How Much Do Iowa Movers Cost?
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: The average cost of hiring movers in Iowa is $199 per hour, with an average total move cost between $804 and $6,640. The exact cost of your move will depend on how many belongings you have and how far you’re relocating.
Of course, it’s crucial to get a personalized moving quote for your Iowa move. For that, use our free and instant moving cost calculator.
To figure out how much your Iowa move will cost, it’s a good idea to compare multiple quotes. With our cost calculator, you can get pricing information from the best moving companies in IA — including Safeway Moving, American Van Lines, Mayzlin Relocation, North American Van Lines, JK Moving Services, and some of the top national moving companies provided below.
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Average cost to hire a moving company in Iowa
The cost to hire a Iowa moving company depends primarily on the size of your home, how many belongings you have, and the distance of your move. Here’s what you could expect to pay a professional movers in Iowa.
Cost to move a home in Iowa
| Home size | Avg. total cost | Cost/hour | # of movers | # hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $804 | $278 | 2 movers | 3 hours |
| 1 bedroom | $1,082 | $278 | 2 movers | 4 hours |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,696 | $390 | 3 movers | 5 hours |
| 3 bedrooms | $3,800 | $546 | 4 movers | 8 hours |
| 4 bedrooms | $4,345 | $546 | 4 movers | 9 hours |
| 5+ bedrooms | $6,640 | $764 | 5 movers | 10 hours |
- Studio: The average cost to hire movers in Iowa to move a studio apartment is $804. You'll need two movers for three hours at $278 per hour.
- One bedroom: If you have a one-bedroom apartment or home, expect to pay around $1,082 for local Iowa movers. You'll need two movers for four hours at $278 per hour.
- Two bedrooms: The average cost to hire Iowa movers to move a two-bedroom home is $1,696. You'll need three movers for five hours at $390 per hour.
- Three bedrooms: For a three-bedroom home, expect to pay $3,800 for local Iowa movers. A three-bedroom typically requires four movers for eight hours at $546 per hour.
- Four bedrooms: Moving a four-bedroom house in Iowa will cost $4,345, on average. The cost to move a larger home can vary, but typically requires four movers for nine hours at $546 per hour.
- Five or more bedrooms: The cost of hiring Iowa movers for a home with five or more bedrooms is $6,640. You'll need five movers for 10 hours at $764 per hour.
City moving costs in Iowa
- Cost of Altoona movers
- Cost of Ames movers
- Cost of Ankeny movers
- Cost of Bettendorf movers
- Cost of Boone movers
- Cost of Burlington movers
- Cost of Carroll movers
- Cost of Cedar Falls movers
- Cost of Cedar Rapids movers
- Cost of Clinton movers
- Cost of Clive movers
- Cost of Coralville movers
- Cost of Council Bluffs movers
- Cost of Davenport movers
- Cost of Des Moines movers
- Cost of Dubuque movers
- Cost of Fort Dodge movers
- Cost of Fort Madison movers
- Cost of Grimes movers
- Cost of Indianola movers
- Cost of Iowa City movers
- Cost of Johnston movers
- Cost of Le Mars movers
- Cost of Marion movers
- Cost of Marshalltown movers
- Cost of Mason City movers
- Cost of Muscatine movers
- Cost of Newton movers
- Cost of North Liberty movers
- Cost of Norwalk movers
- Cost of Oskaloosa movers
- Cost of Ottumwa movers
- Cost of Pella movers
- Cost of Pleasant Hill movers
- Cost of Sioux City movers
- Cost of Spencer movers
- Cost of Storm Lake movers
- Cost of Urbandale movers
- Cost of Waterloo movers
- Cost of Waukee movers
- Cost of Waverly movers
- Cost of West Des Moines movers
Average cost to hire an interstate mover in Iowa
The cost of an interstate move from Iowa to another state has even more variables than a local move.
