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Iowa to California Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Easily compare and book your next move with moveBuddha
- Moving from Iowa to California with professional movers for a two-bedroom home generally falls between $3,100 and $5,600.*Figures assume a 2–3 bedroom household and five–16 days for delivery. Your price and schedule will vary by home size, mileage, and time of year.
- To get the most accurate pricing for your specific move, use moveBuddha’s moving cost calculator for a custom quote.
- Our top-recommended mover for relocating from Iowa to California is Safeway Moving. In addition to an excellent reputation, the company has a triple-check verification system to ensure accurate quotes, and it includes 30 days of free storage with all interstate moves.
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Who are the best movers to move from Iowa to California?
After hundreds of hours of research, we find the best mover to help with relocation from Iowa to California is Safeway Moving. This veteran-owned company specializes in affordable long-distance relocations. We appreciate their extensive service options, particularly the offer of 30 days of free storage for all interstate moves. This benefit is especially helpful if your new home isn’t ready, or if you need extra time to settle in.
Get an idea of what mover types we recommend for moving from Iowa to California below and which may work best for you:
- Full-service: This is the safest bet for interstate moving. The company can handle all aspects of the move, from packing, loading, transportation, unloading, and unpacking. These companies also offer plenty of speciality services for antiques and highly valuable items.
- Moving containers: If you don’t mind handling the packing and loading but don’t want to drive a moving truck, this is your ideal mover type. You can save significant money by opting for this more DIY approach.
- Labor-only: If you don’t want to handle a lot of the packing and loading but don’t mind driving a moving truck, this is your ideal mover type. This is another budget-friendly option for interstate moving.
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Best professional movers from Iowa to California
We typically suggest booking a professional, long-distance mover for your Iowa to California move, because pros are prepared to handle the planning and paperwork that can pop up over 1,849 miles. From our evaluation of 3,180 movers, the moveBuddha team identified 2,642 (83%) that handle interstate moves. Using our thorough rating methodology, our moving experts selected the top companies prepared to handle your move from Iowa to California.
- Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Best overall value
How much does it cost to move from Iowa to California?
It costs between $3,100–$10,500 to move a two-bedroom home with a full-service mover from Iowa to California. Your move’s price can be more or less depending on the size of your home, the total distance between your old home and new home, the time of the year, and any specilaity services you might require. Look at our data below to learn the average costs for other types of moves.
These cost ranges are approximate estimates based on a 1,849-mile move from IA to
CA using pricing data compiled by moveBuddha as of Feb 03, 2026.
moveBuddha gathers thousands of verified prices from movers across the country and refreshes the dataset monthly to account for seasonality and market shifts. Your actual cost can change based on home size, add-on services, parking or access issues, fuel prices, and timing. We recommend getting quotes from several movers for the most accurate estimate.
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Recent Moving Price Estimates
The following are real, anonymized quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 48 hours. Prices change with dates and availability; use these as a ballpark, not a guarantee.
Allied Van Lines
West Branch, IA
›
San Buenaventura, CA
1 Bedroom (large)
Jan 10, 2026
$4,665
1-800-Pack-Rat
Gowrie, IA
›
West Whittier-Los Nietos, CA
1 Bedroom (large)
Jan 09, 2026
$2,003
Safeway Moving
Webster City, IA
›
Bellflower, CA
5+ Bedrooms
Dec 21, 2025
$6,954
Roadway Moving
Carbon, IA
›
Yountville, CA
3 Bedrooms
Dec 16, 2025
$5,351
PODS
Morrison, IA
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Pismo Beach, CA
4 Bedrooms
Dec 09, 2025
$3,351
North American Van Lines
Goose Lake, IA
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Corona, CA
3 Bedrooms
Dec 05, 2025
$7,223
Colonial Van Lines
Bussey, IA
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Airport, CA
5+ Bedrooms
Nov 26, 2025
$8,967
Mayflower Transit
Coin, IA
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Temple City, CA
3 Bedrooms
Nov 16, 2025
$5,910
Budget Truck Rental
Ferguson, IA
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Beaumont, CA
2 Bedrooms
Oct 27, 2025
$1,165
American Van Lines
Fort Madison, IA
›
Placerville, CA
2 Bedrooms
Oct 21, 2025
$4,626
FAQ
How much does it cost to move from Iowa to California?
