When moving from Ohio to Iowa, you’ll likely pay between $2,105–$5,504 with professional movers, roughly
$1,896 for a moving container, and about
$725
for a rental truck.
Fact Checked by:
Best overall value
FAQ
How much does it cost to move from Ohio to Iowa?
Here are average cost ranges by home size and service type:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,210 – $3,573 | $686 – $1,657 | $443 – $827 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $2,105 – $5,504 | $1,288 – $2,505 | $468 – $982 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,853 – $7,600 | $1,702 – $3,022 | $633 – $1,209 |
How much does it cost to hire movers (a moving company) for this route?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $1,210 – $3,573
- 2–3 bedrooms: $2,105 – $5,504
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,853 – $7,600
How much do moving containers cost from Ohio to Iowa?
- Small move: $686 – $1,657
- 2–3 bedrooms: $1,288 – $2,505
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,702 – $3,022
Learn more about PODS cost.
How much does a rental truck cost for this move?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $443 – $827
- 2–3 bedrooms: $468 – $982
- 4+ bedrooms: $633 – $1,209
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 615-mile move from OH 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 OH to IA?
Beyond the moving bill, your day-to-day budget can change — especially housing and taxes. Here’s a quick side-by-side:
| Ohio | Iowa | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $945 | $914 |
| Average home cost | $230,798 | $220,277 |
| Average income (per capita) | $66,990 | $70,571 |
| Cost of living index | 94 | 89 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.6% | 3.0% |
| Average sales tax | 7.23% | 6.94% |
| State income tax | 3.5% | 4.4% |
Will rent be more expensive in Iowa?
Rent is about the same in Ohio and Iowa.
Avg rent: $945 vs. $914
How do home prices compare (if I’m buying after the move)?
Home prices are pretty similar in Ohio and Iowa.
Avg home value: $230,798 vs. $220,277
Will my earning power likely change after moving?
Average incomes are about the same in Ohio and Iowa.
Avg income (per capita): $66,990 vs. $70,571
Is the overall cost of living higher in Iowa?
The cost of living is about the same in Ohio and Iowa.
Cost of living index: 94 vs. 89
Will sales tax increase my everyday spending?
Sales tax rates are similar in Ohio and Iowa.
Avg sales tax: 7.23% vs. 6.94%
Will state income tax change my take-home pay?
Income taxes are 26% higher in Iowa than in Ohio.
State income tax: 3.5% vs. 4.4%
How is daily life different in Iowa compared to Ohio?
Everyday life is shaped by factors like climate, safety, politics, and community size.
| Iowa | Ohio | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 3,207,004 | 11,785,935 |
| Political leaning | Republican 53-45 | Republican 55-45 |
| Summer high | 84ºF | 84ºF |
| Winter low | 10ºF | 20ºF |
| Annual rain | 35″ | 40″ |
| Annual snow | 30″ | 28″ |
| Crime index | 16.18 | 20.76 |
Will Iowa feel more crowded than Ohio?
Iowa is about 73% less populous than Ohio — which can mean more space and a slower pace.
Will the political culture feel different?
In the last presidential election, both Ohio and Iowa voted Republican.
How different is the weather (summer and winter)?
Summer: Highs are very similar (84°F vs. 84°F).
Winter: Iowa is colder on average (10°F vs. 20°F).
Will it be wetter or snowier in Iowa?
Rain: Annual rainfall is pretty similar (35″ vs. 40″).
Snow: Snowfall is similar (30 inches vs. 28 inches).
Is Iowa safer than Ohio?
Iowa has a lower crime index than Ohio (16.18 vs. 20.76), 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 Ohio to Iowa move
- HOA rules: Before moving day, make sure to review any rules your neighborhood or community might have so your move goes off without a hitch.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to reserve your building’s elevator as soon as possible and review any moving day rules well in advance.
- Parking permits: Some cities expect you to have a parking permit for moving trucks, so double-check your new area’s rules before moving day to prevent any last-minute headaches.
- 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 book.
- State regulator: You can verify a Iowa moving license and its status on the state regulator’s official website.
- Moving permits: You don’t need a moving permit in Iowa, but it’s a good idea to look into local parking rules before your move.
- Change of address: Make sure to submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before moving. Once you set your move date, your mail will start forwarding to Iowa right on schedule. Get started here.
- Mover’s insurance: By law, interstate movers have to give you basic insurance known as “released value protection” at no extra cost. Choose cost-free Released Value Protection from movers for basic coverage at 60 cents per pound.
- Moving checklist: Make moving day a breeze with our straightforward moving checklist, which can help you stay on track and make sure you don’t miss any steps.
Do I need to follow HOA or building rules on moving day?
Before moving day, make sure to review any rules your neighborhood or community might have so your move goes off without a hitch.
Should I reserve an elevator for moving day?
Make sure to reserve your building’s elevator as soon as possible and review any moving day rules well in advance.
Do I need a parking permit for a moving truck in Iowa?
Some cities expect you to have a parking permit for moving trucks, so double-check your new area’s rules before moving day to prevent any last-minute headaches.
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?
You don’t need a moving permit in Iowa, but it’s a good idea to look into local parking rules before your move.
What should I do about mail forwarding, insurance, and potential discounts?
Make sure to submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before moving. Get started here.
By law, interstate movers have to give you basic insurance (“released value protection”) at no extra cost. Choose cost-free Released Value Protection from movers for basic coverage at 60 cents per pound.
Some movers in Ohio offer discounts: 6 AAA discounts; 10 military discounts; 12 senior discounts; 2 law enforcement discounts.
Discount types, amounts, and eligibility vary—confirm with each mover before booking.
Make moving day a breeze with our straightforward moving checklist, which can help you stay on track and make sure you don’t miss any steps.
Helpful moving resources
Ohio moving services
Popular Ohio routes
Popular moving resources
Not what you were looking for?
Check out other categories that can help you find the information you need!
