Fact Checked by:
Best overall value
Local moving companies in Irvine
Out of 86 Irvine movers that can handle state-to-state moves, here are the top 5 that can handle your move to Iowa.
- Meathead Movers: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Maison Moving: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- NorthStar Moving Company : 4.56 out of 5 stars
- Terry Moving and Storage Inc.: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- Best California Movers: 4.52 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 189849
Years in Business: 27
DOT #: 921143
Alternate Names: Meat Head Movers Inc , Meathead Movers Inc
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0190726
Years in Business: 17
DOT #: 76628
Alternate Names: Orange County Movers Inc , College Boys Moving and Storage of Orange County , Affordable Moving and Storage of Orange County
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0182466
Years in Business: 30
DOT #: 1836576
Alternate Names: NorthStar Moving Corporation
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 189603
Years in Business: 28
DOT #: 649215
Alternate Names: Terry Moving and Storage Inc , Richards Moving Company , Orange County Storage Movers
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: T0192283
Pricing: $109/hr
Years in Business: 6
DOT #: 3489907
Alternate Names: Best California Movers & Storage , An Moving Forward
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Local moving services in Irvine, CA
Here’s how many movers in Irvine include specialty add-ons:
Cost to move from Irvine, CA to Iowa
Check the table below for expected cost ranges to move from Irvine to Iowa with various services, based on your home’s size.
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,212 – $5,027 | $1,039 – $2,509 | $987 – $1,840 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $3,223 – $6,633 | $1,777 – $3,782 | $1,090 – $2,166 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,857 – $9,481 | $2,682 – $5,381 | $1,332 – $2,900 |
*These cost ranges are approximate estimates based on a 1,721-mile move from Irvine, CA, to Iowa using pricing data compiled by moveBuddha as of Nov 17, 2025. moveBuddha gathers thousands of verified rates from movers across the country and refreshes them monthly to account for seasonal shifts and market trends. Your actual cost can change based on move size, added services, parking or access issues, fuel prices, and timing. We recommend getting quotes from several movers for the most accurate pricing.
Cost to hire movers from Irvine to Iowa
If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move from Irvine to Iowa, you can expect prices to land between $1,212 and $5,027. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $3,223 to $6,633 for the trip from Irvine to IA. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between $5,857 and $9,481.
Cost of moving containers from Irvine to Iowa
Moving containers from Irvine to Iowa will cost you $1,039 to $2,509 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,777 to $3,782. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $2,682 to $5,381. Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of Irvine.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Irvine to Iowa
Renting a moving truck typically costs the least, but you’ll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.
Expect to pay between $987 and $1,840 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment from Irvine to Iowa with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $1,090 to $2,166. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you’ll likely spend anywhere from $1,332 to $2,900.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Factors influencing moving costs from Irvine to IA
Here’s what shapes the moving costs in Irvine:
- Move size: The number of rooms and volume of belongings directly affect your final bill.
- Time of year: Summer moves in Irvine fall during peak season, which usually means higher prices.
- DIY vs. professional mover: DIY moving services are usually cheaper but involve more work and stress compared to hiring the pros.
What you should know before moving from Irvine to IA
Making the switch from Irvine to Iowa might mean adjusting to a new lifestyle while possibly saving money. Since Irvine is known for its higher expenses, this switch could lead to a more affordable living situation.
Take a look at the cost of living breakdown below to see exactly how Irvine and Iowa stack up so you’ll be ready for what’s ahead.
Compare cost of living: Irvine vs. Iowa
| Irvine, CA | Iowa | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $4,000 | $914 |
| Average home cost | $1,561,760 | $220,277 |
| Average income (per capita) | $114,027 | $70,571 |
| Cost of living index | 165 | 89 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.4% | 3.0% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 4.4% |
Iowa sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
- In Iowa, rent is about 77% lower than in Irvine, making housing easier on your budget.
- Homes in Iowa are about 86% less expensive than in Irvine, leaving you with a lighter mortgage.
- Expect average incomes to be roughly 38% lower in Iowa than in Irvine, so financial planning will be important.
- Expect the cost of living in Iowa to be about 46% below Irvine, giving you more financial flexibility.
- Iowa has a lower unemployment rate than Irvine by about 44%, suggesting a stronger job market.