Moving from Iowa to California can cost anywhere from $1,165–$9,424, but most people pay around $3,060–$5,637 Here are average cost ranges by home size and service type:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,165 – $4,854 | $1,050 – $2,567 | $1,060 – $2,002 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $3,060 – $6,748 | $1,871 – $3,679 | $1,104 – $2,313 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,980 – $10,488 | $2,583 – $5,309 | $1,433 – $2,830 |
These are approximate estimates for a 1,849-mile move from IA to CA using moveBuddha pricing data as of Feb 03, 2026.
Final costs can vary based on move size, add-on services, parking/access challenges, fuel rates, and scheduling.
How much does it cost to hire movers (a moving company) for this route?
It typically costs around $3,060 – $6,748 to hire a moving company to move you from Iowa to California. Here is what it might cost you based on your home’s size:
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $1,165 – $4,854
- 2–3 bedrooms: $3,060 – $6,748
- 4+ bedrooms: $5,980 – $10,488
How much do moving containers cost from Iowa to California?
Using a moving container from Iowa to California costs, on average, $1,871 – $3,679. Learn what it might cost you to use a moving container here:
- Small move: $1,050 – $2,567
- 2–3 bedrooms: $1,871 – $3,679
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,583 – $5,309
Learn more about PODS cost here.
How much does a rental truck cost for this move?
Using a rental moving truck to move from Iowa to California will costs you between $1,104 – $2,313, but your price might differ as follows below:
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $1,060 – $2,002
- 2–3 bedrooms: $1,104 – $2,313
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,433 – $2,830
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Which option is usually the cheapest?
A rental truck is generally the cheapest option to move from Iowa to California, but you’ll handle the driving and labor yourself. Consider your needs and wants to determine what type of moving service is worth it for you.
How do I get the most accurate price for my exact move?
To get the most accurate moving quote, give movers or marketplaces detailed info upfront: exact pickup and drop-off addresses, move date and time window, home layout (stairs, elevators, walk distance), and an inventory list—or better yet, a video walkthrough. Don’t forget to flag bulky or special items.
Ask for an in-home or video survey and request a binding or “not-to-exceed” estimate with a full itemized breakdown: labor hours, travel time, packing materials, and any fees (fuel, stairs, long-carry, insurance/valuation, etc.).
Then compare at least three quotes that match in scope. Confirm what’s excluded—like tips, packing, shuttles, storage, or cancellation fees—and go with the most transparent option, not just the cheapest.
What “extra costs” should I plan for after moving from IA to CA?
Beyond your moving bill, it’s smart to budget for the “extra costs” that can change once you arrive in California — especially everyday expenses like housing and taxes. For example, average rent shifts from $914 in Iowa to $1,856 in California, and average home values go from $220,277 to $771,057.
You’ll also want to factor in differences in the cost of living index (89 vs. 134), unemployment (3.0% vs. 5.4%), and taxes — including average sales tax (6.94% vs. 8.68%) and state income tax (4.4% vs. 13.3%). Taking a quick look at these side-by-side numbers can help you avoid surprises and plan a more accurate post-move monthly budget. Learn more with the table below.
| Iowa | California | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $914 | $1,856 |
| Average home cost | $220,277 | $771,057 |
| Average income (per capita) | $70,571 | $91,905 |
| Cost of living index | 89 | 134 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.0% | 5.4% |
| Average sales tax | 6.94% | 8.68% |
| State income tax | 4.4% | 13.3% |
Will rent be more expensive in California?
Rent is about 103% higher in California than in Iowa.