Out-of-state, or Interstate, moves mean longer distances, and that additional mileage comes with higher prices. Fuel costs, higher insurance premiums, and time of year are additional cost factors that can drive up your overall expenses. Rather than pay an hourly rate (like you would with local movers), an interstate moving company will charge you based on the total weight of your belongings.
Below are some cost examples from popular moving routes.
Cost to move a two- or three-bedroom home out of Iowa
- Iowa to California: $3,557–$6,295
- Iowa to New York: $2,949–$6,089
- Iowa to Illinois: $1,725–$4,685
- Iowa to Texas: $2,502–$5,877
- Iowa to Arizona: $2,979–$6,567
Now that you have an idea of what your move from Iowa should cost, it’s time to start looking at the best long-distance moving movers in Iowa.
Best interstate moving companies in Iowa
These are the best interstate moving companies available in Iowa:
- Safeway Moving: 4.85 out of 5
- American Van Lines: 4.5 out of 5
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.9 out of 5
- North American Van Lines: 4.5 out of 5
- JK Moving Services: 4.6 out of 5
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Best local moving companies in Iowa
Staying in Iowa and moving just a short distance? Check out the best moving companies in Iowa.
- Two Men and a Truck: 4.86 out of 5
- All Mighty Movers LLC: 4.62 out of 5
- Claeys Brothers Moving & Storage Inc: 4.58 out of 5
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.58 out of 5
- Adamantine Spine Moving: 4.58 out of 5
Factors that affect the cost of your Iowa move
The following common factors will affect the cost of your Iowa move:
- The size of your move: The more items you move, the more the move is going to cost. Obviously, it will take more time to load more items into a truck, but it will also often require a bigger moving crew. Those additional man hours and extra labor means you’ll pay more for a fully furnished two-bedroom home than you would a minimalist studio apartment. To help keep costs down, make sure that you’re only bringing with you those things that you truly want to have in Iowa.
- The distance of the move: How far you’re moving can greatly impact your costs. If you’re moving locally, you’ll pay an hourly rate and your total price will be based on how long it takes a crew to move a home of your size. A long distance mover will likely build additional expenses like mileage and fuel and toll costs into your total estimate. Getting a truck from Iowa to your new home state takes longer, so moving companies also adjust pricing to account for the time involved.
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The type of move:
You have four main options for your Iowa move:
- Hiring a full-service moving company
- Renting a moving truck
- Getting a moving container
- Using a freight trailer
- Home type: If you live in a one-bedroom ranch with a private driveway, your move will be logistically easier. Moving out of condos or high-rise apartments will require additional planning and loading time, especially if parking is an issue. Most movers will typically charge stair and elevator fees for moves that aren’t on the ground floor and homes with more than one story. Long-carry fees will also usually be applied if crews must carry items a longer distance to the truck due to parking limitations.
- Add-on services: Generally speaking, the more you do yourself the less your Iowa move is going to cost you. However, it can be nice to have professionals do your packing and unpacking for you. That’s going to cost a little extra, as will opting for increased insurance, tacking on short-term storage, or requesting customized crating for electronics, antiques, or fine art.
- The time of the year: Moving in the summer can cost from 20-30% more than other times of year. That’s because summer is a popular time of year for relocations. Demand and limited availability during peak moving season drives prices up. Moving within or out of Iowa between October and April, when moving companies have less demand, will certainly bring your costs down.
The average cost of living in Iowa
- The cost index in Iowa is 89. This means it’s about 11% less expensive than the national average.
- The average rent in Iowa for a one-bedroom apartment is $806 which is 39.22% lower than the national average.
- The average home value in Iowa is $207,215 which is about 41.80% less expensive than the national average.
- The average income in Iowa is $70,571 which is about 8.58% higher than the national average.
Options you have when moving in Iowa
Hire a professional moving company
Hiring a professional mover in Iowa is most likely going to be the most expensive option, but you are paying for some extra convenience, like not having to load and drive a truck yourself.
Below is a list of the best moving companies in Iowa to hire for your move.
