Local moving companies in Missoula
Out of 3 Missoula movers that can handle state-to-state moves, here are the top 5 that can handle your move to Iowa.
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.36 out of 5 stars
- Montana Transfer: 4.22 out of 5 stars
- All Lanes Moving & Storage: 4.22 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 7
DOT #: 2527384
Alternate Names: Two Men and a Truck
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 61
DOT #: 514197
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
- DOD certified
Company Info
State license #: 917105
Years in Business: 25
DOT #: 917105
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Local moving services in Missoula, MT
Quick breakdown of Missoula movers that offer specialty add-on services:
Cost to move from Missoula, MT to Iowa
The table below breaks down average costs for moves from Missoula to Iowa, varying by home size and service option.
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,455 – $5,484 | $940 – $2,238 | $750 – $1,476 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $3,245 – $7,244 | $1,651 – $3,124 | $862 – $1,720 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,356 – $10,010 | $2,127 – $4,453 | $1,062 – $2,295 |
*These cost ranges are approximate estimates based on a 1,297-mile move from Missoula, MT, to Iowa using pricing data compiled by moveBuddha as of Nov 17, 2025. moveBuddha aggregates thousands of verified prices from movers nationwide, updating the data monthly to track seasonal patterns and market trends. Your final quote may differ due to move size, optional services, access or parking challenges, fuel costs, and timing. Always compare estimates from several movers for an accurate picture.
Cost to hire movers from Missoula to Iowa
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Missoula to Iowa will cost between $1,455 and $5,484. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $3,245 to $7,244, and a large move will cost from $5,356 to $10,010.
Cost of moving containers from Missoula to Iowa
If you’re moving from Missoula to Iowa, expect to pay between $940 and $2,238 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $1,651 up to $3,124. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $2,127 and $4,453. Check out our guide on PODS cost for more details.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies for your move from Missoula.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Missoula to Iowa
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 with a rental truck from Missoula to Iowa, expect to spend between $750 and $1,476. For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $862 and $1,720. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home? You’re likely looking at anywhere from $1,062 up to $2,295 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Factors influencing moving costs from Missoula to IA
When calculating the price of Missoula movers, consider:
- Move size: The bigger your home and the more stuff you have, the more expensive your move will be.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Missoula, so moving companies will likely charge more.
- DIY vs. professional mover: Going the DIY route can be less expensive but demands more effort compared to hiring experts.
What you should know before moving from Missoula to IA
Leaving Missoula for Iowa means embracing a new lifestyle — and likely saving some cash. Living in Missoula typically comes with a higher price tag, so your move could open the door to more affordable living.
Check out the cost of living comparison below to understand how Missoula and Iowa measure up, helping you to prepare for the future.
Compare cost of living: Missoula vs. Iowa
| Missoula, MT | Iowa | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,322 | $914 |
| Average home cost | $544,475 | $220,277 |
| Average income (per capita) | $59,180 | $70,571 |
| Cost of living index | 113 | 89 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.4% | 3.0% |
| State income tax | 6.75% | 4.4% |
Iowa sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
- Rent is about 31% less expensive in Iowa compared to Missoula, leaving you more flexibility with your income.
- You’ll pay roughly 60% less for housing in Iowa compared to Missoula, saving you money each month.
- Expect incomes in Iowa to be about 19% higher than in Missoula, offering more opportunities to save or spend.
- You’ll spend roughly 21% less on the cost of living in Iowa compared to Missoula, a boost for your budget.
- In Iowa, the unemployment rate is about 32% below Missoula’s, a positive sign of healthier job opportunities.
- Iowa has income taxes about 35% lower than Montana, giving you more breathing room in your budget.
How life is different in Missoula, MT from Iowa
When relocating from Missoula to Iowa, get ready for some changes. From weather and population to politics, here’s how living in Iowa stacks up against life in the Missoula.
| Missoula, MT | Iowa | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 77,757 | 3,207,004 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 58.4-38.5 | Republican 53-45 |
| Summer high | 85ºF | 84ºF |
| Winter low | 16ºF | 10ºF |
| Annual rain | 15″ | 35″ |
| Annual snow | 40″ | 30″ |
| Crime index | 33.27 | 16.18 |
Iowa Sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- In the last presidential election, Iowa leaned Republican, while Missoula supported Democratic.
- Comparable summer highs of about 84ºF in Iowa match those of 85ºF in Missoula. With similarly warm temperatures, adjusting to your new climate might prove easy. Consider examining humidity, climate patterns, and energy demands for a full representation of how summers will unfold in your new home.