Avg rent: $914 vs. $1,856
How do home prices compare (if I’m buying after the move)?
Home prices are about 250% higher in California than in Iowa.
Avg home value: $220,277 vs. $771,057
Will my earning power likely change after moving?
Average income is about 30% higher in California than in Iowa.
Avg income (per capita): $70,571 vs. $91,905
Is the overall cost of living higher in California?
The cost of living is 51% higher in California than in Iowa.
Cost of living index: 89 vs. 134
Will sales tax increase my everyday spending?
Sales tax is about 25% higher in California than in Iowa.
Avg sales tax: 6.94% vs. 8.68%
Will state income tax change my take-home pay?
Income taxes are 202% higher in California than in Iowa.
State income tax: 4.4% vs. 13.3%
How is daily life different in California compared to Iowa?
Moving to a new state isn’t just about jobs and housing — it’s about how daily life will feel.
| California | Iowa | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 39,029,342 | 3,207,004 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 59-41 | Republican 53-45 |
| Summer high | 87ºF | 84ºF |
| Winter low | 59ºF | 10ºF |
| Annual rain | 22″ | 35″ |
| Annual snow | 7″ | 30″ |
| Crime index | 28.43 | 16.18 |
Will California feel more crowded than Iowa?
California is about 1117% more populous than Iowa — which can mean more infrastructure and amenities.
Will the political culture feel different?
In the last presidential election, California voted Democratic while Iowa voted Republican.
How different is the weather (summer and winter)?
Summer: Highs are very similar (87°F vs. 84°F).
Winter: California is milder on average (59°F vs. 10°F).
Will it be wetter or snowier in California?
Rain: California gets less rain (22″ vs. 35″).
Snow: California gets less snow (7 inches vs. 30 inches).
Is California safer than Iowa?
California has a higher crime index than Iowa (28.43 vs. 16.18). Research neighborhoods to find the best fit.
What are some things to do in California?
Museums in California
- The Getty Center
- USS Midway Museum
- Hess Persson Estates
- California State Railroad Museum
- The Getty Villa
Parks in California
- La Jolla Cove
- Heisler Park
- Sonoma Plaza
- Mount Rubidoux Park
- Redwood Regional Park
Sports teams in California
- Anaheim Ducks (NHL)
- Los Angeles Kings (NHL)
- San Jose Sharks (NHL)
- Los Angeles Angels (MLB)
- Los Angeles Dodgers (MLB)
Universities in California
- Stanford University
- University of California, Berkeley
- University of California, Los Angeles
- University of Southern California
- University of California, San Diego
source: AttractionsofAmerica
What other things should I plan for besides the move itself?
Other things to consider for your Iowa to California 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 contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a “T Number” issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice. Make sure the moving company you use has proper licensing before hiring them.
- State regulator: You can quickly check a California moving license and its current status on the state regulator’s official website here.
- Moving permits: You don’t need a moving permit in California, 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. Get started here.
- Mover’s insurance: Federal law requires interstate moving companies to provide basic insurance free of charge. Opt for Released Value Protection – a cost-free choice provided by movers with minimal coverage. The liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement is only $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for your items’ full value, consult with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance options.
- 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.
Do I need a parking permit for a moving truck in California?
Some cities require a parking permit for moving trucks.
How can I confirm a mover is properly licensed in California?
When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a “T Number” issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice.
You can verify licensing on the state regulator’s official site: check a California moving license here.
Do I need a moving permit in California?
You don’t need a moving permit in California.
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 basic insurance free of charge. Opt for Released Value Protection – a cost-free choice provided by movers with minimal coverage. The liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement is only $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for your items’ full value, consult with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance options.
Some movers in Iowa offer discounts: 1 military discounts;
Discount types, amounts, and eligibility vary.
Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you ensure you’ve got everything covered.
Handy Moving Resources
Iowa Moving Services
Frequently Traveled Iowa Routes
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