Moving truck rental
Rent a moving truck from a company like U-Haul to pack, load, and transport your belongings from one Iowa location to another or to another state. This is the cheapest option but will require the most amount of work — you’ll need to box up and load your items, drive the truck, and unload your belongings at your new place.
- More than 20,000 locations with prominent pricing
- Rental options include everything from pick-up trucks to 26-foot moving trucks
- Gentle-Ride Suspension add protection to avoid damaging your items during transit
- U-Box moving containers available if you don't want to drive
- Competitive base prices with specialized discounts
- Round-trip and one-way moves available
- User-friendly website makes it easy to book the right truck
Moving containers or PODS
Rent a moving container if you’re looking for a balance of affordability and convenience. With this moving option, you load the container and the professionals drive it to your new location in Iowa for you. Moving containers typically cost more than a rental truck but less than hiring a professional mover.
This is also a great option if you need storage with your move. Many container companies like PODS include 30-days of free storage with all moves.
- Long distance moves only
- Only pay for the space you use
- No deposit or initial fees
- Fast delivery time frames
- 30 days storage included
- Local and long distance moving options
- Unlimited loading/unloading time
- Store on property or at a facility
Hire a freight shipper
Use freight shipping if you are moving a large amount of stuff across the country from Iowa. With a freight shipper, you pack a large 28-foot trailer at your house and they drive it for you. This is a good option for large cross-country moves.
How do I ship a car in Iowa?
Professional car shippers will apply their years of know-how to help get your car to your new home as part of your long-distance move. Here are the top car shippers in IA:
| Company | Our take | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sherpa Auto Transport |
 
4.5 / 5
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| Montway Auto Transport |
4.5 / 5
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| Easy Auto Ship |
4.9 / 5
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| AmeriFreight Car Transport |
4.3 / 5
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| SGT Auto Transport |
4.9 / 5
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Things to know about your Iowa move
Although cost is certainly important, there are other factors that you should consider about 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.
- Mover's Insurance: Choose cost-free Released Value Protection from movers for basic coverage at 60 cents per pound.
- Weather: Iowa has a humid continental climate throughout the state. Snowfall is common in Iowa. Spring brings in severe weather season. Iowa has about 50 thunderstorm days per year and has a tornado season. Iowa is known for hot and humid summers. Be sure to check the weather before your move, especially during the springtime.
Tips to save money on your Iowa move
Regardless of whether you decide to hire a professional full-service mover or go the DIY route, there are some easy things you can do to help you save money on your Iowa move:
- Declutter and downsize. Decluttering before moving is a great way to reduce costs, since the less you have, the less it will cost to move it! You can donate items you don’t want to keep and may even be able to make some extra cash selling higher-value, gently used pieces.
- Ask about moving discounts. A lot of moving companies provide special offers for veterans, students, senior citizens, and new customers, so make sure you ask when you’re shopping around for a mover.
- Move during the off-season. Movers are busiest between mid-May and mid-September, so, if you can, plan your moving day outside of this peak season. Additionally, movers tend to charge more on weekends because of high demand. If you’re able to relocate during the week, you might save some money.
- Book your move well in advance. Last-minute moves cost more, so if you plan ahead and book at least two months in advance, you’ll be paying less than if you waited until a couple weeks before your moving day.
- Handle packing yourself. Even if you go with a full-service mover for your Iowa move, you can save money by packing yourself instead of paying a company to do it for you.
What is the cheapest way to move in Iowa?
The cheapest way to move within Iowa is by using a DIY option. For some people in Iowa, it’s cheaper to rent a moving truck, but for others, it makes more sense to hire a professional moving company.
While it seems like a DIY move would also be the cheapest way to relocate out of Iowa, that’s not always the case. Truck rentals can save you money on shorter-distance moves. But for out-of-state relocations, hidden or unexpected expenses like gas, mileage, toll charges, and even food and accommodations on your trip can add up quickly and even push the price of your truck rental above what it would cost to use a full-service mover.
To help you decide, use our moving cost calculator to get free personalized, instant quotes and quickly compare the cost of truck rentals and professional moving companies.
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