Local moving companies in San Francisco
Out of 91 San Francisco movers that can handle state-to-state moves, here are the top 5 that can handle your move to Iowa.
- Pure Moving Company: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Gentle Giant Moving Company: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- NorthStar Moving Company : 4.5 out of 5 stars
- Good Green Moving: 4.48 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 0191103
Years in Business: 11
DOT #: 3207734
Alternate Names: Pure Moving & Storage, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0167668
Years in Business: 44
DOT #: 373544
Alternate Names: Great Giant Moving Company
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crane vans
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0190673
Years in Business: 15
DOT #: 3670248
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0182466
Years in Business: 30
DOT #: 1836576
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 #: 0191035
Pricing: $70/hr
Years in Business: 12
DOT #: 2604063
Alternate Names: Green Move, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Local moving services in San Francisco, CA
Here’s how many movers in San Francisco include specialty add-ons:
Cost to move from San Francisco, CA to Iowa
Check the table below for expected cost ranges to move from San Francisco to Iowa with various services, based on your home’s size.
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,197 – $4,793 | $1,133 – $2,771 | $1,005 – $2,098 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $3,368 – $7,357 | $1,883 – $4,136 | $1,122 – $2,351 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,026 – $10,776 | $2,654 – $5,294 | $1,386 – $2,906 |
*These cost ranges are approximate estimates based on a 1,841-mile move from San Francisco, 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 San Francisco to Iowa
If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move from San Francisco to Iowa, you can expect prices to land between $1,197 and $4,793. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $3,368 to $7,357 for the trip from San Francisco to IA. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between $6,026 and $10,776.
Cost of moving containers from San Francisco to Iowa
Moving containers from San Francisco to Iowa will cost you $1,133 to $2,771 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,883 to $4,136. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $2,654 to $5,294. Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of San Francisco.
Cost of moving truck rentals from San Francisco 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 $1,005 and $2,098 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment from San Francisco to Iowa with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $1,122 to $2,351. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you’ll likely spend anywhere from $1,386 to $2,906.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Factors influencing moving costs from San Francisco to IA
Here’s what shapes the moving costs in San Francisco:
- Move size: The number of rooms and volume of belongings directly affect your final bill.
- Time of year: Summer moves in San Francisco 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 San Francisco to IA
Making the switch from San Francisco to Iowa might mean adjusting to a new lifestyle while possibly saving money. Since San Francisco 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 San Francisco and Iowa stack up so you’ll be ready for what’s ahead.
Compare cost of living: San Francisco vs. Iowa
| San Francisco, CA | Iowa | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $3,250 | $914 |
| Average home cost | $1,241,003 | $220,277 |
| Average income (per capita) | $136,689 | $70,571 |
| Cost of living index | 245 | 89 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.4% | 3.0% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 4.4% |
Iowa sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
- In Iowa, rent is about 72% lower than in San Francisco, making housing easier on your budget.
- Homes in Iowa are about 82% less expensive than in San Francisco, leaving you with a lighter mortgage.
- Expect average incomes to be roughly 48% lower in Iowa than in San Francisco, so financial planning will be important.
- Expect the cost of living in Iowa to be about 64% below San Francisco, giving you more financial flexibility.
- Iowa has a lower unemployment rate than San Francisco 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 San Francisco, 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 San Francisco.
| San Francisco, CA | Iowa | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 808,988 | 3,207,004 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 85-13 | Republican 53-45 |
| Summer high | 67ºF | 84ºF |
| Winter low | 46ºF | 10ºF |
| Annual rain | 25″ | 35″ |
| Annual snow | 0″ | 30″ |
| Crime index | 61.41 | 16.18 |
Iowa Sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- In the last presidential election, Iowa leaned Republican, while San Francisco supported Democratic.
- Summertime peak temperatures in Iowa can reach as high as 84ºF, making the heat noticeably more intense than in San Francisco, where summer highs usually hit 67ºF. Prepare for extra sun, lively activities outdoors, and possibly elevated cooling bills as you adapt to the warmer setting.
- Colder winters set in at 10ºF in Iowa, compared to 46ºF in San Francisco. 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 25 inches in San Francisco. 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 San Francisco 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 San Francisco (61.41), meaning you may enjoy more security and peace of mind after your move.
Other considerations when moving to Iowa
When you’re moving from San Francisco 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 San Francisco to Iowa take?
Curious about how long it’ll take to move from San Francisco, CA, to Iowa? Most moves on this route usually take five to 16 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 81 movers in San Francisco 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 San Francisco moving company that they will be able to accommodate your specific needs.
What is the best way to get a car from San Francisco to Iowa?
Need to get your car from San Francisco to Iowa? Use a company that prioritizes professionalism, cares for your vehicle, and is experienced. Here is our list of the best San Francisco to Iowa car shippers.
Why are people moving from San Francisco 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 San Francisco?
Here are our top picks for the best long-distance movers in San Francisco.
Can I pay for my move from San Francisco, CA, with cash?
There are 26 movers in San Francisco 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.
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