When planning a move from North Carolina to Iowa, professional movers typically run between
$2,303 and $5,755, a moving container averages about
$2,210, and a rental truck is around
$1,119.
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FAQ
How much does it cost to move from North Carolina to Iowa?
Here are average cost ranges by home size and service type:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,086 – $4,534 | $795 – $1,942 | $695 – $1,345 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $2,303 – $5,755 | $1,545 – $2,876 | $744 – $1,494 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,788 – $7,710 | $2,067 – $3,794 | $952 – $1,948 |
How much does it cost to hire movers (a moving company) for this route?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $1,086 – $4,534
- 2–3 bedrooms: $2,303 – $5,755
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,788 – $7,710
How much do moving containers cost from North Carolina to Iowa?
- Small move: $795 – $1,942
- 2–3 bedrooms: $1,545 – $2,876
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,067 – $3,794
Learn more about PODS cost.
How much does a rental truck cost for this move?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $695 – $1,345
- 2–3 bedrooms: $744 – $1,494
- 4+ bedrooms: $952 – $1,948
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 1,076-mile move from NC to IA using moveBuddha pricing data as of Dec 15, 2025. Pricing is refreshed monthly to reflect seasonal and market changes.
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 NC to IA?
Beyond the moving bill, your day-to-day budget can change — especially housing and taxes. Here’s a quick side-by-side:
| North Carolina | Iowa | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,093 | $914 |
| Average home cost | $328,715 | $220,277 |
| Average income (per capita) | $66,186 | $70,571 |
| Cost of living index | 96 | 89 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.7% | 3.0% |
| Average sales tax | 6.98% | 6.94% |
| State income tax | 4.5% | 4.4% |
Will rent be more expensive in Iowa?
Rent is about 16% lower in Iowa than in North Carolina.
Avg rent: $1,093 vs. $914
How do home prices compare (if I’m buying after the move)?
Home prices are about 33% lower in Iowa than in North Carolina.
Avg home value: $328,715 vs. $220,277
Will my earning power likely change after moving?
Average income is about 7% higher in Iowa than in North Carolina.
Avg income (per capita): $66,186 vs. $70,571
Is the overall cost of living higher in Iowa?
The cost of living is 7% lower in Iowa than in North Carolina.
Cost of living index: 96 vs. 89
Will sales tax increase my everyday spending?
Sales tax rates are similar in North Carolina and Iowa.
Avg sales tax: 6.98% vs. 6.94%
Will state income tax change my take-home pay?
Income tax rates are similar in North Carolina and Iowa.
State income tax: 4.5% vs. 4.4%
How is daily life different in Iowa compared to North Carolina?
Starting fresh means adjusting to more than logistics — climate, crime, and culture shape the experience.
| Iowa | North Carolina | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 3,207,004 | 10,835,491 |
| Political leaning | Republican 53-45 | Republican 51-49 |
| Summer high | 84ºF | 88ºF |
| Winter low | 10ºF | 29ºF |
| Annual rain | 35″ | 48″ |
| Annual snow | 30″ | 4″ |
| Crime index | 16.18 | 24.69 |
Will Iowa feel more crowded than North Carolina?
Iowa is about 70% less populous than North Carolina — which can mean more space and a slower pace.
Will the political culture feel different?
In the last presidential election, both North Carolina and Iowa voted Republican.
How different is the weather (summer and winter)?
Summer: Highs are very similar (84°F vs. 88°F).
Winter: Iowa is colder on average (10°F vs. 29°F).
Will it be wetter or snowier in Iowa?
Rain: Iowa gets less rain (35″ vs. 48″).
Snow: Iowa gets more snow (30 inches vs. 4 inches).
Is Iowa safer than North Carolina?
Iowa has a lower crime index than North Carolina (16.18 vs. 24.69), 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 North Carolina to Iowa move
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: A key task to tackle early is booking your building’s elevator and checking out the rules for using it on moving day.
- Parking permits: Some cities require a parking permit for moving trucks, so be sure to check your new local rules before moving day to avoid any surprises.
- 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. Before you book, double-check that your moving company is properly licensed.
- State regulator: Easily verify the status of a Iowa moving license anytime on the official state regulator’s website, here.
- Moving permits: Iowa does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
- Change of address: Submit your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. Just set your official move date, and your mail will be forwarded to Iowa right on time. Get started here.
- Mover’s insurance: Federal law requires interstate moving companies to provide you with basic insurance, called “released value protection,” for free. Choose cost-free Released Value Protection from movers for basic coverage at 60 cents per pound.
- Moving checklist: Keep moving day simple with our easy-to-use moving checklist. Make this your go-to guide to ensure you don’t miss a thing.
Do I need to follow HOA or building rules on moving day?
Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
Should I reserve an elevator for moving day?
A key task to tackle early is booking your building’s elevator and checking out the rules for using it on moving day.
Do I need a parking permit for a moving truck in Iowa?
Some cities require a parking permit for moving trucks, so be sure to check your new local rules before moving day to avoid any surprises.
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?
Iowa does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
What should I do about mail forwarding, insurance, and potential discounts?
Submit your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. Get started here.
Federal law requires interstate movers to include basic insurance (“released value protection”) for free. Choose cost-free Released Value Protection from movers for basic coverage at 60 cents per pound.
Some movers in North Carolina offer discounts: 1 AAA discounts; 5 military discounts; 2 senior discounts; 1 educator discounts; 2 law enforcement discounts.
Discount types, amounts, and eligibility vary—confirm with each mover before booking.
Keep moving day simple with our easy-to-use moving checklist. Make this your go-to guide to ensure you don’t miss a thing.
Helpful moving resources
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