$1,265 Movers From Alabama to Iowa

The cost to move from Alabama to Iowa averages from $686 to $6,279 depending on how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself.

Hiring a full-service Alabama moving company will be on the more expensive side, while a rental truck or a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.

Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Moving from Iowa to Alabama guide.

Moving from Alabama to Iowa resources

Moving 944 miles is no joke. Here's what you need to know.

The best Alabama to Iowa movers

Hiring an interstate moving company from Alabama to Iowa is a big deal.

There are more than 8,000 moving companies in the U.S. But don’t worry, you won’t have to filter through all of them. We’ve done the research for you and narrowed the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services. Here are the best long-distance moving companies serving Alabama to Iowa.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
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(855) 650-0657

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 20 yrs experience
  • Flat rate pricing
  • Family owned
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(866) 835-2392

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.45 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
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(980) 217-6841

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 74 years in biz
  • 1,800 trucks
  • Storage available
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(844) 950-2963

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • White glove
  • Expensive items
  • Guaranteed delivery
Get A Quote
(703) 972-1772

% of users select this mover

If you’re just trying to ship a few items, here’s a list of our recommended services for small moves.

How much does it cost to move from Alabama to Iowa?

The table below lays out average cost ranges when moving from Alabama to Iowa for different moving services depending on the size of your home.

Move size Moving company Moving container Rental truck
Studio / 1 Bedroom $1,265 - $5,052 $867 - $2,108 $662 - $1,166
2 - 3 bedrooms $2,592 - $6,279 $1,480 - $3,084 $686 - $1,430
4+ bedrooms $4,613 - $8,807 $2,136 - $4,007 $896 - $1,844
get a quote

*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 944 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect the final cost of your move.

There are many factors that influence Alabama moving costs. The cost to move from Alabama to Iowa will depend on these factors:

  • Move size: Moving a large home costs more than moving a studio apartment.
  • Time of year: The peak moving season in Alabama is in the summer, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • DIY vs. professional mover: DIY moving services are cheaper but you do all the heavy lifting compared to letting the pros handle your move.

How much does it cost to hire movers from Alabama to Iowa?

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Alabama to Iowa will cost between $1,265 to $5,052. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from AL to IA will range from $2,592 to $6,279, and a large move from Alabama to Iowa will cost from $4,613 to $8,807.

How much are moving containers like PODS from Alabama to Iowa?

Moving containers from Alabama to Iowa will cost you $867 to $2,108 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,480 to $3,084. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $2,136 to $4,007. Learn more about PODS cost.

Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of Alabama.

How much is a moving truck 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; these estimates include the estimated fuel cost:

Moving a studio or 1-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $662 to $1,166. A larger move will cost $686 to $1,430, and a 4+ bedroom move from Alabama to Iowa costs from $896 to $1,844.

Is moving from Alabama to Iowa a good idea?

If you’re moving to Iowa from Alabama, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.

Cost of Living: Alabama vs Iowa

Alabama Iowa
Average rent cost $811 $806
Average home cost $221,428 $207,215
Average income (per capita) $59,609 $70,571
Cost of Living Index 87 89
Unemployment rate 2.3% 3.2%
Average Sales Tax 9.22% 6.94%
State Income Tax 5.0% 4.4%
  • Rent is about the same cost in Iowa and Alabama.
  • Home prices are about 6.4% lower in Iowa than in Alabama.
  • The average income is about 18.4% higher in Iowa than in Alabama.
  • Cost of living is 2.3% lower in Iowa than in Alabama.
  • Iowa has a higher unemployment rate than Alabama by about 39.1%.
  • Sales taxes are 24.73% lower in Iowa than in Alabama.
  • Income taxes are 12.00% lower in Iowa than in Alabama.

How is life different in Iowa from Alabama?

Iowa Alabama
Population 3,200,517 5,074,296
Political leaning Republican 53-45 Republican 62-37
Summer High 84ºF 91ºF
Winter Low 10ºF 33ºF
Annual Rain 35" 56"
Annual Snow 30" 1"
Crime Index 18.7 31.82
  • The population of Iowa is approximately 37% lower than the population of Alabama.
  • In the last presidential election, Iowa voted Republican and Alabama voted Republican.
  • The average high in the summertime in Iowa is 84ºF and in Alabama, it’s 91ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, Iowa reaches the temperature of 10ºF and Alabama gets down to 33ºF.
  • You can expect about 35 inches of annual rainfall in Iowa vs 56 inches of rainfall in Alabama.
  • In Iowa, it snows about 30 inches annually vs 1 inches of snow in Alabama.
  • Iowa has a lower crime rate than Alabama with a crime index of 31.82 vs 18.7.

Comparing the pros of Alabama vs. Iowa:

There are always a lot of reasons to get excited about living somewhere new. These are the best parts of living in Alabama vs Iowa side-by-side.

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:

Not everything is sunshine and rainbows, these are the 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

Considerations for moving to Iowa

  • 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.
  • HOA Rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator Reservation: One common and important example of something that should be handled ahead of time is reserving the building's elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
  • Parking Permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles, find out ahead of time with your new local rules.
  • 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 the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State Regulator: You can verify a Iowa moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
  • 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: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forward to Iowa. Get started here.
  • Mover's Insurance: Every state has their own requirements when it comes to insurance. Choose cost-free Released Value Protection from movers for basic coverage at 60 cents per pound.
  • Moving Checklist: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.

Looking for local Alabama movers?

Company Quote Rating Contact
Two Men and a Truck Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.8 overall rating
8215 Stephanie Drive Southwest, Huntsville, AL, 35802
(256) 392-9462
All My Sons Moving & Storage Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.76 overall rating
47 Longview Cir, Alabaster, AL, 35007
(205) 273-6674

Visit our Best Movers in Alabama page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

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.

  • Iowa State Capitol
  • Amana Colonies
  • Blank Park Zoo
  • Greater Des Moines Botanical Center
  • Lost Island Waterpark
  • National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium
  • Pikes Peak State Park
  • Visit Okoboji
  • Field of Dreams
  • Grotto of the Redemption
  • National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library
  • Buffalo Bill Museum
  • Herbert Hoover National Historic Site
  • Adventureland Park
  • Maquoketa Caves State Park
  • Pappajohn Sculpture Park
  • Ledges State Park
  • American Gothic House & Center
  • Brucemore
  • Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad

FAQs about moving from Alabama to Iowa

What is the cheapest way to move from Alabama to Iowa?

The cheapest way to move from Alabama to Iowa is with a DIY move. Here’s our guide for the cheapest way to move out of state.

What are the benefits of moving from Alabama to Iowa?

The main reasons people are moving from Alabama to Iowa are the amazing upsides of living in Iowa such as low cost of living and ample economic opportunity.

Related articles to your move

Learn more about Iowa