How we chose the best moving companies for your AL to IA move
moveBuddha’s expert team analyzed moving rates from 47 Alabama movers and listed the top movers based on customer satisfaction, reviews, and cost.
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Customer satisfaction (40%): Shows up on time, communicates clearly, and delivers within the estimate.
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Dispute resolution (20%): Takes responsibility and follows through with fair solutions when problems occur.
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Industry reputation (15%): Earns respect across the industry and participates in conferences and organizations.
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Online reputation (15%): Up-to-date site content and prompt, professional engagement online.
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Service options (10%): We look for companies with a deep breadth of services including full packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
How much does it cost to move from Alabama to Iowa?
Check out the table below for average moving cost estimates from Alabama
to Iowa, broken down by home size and type of moving service.
| Move size |
Moving company |
Moving container |
Rental truck |
| Studio / 1 bedroom |
$1,140 – $4,648 |
$782 – $1,902 |
$585 – $1,198 |
| 2-3 bedrooms |
$2,384 – $6,131 |
$1,334 – $2,782 |
$663 – $1,356 |
| 4+ bedrooms |
$4,041 – $7,706 |
$1,984 – $3,540 |
$776 – $1,680 |
*The figures shown are approximate for a 939-mile relocation from AL to
IA, derived from moveBuddha
pricing data current as of Dec 11, 2025. moveBuddha aggregates thousands of verified
quotes from movers across the country and updates them monthly to capture seasonal and market
fluctuations. Final pricing will depend on move size, optional services, parking/access issues,
fuel rates, and schedule. We suggest requesting estimates from multiple movers for the best accuracy.
Cost to hire movers from Alabama to Iowa
When moving a studio or one-bedroom from Alabama to Iowa, you’ll likely pay between
$1,140
and $4,648.
If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between
$2,384 and $6,131
for the same journey (AL to IA).
Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $4,041
to $7,706.
Cost of moving containers from Alabama to Iowa
When you’re heading from Alabama to Iowa, and you’re only moving a few items,
you can expect to spend between $782 and
$1,902. For a two- or three-bedroom place,
prices usually fall between $1,334 and
$2,782. If you’re packing up a large home with four or
more bedrooms, the cost can range from $1,984
to $3,540. Want more details? Check out our
complete PODS cost guide.
Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies
to make your move from Alabama easier and more affordable.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Alabama to Iowa
A moving rental truck is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.
Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around
$585
to $1,198.
A two to three-bedroom move will cost $663
to $1,356, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms
from Alabama to Iowa costs around
$776 to
$1,680.
These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.
Factors affecting the cost of moving from AL to IA
Lots of things can impact how much it costs to move from Alabama to Iowa. Here’s what ultimately affects your final price:
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How big your haul is: More rooms and belongings mean higher costs compared to moving light with only a few items.
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The season you move: Costs spike during the busy summer season in Alabama when demand for movers is highest.
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DIY vs. calling in the experts: A DIY move is easier on the wallet, but professionals make the process far less stressful.
What to know before moving from AL to IA
If you’re moving to Iowa from Alabama, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.
Cost of living: Alabama vs. Iowa
Understanding how costs compare between Alabama and Iowa can make planning easier. Taxes, housing, job markets, and income all shape your budget, and this breakdown highlights the biggest differences:
|
Alabama |
Iowa |
| Average rent |
$925 |
$914 |
| Average home cost |
$227,508 |
$220,277 |
| Average income (per capita) |
$59,609 |
$70,571 |
| Cost of living index |
88 |
89 |
| Unemployment rate |
2.9% |
3.0% |
| Average sales tax |
9.22% |
6.94% |
| State income tax |
5.0% |
4.4% |
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No need to stress about your budget—rental rates are about the same when you’re moving from Alabama to Iowa.
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Home prices in Iowa and Alabama are pretty similar, so you probably won’t need to adjust your mortgage budget much, unless you’re planning to move into a bigger or nicer place.
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You’re likely to earn about 18% more in Iowa than in Alabama. That extra income could mean more savings or new investment opportunities once you move.
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With the cost of living being about the same in Iowa and Alabama, you can shift your focus from finances to quality of life and lifestyle fit.
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Unemployment rates are pretty similar in Iowa and Alabama, so you probably won’t notice much change in job opportunities or competition after your move.
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Sales tax in Iowa is 25% lower than in Alabama. If you have a large family or higher spending habits, this lower rate in Iowa can really help cut down your living expenses.
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Income taxes in Iowa are 12% lower than in Alabama. That means you’ll keep more of each paycheck, leaving you with extra cash to save, invest, or spend however you want.