- Winter lows in Iowa can drop to 10ºF, colder than Missoula at 16ºF. Moving here means preparing for chillier winters, higher heating costs, and more intense seasonal weather — but also scenic snowy days and winter activities.
- Expect about 35 inches of rain per year in Iowa, a clear jump from 15 inches in Missoula. Be ready for more frequent wet days and plan accordingly with waterproof gear.
- In Iowa, you can expect about 30 inches of snow each year, much less than the 40 inches you’d deal with in Missoula. So, if you’re moving to Iowa, get ready for milder winters, less shoveling, and fewer extreme winter weather events.
- Iowa has a lower crime rate than Missoula, with indexes at 16.18 vs 33.27. A lower crime rate usually means safer neighborhoods and extra peace of mind.
Other considerations when moving to Iowa
If you’re moving from Missoula to Iowa, there’s more to do than just booking a moving crew and transporting your stuff. Be sure you’re on top of local regulations, permits, and any logistics that might affect your move.
- HOA rules: Confirm whether your HOA has any moving restrictions or requirements before scheduling your movers.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, you’ll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- Truck parking permits: Certain cities ask you to get parking permits for moving trucks or large vehicles. Check in advance to see if you’ll need one for your move.
- State licensing: When moving within Iowa, make sure to hire a company that is licensed by the Iowa Department of Transportation. Each household goods mover in the state should have an Iowa Motor Carrier (IOWAMC) Number, which means they’ve met minimum insurance and highway safety requirements. Make sure your moving company is fully licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can check a Iowa moving license anytime on the state’s official regulatory website.
- Moving permits: You won’t need a moving permit in Iowa, but make sure to check local parking regulations before your move.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Iowa. Get started here.
- Moving insurance: Insurance requirements vary from state to state. Choose cost-free Released Value Protection from movers for basic coverage at 60 cents per pound.
- Moving checklist: Use a checklist to move with confidence. Our moving checklist keeps you organized and ensures everything’s covered, so you can relax and focus on the move.
Things to do in Iowa
No matter what you’re into, from parks and museums to sports or college-town vibes—Iowa is packed with things for you to explore and enjoy.
Museums in Iowa
- National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium
- Figge Art Museum
- National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library
- The Putnam Museum & Science Center
- Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center
Parks in Iowa
- Vander Veer Botanical Park
- Gray’s Lake Park
- Pappajohn Sculpture Park
- Eagle Point Park
- Terry Trueblood Recreational Area
Sports teams in Iowa
- Iowa Wolves (NBA G League)
- Iowa Hawkeyes (NCAA)
- Northern Iowa Panthers (NCAA)
- Iowa State Cyclones (NCAA)
- Drake Bulldogs (NCAA)
Universities in Iowa
- Iowa State University
- University of Iowa
- University of Northern Iowa
- Maharishi International University
- Grinnell College
FAQ
How long does a move from Missoula to Iowa take?
Curious about how long it’ll take to move from Missoula, MT to Iowa? Typically, the process takes about three to eight days, but the service you choose can affect the timeline. Keep in mind that if you’re planning a summer move, things might take a bit longer due to higher demand.
Keep your move on track by confirming delivery timelines with your movers ahead of time. That way, you won’t get stuck with any surprise delays.
How many Missoula movers provide custom crating for art or antiques?
There are two movers in Missoula that offer custom-built crates for delicate or unusual items like artwork, antique pieces, and electronics. If you need special crating, confirm with a Missoula moving company that they can accommodate your specific items.
What is the best way to get a car from Missoula to Iowa?
Looking to move your car from Missoula to Iowa? Choose a service that puts professionalism and vehicle care first, backed by real experience. Check out our top picks for car shippers from Montana to Iowa.
Why are people moving from Missoula to Iowa?
Many people are moving to Iowa because of its low cost of living and ample economic opportunity.
Read more about the Pros & cons of moving to Iowa.
Where can I find a list of long-distance moving companies in Missoula?
Here are our top picks for the best long-distance movers in Missoula.
Do movers in Missoula, MT, accept cash?
At this time, no movers in Missoula take cash payments. Because cash is hard to track, most moving companies rely on cards, ACH, or certified checks. Expect to pay a deposit upfront to reserve your date and crew. Your remaining balance is then paid at pickup or after delivery according to the company’s policy—ask about the exact timing and options.
Helpful moving resources
Montana moving services
Popular Montana routes
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