$1,349 Movers From Oakland, CA to Iowa

Quick answer: The cost to move from Oakland, CA to Iowa averages from $1,155 to $7,430 depending on how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself.

Hiring a professional Oakland moving company will be on the more expensive side, while renting a 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 Oakland, CA guide.

Moving from Oakland, CA to Iowa resources

In this article, we’ll lay out everything you need to know for your upcoming move to Iowa. But first, here are a few resources if you need immediate answers:

Moving 1,839 miles is no joke. Here's what you need to know.

The best Oakland to Iowa moving companies

Hiring an interstate moving company from Oakland 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 Oakland 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
Get A Quote
(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 Oakland, CA to Iowa?

Here are average prices of hire a moving company, rent a moving container, or rent a moving truck when moving from Oakland to Iowa:

Move size Moving company Moving container Rental truck
Studio / 1 Bedroom $1,349 - $5,086 $1,087 - $2,967 $1,144 - $2,032
2 - 3 bedrooms $3,268 - $7,430 $2,019 - $4,135 $1,155 - $2,444
4+ bedrooms $6,515 - $11,210 $2,704 - $5,504 $1,486 - $3,053
get a quote

*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 1,839 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.

The cost to move from Oakland, CA to Iowa will depend on:

  • Move size: The amount of items you have — as well as your home size and layout — will impact the total cost of your relocation.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Oakland, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • DIY vs. professional mover: DIY moving services are usually cheaper but involve more work and stress compared to hiring the pros.

How much does it cost to hire movers from Oakland, CA to Iowa?

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Oakland to Iowa will cost between $1,349 to $5,086. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from Oakland to IA will range from $3,268 to $7,430, and a large move from Oakland to Iowa will cost from $6,515 to $11,210.

How much are moving containers like PODS from Oakland, CA to Iowa?

Moving pods from Oakland to Iowa will cost you $1,087 to $2,967. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $2,019 to $4,135. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $2,704 to $5,504. Learn more about PODS cost.

Here are the cheapest moving containers for your move from Oakland to Iowa.

How much is a moving truck from Oakland, CA 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 $1,144 to $2,032. A larger move will cost $1,155 to $2,444, and a four-bedroom or bigger move from Oakland to Iowa costs from $1,486 to $3,053.

Is moving from Oakland, CA to Iowa a good idea?

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

Cost of living: Oakland, CA vs Iowa

Oakland, CA Iowa
Average rent cost $2,290 $806
Average home cost $774,077 $207,215
Average income (per capita) $85,628 $70,571
Unemployment rate 7.7% 3.2%
State income tax 13.3% 4.4%
  • Rent is about 94% less expensive in Iowa than in Oakland.
  • Home prices are about 76.0% lower in Iowa than in Oakland.
  • The average income is about 16.4% lower in Iowa than in Oakland.
  • Iowa has a lower unemployment rate than Oakland by about 93.8%.
  • Income taxes are 66.92% lower in Iowa than in Oakland.

How is life different in Oakland, CA from Iowa?

Oakland, CA Iowa
Population 440,646 3,200,517
Political leaning Democratic 80-18 Republican 53-45
Summer high 72ºF 84ºF
Winter low 44ºF 10ºF
Annual rain 24" 35"
Annual snow 0" 30"
Crime index 68.7 18.7
  • The population of Iowa is approximately 626% greater than the population of Oakland.
  • In the last presidential election, Iowa voted Republican and Oakland voted Democratic.
  • The average high in the summertime in Iowa is 84ºF and in Oakland, it’s 72ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, Iowa reaches the temperature of 10ºF and Oakland gets down to 44ºF.
  • You can expect about 35 inches of annual rainfall in Iowa vs 24 inches of rainfall in Oakland.
  • In Iowa, it snows about 30 inches annually vs 0 inches of snow in Oakland.
  • Iowa has a lower crime rate than Oakland with a crime index of 68.7 vs 18.7.

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: If your building has an elevator you’ll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
  • 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. 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 Oakland movers?

Company Quote Rating Contact
All Star Movers & Storage Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.96 overall rating
101 Dublin Blvd Suite F #517, Dublin, CA, 94568
(925) 905-9889
Luigy's Moving & Storage Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.9 overall rating
5550 Mission St, San Francisco, CA, 94112
(415) 413-4646

Visit our best movers in Oakland page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

What to do in Iowa?

Whether you’re looking for parks, museums, sports, or even universities, you’ll be happy to find a plethora of these 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
  • Union Pacific Railroad Museum
  • Buffalo Bill Museum
  • John Deere Tractor & Engine Museum
  • Old Capitol Museum
  • Okoboji Classic Cars
  • Des Moines Art Center
  • Iowa Great Lakes Maritime Museum
  • Pottawattamie County Squirrel Cage Jail and Museum
  • Sioux City Public Museum
  • State Historical Museum

Parks in Iowa

  • Vander Veer Botanical Park
  • Gray's Lake Park
  • Pappajohn Sculpture Park
  • Eagle Point Park
  • Terry Trueblood Recreational Area
  • Clear Lake State Park
  • Mines of Spain Recreation Area
  • Eagle Point Park
  • Raccoon River Park
  • Big Woods Lake Recreation Area
  • West Lake Park
  • Centennial Park
  • Effigy Mounds National Monument
  • Rand Park
  • Bayliss Park

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
  • Drake University
  • Luther College
  • Cornell College
  • Wartburg College
  • St. Ambrose University
  • Dordt University
  • Central College
  • Coe College
  • Simpson College
  • Buena Vista University

Moving from Oakland to Iowa FAQs

Why are people moving from Oakland to Iowa?

Many people are moving to Iowa because of low cost of living and ample economic opportunity.

Where can I find a list of long-distance moving companies from Oakland?

Here are our top picks for the best long-distance movers in Oakland.

Related articles to your move

Learn more about Iowa