For a move from Iowa to California, budget between $3,319–$7,041 for full-service movers, around
$2,819 if you choose a moving container, and approximately
$1,746
for a rental truck.
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FAQ
How much does it cost to move from Iowa to California?
Here are average cost ranges by home size and service type:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,192 – $4,819 | $1,010 – $2,730 | $1,084 – $2,027 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $3,319 – $7,041 | $1,914 – $3,725 | $1,151 – $2,342 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,880 – $10,619 | $2,564 – $4,958 | $1,352 – $2,865 |
How much does it cost to hire movers (a moving company) for this route?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $1,192 – $4,819
- 2–3 bedrooms: $3,319 – $7,041
- 4+ bedrooms: $5,880 – $10,619
How much do moving containers cost from Iowa to California?
- Small move: $1,010 – $2,730
- 2–3 bedrooms: $1,914 – $3,725
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,564 – $4,958
Learn more about PODS cost.
How much does a rental truck cost for this move?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $1,084 – $2,027
- 2–3 bedrooms: $1,151 – $2,342
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,352 – $2,865
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 IA to CA 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 IA to CA?
Beyond the moving bill, your day-to-day budget can change — especially housing and taxes. Here’s a quick side-by-side:
| 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
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. This way, once you’ve picked your moving date, your mail will start forwarding to California 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. 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 and check any moving day rules ahead of time.
Do I need a parking permit for a moving truck in California?
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 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, 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. 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—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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