Best Movers From Illinois to Iowa (2025 Cost Data)
When relocating from Illinois to Iowa, expect professional movers to cost around
$1,459 to
$3,897, roughly
$1,492 for a container move, and close to
$454
for a rental truck.
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Let’s get moving.
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$772 — $3,897 Top local mover
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$772 — $5,673 Top long-distance mover
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$547 — $2,598 Top container company
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$272 — $698 Top truck rental
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$60 — $81/hour Top labor-only mover
Best movers by type
Professional
|
Local
|
Container
|
Rental Truck
|
Labor Only
|
Best professional movers from Illinois to Iowa
After reviewing 3,180 movers, the moveBuddha team found that 2,641 (83%) offer interstate moves. Using our thorough rating methodology, our moving experts narrowed the list down to the best companies equipped to handle your move from Illinois to Iowa.
Best overall value
Estimated cost to move from Illinois to Iowa
Studio / 1 bedroom
|
2 – 3 bedrooms
|
4+ bedrooms
|
1 Bedroom (large)
Nov 25, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Nov 17, 2025
5+ Bedrooms
Nov 10, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Oct 22, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Oct 20, 2025
5+ Bedrooms
Oct 20, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Oct 04, 2025
4 Bedrooms
Sep 19, 2025
Studio apartment
Sep 14, 2025
1 Bedroom (small)
Sep 13, 2025
FAQ
How much does it cost to move from Illinois to Iowa?
Here are average cost ranges by home size and service type:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $772 – $2,798 | $547 – $1,374 | $272 – $510 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $1,459 – $3,897 | $1,025 – $1,959 | $285 – $623 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,911 – $5,673 | $1,378 – $2,598 | $364 – $698 |
How much does it cost to hire movers (a moving company) for this route?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $772 – $2,798
- 2–3 bedrooms: $1,459 – $3,897
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,911 – $5,673
How much do moving containers cost from Illinois to Iowa?
- Small move: $547 – $1,374
- 2–3 bedrooms: $1,025 – $1,959
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,378 – $2,598
Learn more about PODS cost.
How much does a rental truck cost for this move?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $272 – $510
- 2–3 bedrooms: $285 – $623
- 4+ bedrooms: $364 – $698
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Which option is usually the cheapest?
A rental truck is generally the cheapest option — but you’ll handle the driving and labor yourself.
Why are these prices ranges (not exact quotes)?
These are approximate estimates for a 259-mile move from IL to IA using moveBuddha pricing data as of Dec 17, 2025.
Final costs can vary based on move size, add-on services, parking/access challenges, fuel rates, and scheduling.
How do I get the most accurate price for my exact move?
Compare quotes from multiple movers to dial in a precise number.
What “extra costs” should I plan for after moving from IL to IA?
Beyond the moving bill, your day-to-day budget can change — especially housing and taxes. Here’s a quick side-by-side:
| Illinois | Iowa | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,179 | $914 |
| Average home cost | $249,224 | $220,277 |
| Average income (per capita) | $78,433 | $70,571 |
| Cost of living index | 90 | 89 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.3% | 3.0% |
| Average sales tax | 8.82% | 6.94% |
| State income tax | 4.95% | 4.4% |
Will rent be more expensive in Iowa?
Rent is about 22% lower in Iowa than in Illinois.
Avg rent: $1,179 vs. $914
How do home prices compare (if I’m buying after the move)?
Home prices are about 12% lower in Iowa than in Illinois.
Avg home value: $249,224 vs. $220,277
Will my earning power likely change after moving?
Average income is about 10% lower in Iowa than in Illinois.
Avg income (per capita): $78,433 vs. $70,571
Is the overall cost of living higher in Iowa?
The cost of living is about the same in Illinois and Iowa.
Cost of living index: 90 vs. 89
Will sales tax increase my everyday spending?
Sales tax is about 21% lower in Iowa than in Illinois.
Avg sales tax: 8.82% vs. 6.94%
Will state income tax change my take-home pay?
Income taxes are 11% lower in Iowa than in Illinois.
State income tax: 4.95% vs. 4.4%
How is daily life different in Iowa compared to Illinois?
A move brings shifts that go beyond housing and work — weather, safety, and community size all matter.
| Iowa | Illinois | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 3,207,004 | 12,549,689 |
| Political leaning | Republican 53-45 | Democratic 55-45 |
| Summer high | 84ºF | 86ºF |
| Winter low | 10ºF | 17ºF |
| Annual rain | 35″ | 40″ |
| Annual snow | 30″ | 22″ |
| Crime index | 16.18 | 19.7 |
Will Iowa feel more crowded than Illinois?
Iowa is about 74% less populous than Illinois — which can mean more space and a slower pace.
Will the political culture feel different?
In the last presidential election, Iowa voted Republican while Illinois voted Democratic.
How different is the weather (summer and winter)?
Summer: Highs are very similar (84°F vs. 86°F).
Winter: Iowa is colder on average (10°F vs. 17°F).
Will it be wetter or snowier in Iowa?
Rain: Annual rainfall is pretty similar (35″ vs. 40″).
Snow: Iowa gets more snow (30 inches vs. 22 inches).
Is Iowa safer than Illinois?
Iowa has a lower crime index than Illinois (16.18 vs. 19.7), which can mean more peace of mind overall.
What are some things to do in Iowa?
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
What other things should I plan for besides the move itself?
Other things to consider for your Illinois to Iowa move
- HOA rules: Double-check your neighborhood or community guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises and keep everything running smoothly.
- Elevator reservation: One common issue you should handle ahead of your move is reserving the building’s elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
- Parking permits: Some cities require you to get a parking permit for moving trucks. Check your new local regulations before moving day so you’re not caught off guard.
- 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 has the right licenses before you book with them.
- State regulator: Quickly check the status of a Iowa moving license anytime on the official state regulator’s website, here.
- Moving permits: No moving permit is required in Iowa, but be 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. Get started here.
- Mover’s insurance: By law, interstate moving companies are required to provide basic insurance coverage at no extra cost. Choose cost-free Released Value Protection from movers for basic coverage at 60 cents per pound.
- Moving checklist: Keep your move stress-free with our handy moving checklist.
Do I need to follow HOA or building rules on moving day?
Double-check your neighborhood or community guidelines before moving day.
Should I reserve an elevator for moving day?
One common issue you should handle ahead of your move is reserving the building’s elevator.
Do I need a parking permit for a moving truck in Iowa?
Some cities require a parking permit for moving trucks.
How can I confirm a mover is properly licensed in Iowa?
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.
You can verify licensing on the state regulator’s official site: check a Iowa moving license here.
Do I need a moving permit in Iowa?
No moving permit is required in Iowa.
What should I do about mail forwarding, insurance, and potential discounts?
Submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. Get started here.
By law, interstate movers must include basic insurance at no extra cost. Choose cost-free Released Value Protection from movers for basic coverage at 60 cents per pound.
Some movers in Illinois offer discounts: 1 AAA discounts; 1 military discounts; 2 senior discounts;
Discount types, amounts, and eligibility vary.
Keep your move stress-free with our moving checklist.
Helpful moving resources
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