How life is different in Iowa vs. Alabama
The impact of moving goes far beyond finding a job or home. Everyday life is shaped by factors like climate, safety, politics, and community size. Take a look at how Iowa and Alabama line up on these lifestyle indicators.
|
Iowa |
Alabama |
| Population |
3,207,004 |
5,108,468 |
| Political leaning |
Republican 53-45 |
Republican 65-35 |
| Summer high |
84ºF |
91ºF |
| Winter low |
10ºF |
33ºF |
| Annual rain |
35″ |
56″ |
| Annual snow |
30″ |
1″ |
| Crime index |
16.18 |
21.48 |
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The population of Iowa is approximately 37% lower than the population of Alabama.
Moving to a less populous state can offer affordability, space, and simplicity, but may also require adjusting to limited services or slower job growth.
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In the most recent presidential race, both Alabama and Iowa leaned Republican.
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Iowa sees average summer highs of 84°F, compared to 91°F in Alabama.
Cooler summers mean less extreme heat, lower energy bills, and easier outdoor living.
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In the coldest months, Iowa sees lows of 10°F compared to 33°F in Alabama.
That colder climate means higher heating costs and tougher winters — but also snowy scenery and seasonal activities.
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In Iowa, you’ll get about 35 inches of rain each year — less than the 56 inches you’re used to in Alabama.
That means more sunshine, more time outside, and fewer weather concerns.
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Each year, Iowa sees about 30 inches of snowfall, while Alabama averages just 1 inch.
With more snow comes stunning winter scenery and plenty of outdoor fun, but also the need for extra preparation and warm gear.
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Iowa is a safer choice than Alabama, boasting a lower crime index of 16.18 compared to 21.48.
You can look forward to safer neighborhoods, a stronger sense of community, and greater peace of mind.
Comparing the pros of Alabama vs. Iowa
New beginnings can be really exciting.
Here’s a quick comparison between life in Iowa and Alabama:
| Pros of living in Alabama |
Pros of living in Iowa |
| Low cost of living |
Low cost of living |
| Tasty southern comfort food |
Ample economic opportunity |
| Bountiful recreational opportunities |
High quality of education |
| Top-notch college football |
No traffic |
| Rich history |
Beautiful outdoors |
Comparing the cons of living in Alabama vs. Iowa
Everything can’t be sunshine and rainbows all the time, no matter where you live.
Here are some things to be aware of when leaving Alabama for Iowa:
| Cons of living in Alabama |
Cons of living in Iowa |
| Poor quality of life |
Severe weather conditions |
| Severe weather |
Limited recreational opportunities |
| Restrictive alcohol laws |
High taxes |
| Poor healthcare |
High emphasis on politics |
| Cockroaches |
Rustic food |
Other things to consider for your Alabama 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.
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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.
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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.
Things to do in Iowa
While you’re in Iowa, you won’t be bored. These are some of the coolest places to visit in your new home state:
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
FAQs
What is the cheapest way to move from Alabama to Iowa?
Do movers transport your car from Alabama to Iowa?
A lot of full-service movers will handle auto transport for you, usually for an added cost. Or,
if you prefer, you can arrange
vehicle transport from Alabama to Iowa on your own through a top car shipping company.
What are the benefits of moving from Alabama to Iowa?
An increasing number of people are relocating from Alabama to Iowa to enjoy all the great benefits Iowa provides, such as low cost of living and ample economic opportunity.
Is it cheaper to live in Alabama or Iowa?
Living in Alabama usually costs less than in Iowa.
While the overall cost of living is similar for both states, housing
is much more affordable in Iowa,
with average rent about 1% less and home prices 3% lower than in Alabama.
Taxes are also
lower in Iowa, most notably income taxes, which are more than 10% less than those paid by Alabama residents.
How much should you make a year to live comfortably in Iowa?
Thinking of moving to Iowa on your own? You’ll want to earn around $63,616 to cover your expenses comfortably.
If you’re living solo, expect to spend about $2,436 per month, or around $5,230 if you have a family of four.
Where you choose to live makes a big difference, too. Bigger cities like Des Moines and Cedar Rapids tend to have higher housing costs compared to smaller towns.
Which discounts can you find from movers in Alabama?
Plenty of moving companies offer ways to help you save, from seasonal promotions to ongoing deals.
Military members can find special pricing from 2 companies.
Seniors are eligible for savings with 1 movers.
Students can take advantage of discounts offered by 5 moving companies.
Educators and teachers get access to discounts from 1 movers.
Law enforcement personnel qualify for special rates with 1 companies.
Discount types, amounts, and availability can differ, so it’s worth confirming the details with each mover before you book.
Helpful moving resources
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When moving from Alabama to Iowa, you’ll likely pay between $2,384–$6,131 with professional movers, roughly
$2,058 for a moving container, and about
$1,009
for a rental truck.
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