Local moving companies in Iowa
When you’re moving from Iowa to Raleigh, NC, make your move easy with one of the best local movers who know the ins and outs of relocating from the Hawkeye State to the vibrant The City of Oaks.
Out of 32 Iowa movers that handle state-to-state moves, here are the top 5 that can handle your move to Raleigh, NC.
- 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 Raleigh, NC
This table details typical cost ranges to move from Iowa to Raleigh, NC, depending on your home size and the moving service selected.
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,197 – $4,571 | $777 – $2,097 | $666 – $1,228 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $2,540 – $5,862 | $1,526 – $2,900 | $749 – $1,491 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,262 – $7,699 | $1,883 – $3,786 | $877 – $1,832 |
These cost ranges are approximate estimates based on a 1,094-mile move from Iowa to Raleigh, NC using pricing data compiled by moveBuddha as of Jan 17, 2026. moveBuddha gathers thousands of verified rates from movers across the country and refreshes the data each month to capture seasonal shifts and market changes. Your actual cost can differ based on shipment size, extra services, parking or access issues, fuel prices, and timing. We recommend getting quotes from several movers to gauge a fair price.
Cost to hire professional movers from Iowa to Raleigh, NC
Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Iowa to Raleigh, NC, typically costs between $1,197 and $4,571. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $2,540 and $5,862. If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from Iowa to Raleigh, NC, you’re looking at costs ranging from $4,262 up to $7,699.
Cost of moving containers from Iowa to Raleigh, NC
When relocating from Iowa to Raleigh, NC, you’ll typically spend between $777 and $2,097 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $1,526 up to $2,900. If you’re moving a larger home—four bedrooms or more—expect to pay anywhere between $1,883 and $3,786. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from Iowa.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Iowa to Raleigh, NC
Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice, but remember, you’ll be responsible for all the heavy lifting, packing, and driving on your own.
If you’re moving from a studio or one-bedroom place with a rental truck from Iowa to Raleigh, NC, expect to pay between $666 and $1,228. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $749 to $1,491. If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $877 and $1,832.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Compare local moving companies from Iowa to Raleigh, NC
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 | ✓ | × | × | × |
After evaluating 3,179 movers, here’s how Iowa movers measure up to the countrywide competition in terms of offered 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 Raleigh, NC
Before packing your bags, it’s important to understand how life in Raleigh, NC differs from what you’re used to in Iowa. From the cost of living and cultural vibe to everyday experiences. We’ll walk you through key lifestyle differences and the top local attractions you can explore in your new hometown.
Cost of living: Iowa vs. Raleigh, NC
| Iowa | Raleigh | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $914 | $1,670 |
| Average home cost | $220,277 | $431,795 |
| Average income (per capita) | $70,571 | $2,572 |
| Cost of Living Index | 89 | 106 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.0% | 4.3% |
| State Income Tax | 4.4% | 4.5% |
Raleigh sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
- Rent in Raleigh is approximately 83% higher than in Iowa. Keep this in mind when planning your budget.
- Home prices are about 96% higher in Raleigh than in Iowa. It’s important to factor in increased costs for a down payment, property taxes, and overall homeownership expenses.
- Expect salaries in Raleigh to be approximately 96% lower than in Iowa. Be sure to reassess your finances and update your budget before making your move.
- Even though unemployment in Raleigh is 43% higher than in Iowa, you’ll still find opportunities if you’re proactive. Start building your network early.
- Income tax rates are nearly the same in North Carolina and Iowa, which should make your financial transition smoother.
How life is different in Raleigh from Iowa
| Raleigh | Iowa | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 467,665 | 3,207,004 |
| Political leaning | Republican 51-48 | Republican 53-45 |
| Summer high | 90ºF | 84ºF |
| Winter low | 30ºF | 10ºF |
| Annual rain | 46″ | 35″ |
| Annual snow | 4″ | 30″ |
| Crime index | 38.87 | 16.18 |
Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- Iowa and Raleigh both voted Republican in the last election.
- Get ready for summer highs of around 90ºF in Raleigh, warmer than the average 84ºF in Iowa. With more sunshine, you’ll have extra chances for outdoor fun, but expect higher cooling costs and a hotter daily routine.
- During the coldest months, temperatures in Raleigh usually drop to around 30ºF, while in Iowa, they can fall as low as 10ºF. Moving to Raleigh means you’ll enjoy milder winters, which makes daily life more comfortable, helps you save on heating costs, and lets you spend more time outdoors.
