift with the scale of your move, selected add-ons, parking or access constraints, fuel rates, and schedule. Get multiple quotes to ensure you’re seeing accurate pricing.
Cost to hire professional movers from Iowa to Lexington, KY
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Iowa to Lexington, KY, will cost between $1,085 and $3,477. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $2,021 to $5,056, and a large move will cost from $3,790 to $7,365.
Cost of moving containers from Iowa to Lexington, KY
If you’re moving from Iowa to Lexington, KY, expect to pay between $693 and $1,673 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $1,176 up to $2,268. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $1,571 and $3,028. 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 Lexington, KY
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 from Iowa to Lexington, KY, with a rental truck, expect to spend between $431 and $840. For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $503 and $956. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home? You’re likely looking at anywhere from $610 up to $1,241 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Compare local moving companies from Iowa to Lexington, KY
Here’s a quick comparison of the most popular services and discounts available for the top movers for your move:
| Company | Full Service | Antiques | Military Discount | Senior Discount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Claeys Brothers Moving & Storage Inc | ✓ | ✓ | × | × |
| TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | ✓ | × | × | × |
| Action Moving & Storage, Inc. | × | ✓ | × | × |
| White Glove Movers | ✓ | × | × | × |
| College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | ✓ | × | × | × |
From our review of 3,179 movers, see how Iowa movers match up to the nationwide percentage of movers offering these services and discounts:
| Iowa | Nationwide | |
|---|---|---|
| Full Service | 91% | 96% |
| Antiques | 40% | 46% |
| Military Discount | 2% | 4% |
| Senior Discount | 0% | 4% |
Things to know before moving from Iowa to Lexington, KY
Before you break out the moving boxes, let’s compare life in Lexington, KY to what you’re used to in Iowa. We’ll dive into things like cost of living, local culture, everyday routines, and the area’s most popular spots.
Cost of living: Iowa vs. Lexington, KY
| Iowa | Lexington | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $914 | $1,345 |
| Average home cost | $220,277 | $309,021 |
| Average income (per capita) | $70,571 | $61,526 |
| Cost of Living Index | 89 | 91 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.0% | 4.3% |
| State Income Tax | 4.4% | 4.0% |
Lexington sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
- Rent in Lexington is about 47% higher than in Iowa, so make sure to budget extra for your monthly rent.
- In Lexington, expect home prices to be about 40% higher than in Iowa. Get ready for a bigger down payment, increased property taxes, and higher overall homeownership expenses.
- Salaries in Lexington are usually about 13% lower than in Iowa. Make sure to review your finances and adjust your budget before you relocate.
- Unemployment in Lexington is about 43% higher than in Iowa, so the job market may be more competitive. Be strategic in your job hunt and consider networking early.
- Income taxes are 9% lower in Kentucky than in Iowa. Lower income tax rates mean less money is withheld from your paycheck, giving you more flexibility to save, invest, or cover everyday expenses.
How life is different in Lexington from Iowa
| Lexington | Iowa | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 320,347 | 3,207,004 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 49.8-48.3 | Republican 53-45 |
| Summer high | 86ºF | 84ºF |
| Winter low | 24ºF | 10ºF |
| Annual rain | 46″ | 35″ |
| Annual snow | 10″ | 30″ |
| Crime index | 50.88 | 16.18 |
Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- In the last presidential election, Lexington voted Democratic, while Iowa voted Republican.
- Summers in Lexington usually hit highs of 86ºF, right in line with the average 84ºF you’re used to in Iowa. So, you can expect a smooth transition in terms of temperature. Still, don’t forget to factor in the local humidity, typical weather patterns, and changes in energy costs to get a full sense of what summer will really feel like in your new place.
- In the coldest months, temperatures in Lexington typically reach lows of about 24ºF, while Iowa can dip as low as 10ºF. By moving to Lexington, you’ll start to experience milder winters, making everyday life more comfortable, saving money, and giving you more opportunities to enjoy the outdoors.
- Expect around 46 inches of rain each year in Lexington, which is quite a bit more than the 35 inches you’re used to back in Iowa. With the extra rainfall comes lusher landscapes and more rainy days, so be sure to add rain gear to your wardrobe and get ready to embrace life in a wetter, greener setting.
- In Lexington, you’ll only get about 10 inches of snow each year, much less than Iowa. That means moving to Lexington brings milder winters, less time shoveling, and lower maintenance.
- Crime rates in Lexington are higher than in Iowa, with a crime index of 50.88 compared to 16.18. While this doesn’t have to be a dealbreaker, it’s a good idea to look into local crime data and consider how it could impact your everyday life.
Things to do in Lexington
Whether you love scenic parks, world-class museums, thrilling sports, or renowned universities, Lexington truly offers something for everyone.
Museums in Lexington
- Kentucky Horse Park
- Mary Todd Lincoln House
- Ashland: The Henry Clay Estate
- The Aviation Museum of Kentucky
- Explorium of Lexington
Parks in Lexington
- The Arboretum
- Thoroughbred Park
- Jacobson Park
- Masterson Station Park
- Shillito Park
Sports teams in Lexington
- Lexington Legends (ALPB)
- Lexington SC (USL League One)
Universities in Lexington
- University of Kentucky
- Transylvania University
Other considerations when moving to Lexington, KY
- HOA rules: Check into any neighborhood or community rules on moving ahead of time to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: Something you’ll want to sort out early is booking your building’s elevator and checking their rules for moving.
- Parking permits: In some cities, you’ll need a parking permit for your moving truck, so be sure to look up your new area’s rules before moving day.
- State licensing: Movers in Kentucky are licensed and regulated by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) – Division of Motor Carriers. Moving companies that operate within the state must carry adequate cargo insurance and file public tariffs detailing the services they offer and the cost for each. The KYTC can assist consumers with resolving disputes with movers, but only after a customer makes a formal written complaint. Be sure to confirm your moving company is fully licensed before you book.
- State regulator: Verify your Kentucky moving license on the state regulator’s website, here.
- Moving permits: Kentucky does not require any moving permits, but it’s helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
- Change of address: Make sure to submit your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You’ll be able to set your official move date, so your mail will be forwarded to Kentucky right on time. Get started here.
- Mover’s insurance: Choose Released Value Protection for free, basic coverage from movers at 60 cents per pound. For comprehensive protection matching your items’ full value, consult your moving company for alternative options or consider a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving checklist: Peace of mind matters. Our moving checklist keeps you organized and makes sure nothing slips through the cracks.
FAQ
How long does a move from Iowa to Lexington take?
How long it takes to move from Iowa to Lexington, KY depends on your starting point and the type of move you select. Regardless of your choice, packing and loading your belongings usually only takes a day or less, even when you’re doing it yourself.
Planning a move from northern Iowa to Lexington? Be prepared for a longer haul. If you’re renting a truck, set aside one to two days for the journey. Your travel time will depend on your route and how many breaks you take.
With professional movers or moving containers, delivery times to Lexington from Iowa can range from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the company’s schedule and transit logistics. You can always ask for a general timeline before booking.
How far in advance should I book movers when moving from Iowa to Lexington?
With a 646-mile move from Iowa to Lexington, it’s smart to lock in your moving date as soon as your plans are set. For the best availability and pricing, try to book your move two to three months in advance.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Lexington, KY?
Summer highs in Lexington can hit 86°F, while winter lows drop to 24°F. That’s why most people moving from Iowa to Lexington choose the milder spring or fall months. But if you’re looking to avoid the crowds and maybe save some money, try planning your move for the summer or winter instead, even if it means braving a little extra heat or cold. Check out more tips on peak moving seasons.
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