- Income tax rates are around 67% lower in Iowa, so your take-home pay will be higher than in California.
How life is different in Irvine, CA from Iowa
From the weather and population to local politics, here’s how life in Iowa stacks up against what you’re used to in Irvine.
| Irvine, CA | Iowa | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 307,670 | 3,207,004 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 49.8-48.3 | Republican 53-45 |
| Summer high | 82ºF | 84ºF |
| Winter low | 46ºF | 10ºF |
| Annual rain | 13″ | 35″ |
| Annual snow | 0″ | 30″ |
| Crime index | 31.01 | 16.18 |
Iowa Sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- In the last presidential election, Iowa leaned Republican, while Irvine supported Democratic.
- Summertime highs settle at approximately 84ºF in Iowa as well as 82ºF in Irvine, ensuring the climate feels quite familiar. Apart from temperatures, it’s important to think about humidity, weather trends, and energy costs to grasp what summertime will be like in your new area.
- Colder winters set in at 10ºF in Iowa, compared to 46ºF in Irvine. With this change, expect brisker winters and higher costs, but also the unique appeal of a colder climate.
- Get ready for about 35 inches of rain annually in Iowa, compared to just 13 inches in Irvine. More rainfall means greener scenery and wetter days, so plan ahead with good rain gear and a flexible routine.
- Iowa gets about 30 inches of snow each year, while Irvine sees none. Moving to Iowa means preparing for snowy winters — beautiful scenery and seasonal activities, but also shoveling, upkeep, and winter gear.
- Iowa records a lower crime rate (16.18) than Irvine (31.01), meaning you may enjoy more security and peace of mind after your move.
Other considerations when moving to Iowa
When you’re moving from Irvine to Iowa, you’ll want to do more than just pack your boxes and hire movers. Make sure you’re up to speed on local rules, permits, and other logistics that could affect your move.
- HOA rules: Always check community regulations beforehand so your move-in goes smoothly.
- Elevator reservation: Be sure to reserve the elevator if your building requires it for move-ins.
- Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
- 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 hire a moving company, double-check that they’re properly licensed.
- State regulator: You can verify a Iowa moving license anytime on the official state regulator’s site.
- Moving permits: There’s no need for a moving permit in Iowa, but be sure to look up local parking rules before moving day.
- Change of address: Make sure to fill out your USPS change of address form at least a week before moving. You can choose your official move date and have your mail forwarded to Iowa. Get started here.
- Moving 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: Nothing beats peace of mind. Our moving checklist makes it easy to stay organized and be sure you haven’t missed a thing.
Things to do in Iowa
Whether you’re into sports, parks, museums, or universities, Iowa has tons for you to discover and enjoy.
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
FAQ
How long does a move from Irvine to Iowa take?
Curious about how long it’ll take to move from Irvine, CA, to Iowa? Most moves on this route usually take four to 15 days, depending on your service. Just a heads up. Moving during the hectic summer season might leave you open to delays.
To keep your move on track and steer clear of delays, be sure to ask about the delivery timeline before you book your movers.
How many movers provide custom crating for art or antiques?
There are 63 movers in Irvine that offer customized crates for a variety of fragile, oversized, or oddly shaped pieces, including artwork, antique pieces, and electronics. If you will need special crating for any of your items, be sure to confirm with a Irvine moving company that they will be able to accommodate your specific needs.
What is the best way to get a car from Irvine to Iowa?
Need to get your car from Irvine to Iowa? Use a company that prioritizes professionalism, cares for your vehicle, and is experienced. Here is our list of the best Irvine to Iowa car shippers.
Why are people moving from Irvine to Iowa?
Many people are moving to Iowa because of its low cost of living and ample economic opportunity.
Read more about the Pros & cons of moving to Iowa.
Where can I find a list of long-distance moving companies in Irvine?
Here are our top picks for the best long-distance movers in Irvine.
Can I pay for my move from Irvine, CA, with cash?
There are 37 movers in Irvine that accept cash payments. Even so, cash is not the norm in the moving industry, where traceable payment types are preferred. Plan to pay a deposit to lock in your booking and move date. The rest of the balance is usually due at pickup or after delivery—verify timing and accepted methods with your mover.
Helpful moving resources
California moving services
Popular California routes
Not what you were looking for?
Check out other categories that can help you find the information you need!