- You can expect about 46 inches of annual rainfall in Raleigh vs only 35 inches in Iowa. More rainfall equates to lusher landscapes and rainier days, so you’ll want to make a few tweaks to your routine. Grab some waterproof gear before you move.
- In Raleigh, you’ll get about 4 inches of snow each year, far less than Iowa. That means moving to Raleigh will bring milder winters with less shoveling and fewer weather headaches.
- Crime rates in Raleigh are higher than in Iowa, with a crime index of 38.87 versus 16.18. This doesn’t have to be a dealbreaker, but it’s smart to research local safety insights and think about how it might affect your daily life.
Things to do in Raleigh
Whether you’re looking for parks, museums, sports, or even universities, you’ll be happy to find a plethora of these in Raleigh.
Museums in Raleigh
- African American Cultural Complex
- Contemporary Art Museum of Raleigh
- Gregg Museum of Art & Design at North Carolina State University
- Haywood Hall House & Gardens
- Marbles Kids Museum
Parks in Raleigh
- Pullen Park
- William B. Umstead State Park
- Yates Mill County Park
- JC Raulston Arboretum
- Neuse River Trail
Sports teams in Raleigh
- Carolina Hurricanes (NHL)
- North Carolina FC (USL)
- North Carolina Courage (NWSL)
- Carolina Mudcats (MiLB)
Universities in Raleigh
- North Carolina State University
- Wake Technical Community College
- Campbell University Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law
- Montreat College’s School of Professional and Adult Studies
- William Peace University
Other considerations when moving to Raleigh, NC
- HOA rules: Before your move, double-check any neighborhood or community guidelines to help everything go smoothly.
- Elevator reservation: One thing you’ll want to take care of early is reserving your building’s elevator and finding out any moving policies they have.
- Parking permits: Some cities require a parking permit for your moving truck, so check your new neighborhood’s regulations before moving day.
- State licensing: For-profit household goods carriers in the state fall under the jurisdiction of the North Carolina Utilities Commission, Transportation Division. All legitimate movers should have a “C Number” issued by the commission, signifying that they’ve met minimum insurance requirements and adhere to the provisions outlined in the state’s Maximum Rate Tariff (MRT). Double-check that your moving company is properly licensed before booking.
- State regulator: You can verify a North Carolina moving license and its status on the state regulator’s official website.
- Moving permits: You won’t need a moving permit to settle in North Carolina, but it’s a smart idea to look into local parking rules before your move.
- Change of address: Be sure to submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before moving. You’ll be able to select your move date so your mail gets forwarded to North Carolina on time. Get started here.
- Mover’s insurance: Choose Released Value Protection for no-cost, minimal coverage from movers, with responsibility limited to 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage, explore alternatives with your chosen moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving checklist: Staying organized is key to a stress-free move. Our moving checklist helps you stay on track, so you don’t miss a single detail.
FAQ
How long does a move from Iowa to Raleigh take?
The time it takes to move from Iowa to Raleigh, NC depends on where you’re starting and the kind of moving option you choose. No matter which route you go, packing and loading your stuff typically takes a day or less, even if you’re handling it all on your own.
Obviously, the further upstate you are in Iowa, the longer the drive time to Raleigh will be. If you’re driving a rental truck, the move could be completed in one or two days, on average, depending on your route and how often you stop.
Depending on the company’s schedule and shipping logistics, delivery from Iowa to Raleigh can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks, whether you’re using professional movers or a moving container. Be sure to ask for an estimated timeline before you book.
How far in advance should I book movers when moving from Iowa to Raleigh?
If you’re planning a 1,094-mile move from Iowa to Raleigh, it’s a good idea to schedule your moving date as soon as your plans are confirmed. To get the best rates and secure your preferred date, aim to book your movers two to three months ahead of time.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Raleigh, NC?
Summer temperatures in Raleigh can soar to 90°F, while winters can get as chilly as 30°F. That’s why most people making the move from Iowa to Raleigh prefer the milder weather of spring or fall. But if you’re hoping to dodge the crowds and maybe snag a better deal, consider moving during summer or winter. Sure, you’ll have to handle a bit more heat or cold, but it could be worth it. Want more advice? Check out our tips on peak moving season.
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