For a move from California to Iowa, budget between $3,256–$6,835 for full-service movers, around
$2,838 if you choose a moving container, and approximately
$1,734
for a rental truck.
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FAQ
How much does it cost to move from California to Iowa?
Here are average cost ranges by home size and service type:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,254 – $4,725 | $1,063 – $2,546 | $1,001 – $2,047 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $3,256 – $6,835 | $1,989 – $3,687 | $1,151 – $2,318 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,708 – $10,112 | $2,667 – $5,375 | $1,479 – $2,836 |
How much does it cost to hire movers (a moving company) for this route?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $1,254 – $4,725
- 2–3 bedrooms: $3,256 – $6,835
- 4+ bedrooms: $5,708 – $10,112
How much do moving containers cost from California to Iowa?
- Small move: $1,063 – $2,546
- 2–3 bedrooms: $1,989 – $3,687
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,667 – $5,375
Learn more about PODS cost.
How much does a rental truck cost for this move?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $1,001 – $2,047
- 2–3 bedrooms: $1,151 – $2,318
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,479 – $2,836
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 1,849-mile move from CA to IA using moveBuddha pricing data as of Dec 16, 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 CA to IA?
Beyond the moving bill, your day-to-day budget can change — especially housing and taxes. Here’s a quick side-by-side:
| California | Iowa | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,856 | $914 |
| Average home cost | $771,057 | $220,277 |
| Average income (per capita) | $91,905 | $70,571 |
| Cost of living index | 134 | 89 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.4% | 3.0% |
| Average sales tax | 8.68% | 6.94% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 4.4% |
Will rent be more expensive in Iowa?
Rent is about 51% lower in Iowa than in California.
Avg rent: $1,856 vs. $914
How do home prices compare (if I’m buying after the move)?
Home prices are about 71% lower in Iowa than in California.
Avg home value: $771,057 vs. $220,277
Will my earning power likely change after moving?
Average income is about 23% lower in Iowa than in California.
Avg income (per capita): $91,905 vs. $70,571
Is the overall cost of living higher in Iowa?
The cost of living is 34% lower in Iowa than in California.
Cost of living index: 134 vs. 89
Will sales tax increase my everyday spending?
Sales tax is about 20% lower in Iowa than in California.
Avg sales tax: 8.68% vs. 6.94%
Will state income tax change my take-home pay?
Income taxes are 67% lower in Iowa than in California.
State income tax: 13.3% vs. 4.4%
How is daily life different in Iowa compared to California?
Moving to a new state isn’t just about jobs and housing — it’s about how daily life will feel.
| Iowa | California | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 3,207,004 | 39,029,342 |
| Political leaning | Republican 53-45 | Democratic 59-41 |
| Summer high | 84ºF | 87ºF |
| Winter low | 10ºF | 59ºF |
| Annual rain | 35″ | 22″ |
| Annual snow | 30″ | 7″ |
| Crime index | 16.18 | 28.43 |
Will Iowa feel more crowded than California?
Iowa is about 92% less populous than California — which can mean more space and a slower pace.
Will the political culture feel different?
In the last presidential election, Iowa voted Republican while California voted Democratic.
How different is the weather (summer and winter)?
Summer: Highs are very similar (84°F vs. 87°F).
Winter: Iowa is colder on average (10°F vs. 59°F).
Will it be wetter or snowier in Iowa?
Rain: Iowa gets more rain (35″ vs. 22″).
Snow: Iowa gets more snow (30 inches vs. 7 inches).
Is Iowa safer than California?
Iowa has a lower crime index than California (16.18 vs. 28.43), 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 California to Iowa move
- HOA rules: Check your neighborhood or community rules ahead of moving day to avoid any last-minute surprises and keep your move running smoothly.
- Elevator reservation: Book your building’s elevator early and check any moving day rules ahead of time.
- Parking permits: Some cities require a parking permit for moving trucks, so check your new neighborhood’s rules ahead of time to avoid last-minute hassles.
- 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 proper licensing before hiring them.
- State regulator: You can quickly check a Iowa moving license and its current status on the state regulator’s official website here.
- Moving permits: You don’t need a moving permit in Iowa, but it’s smart to check local parking regulations before moving day.
- Change of address: Be sure to submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. This way, once you’ve picked your moving date, your mail will start forwarding 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,” free of charge. 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 ensure you’ve got everything covered.
Do I need to follow HOA or building rules on moving day?
Check your neighborhood or community rules ahead of moving day to avoid any last-minute surprises and keep your move running smoothly.
Should I reserve an elevator for moving day?
Book your building’s elevator early and check any moving day rules ahead of time.
Do I need a parking permit for a moving truck in Iowa?
Some cities require a parking permit for moving trucks, so check your new neighborhood’s rules ahead of time to avoid last-minute hassles.
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 smart to check local parking regulations before moving day.
What should I do about mail forwarding, insurance, and potential discounts?
Be sure to submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. Get started here.
Federal law requires interstate movers to provide basic insurance (“released value protection”) free of charge. Choose cost-free Released Value Protection from movers for basic coverage at 60 cents per pound.
Some movers in California offer discounts: 7 AAA discounts; 7 military discounts; 7 senior discounts; 2 student discounts; 2 educator discounts; 4 law enforcement discounts.
Discount types, amounts, and eligibility vary—confirm with each mover before booking.
Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you ensure you’ve got everything covered.
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