Local moving companies in Iowa
When relocating from Iowa to San Diego, CA, let our favorite local movers take the stress out of your journey.
Out of 32 Iowa movers that handle state-to-state moves, here are the top 5 that can handle your move to San Diego, CA.
- Claeys Brothers Moving & Storage Inc: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- Action Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- White Glove Movers: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- Black Belt Movers: 4.42 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 70
DOT #: 70719
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 27
DOT #: 2527384
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 42
DOT #: 299154
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 21
DOT #: 2991947
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Pricing: $150/hr
Years in Business: 17
DOT #: 3527158
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Cost to move from Iowa to San Diego, CA
The table below lays out average cost ranges to move from Iowa to San Diego, CA with different moving services depending on the size of your home.
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,200 – $4,625 | $1,068 – $2,714 | $1,049 – $1,883 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $3,056 – $6,975 | $1,867 – $3,857 | $1,037 – $2,286 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,655 – $9,558 | $2,474 – $4,978 | $1,389 – $2,967 |
These cost ranges are approximate estimates based on a 1,786-mile move from Iowa to San Diego, CA using pricing data compiled by moveBuddha as of Dec 17, 2025. Each month, moveBuddha updates thousands of vetted price points from nationwide moving companies to reflect seasonality and market trends. Your final total may vary with move size, add-on services, access or parking constraints, fuel costs, and scheduling. Comparing estimates from multiple movers is the best way to nail down accurate pricing.
Cost to hire professional movers from Iowa to San Diego, CA
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Iowa to San Diego, CA, you can expect to spend between $1,200 and $4,625. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $3,056 to $6,975 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home will typically run between $5,655 and $9,558.
Cost of moving containers from Iowa to San Diego, CA
When moving from Iowa to San Diego, CA, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $1,068 and $2,714. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $1,867 to $3,857. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $2,474 up to $4,978. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from Iowa.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Iowa to San Diego, CA
Looking to save money? Renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest option. Just keep in mind that you’ll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving out of a studio or one-bedroom from Iowa to San Diego, CA, and are renting a truck, plan to spend between $1,049 and $1,883. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $1,037 and $2,286. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $1,389 and $2,967.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Compare local moving companies from Iowa to San Diego, CA
Here’s a quick comparison of the most popular services and discounts available for the top movers for your move:
| Company | Full Service | Antiques | Military Discount | Senior Discount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Claeys Brothers Moving & Storage Inc | ✓ | ✓ | × | × |
| TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | ✓ | × | × | × |
| Action Moving & Storage, Inc. | × | ✓ | × | × |
| White Glove Movers | ✓ | × | × | × |
| Black Belt Movers | ✓ | ✓ | × | × |
Out of the 3,180 movers we’ve reviewed, here’s how Iowa movers stack up compared to the percentage of movers in the country that offer these services and discounts:
| Iowa | Nationwide | |
|---|---|---|
| Full Service | 91% | 96% |
| Antiques | 40% | 46% |
| Military Discount | 2% | 4% |
| Senior Discount | 0% | 4% |
Things to know before moving from Iowa to San Diego, CA
Before you start packing, take a moment to get a feel for what life in San Diego, CA is really like compared to Iowa. From the cost of living and local culture to daily routines, we’ll guide you through the biggest lifestyle changes and must-see attractions to be aware of.
Cost of living: Iowa vs. San Diego, CA
| Iowa | San Diego | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $914 | $2,881 |
| Average home cost | $220,277 | $1,003,444 |
| Average income (per capita) | $70,571 | $72,963 |
| Cost of Living Index | 89 | 155 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.0% | 6.6% |
| State Income Tax | 4.4% | 13.3% |
San Diego sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
- Rent in San Diego is roughly 215% higher than in Iowa. You’ll need to plan for higher monthly rent.
- Home prices in San Diego are approximately 356% higher than in Iowa. Be sure to budget for a larger down payment, higher property taxes, and increased overall homeownership costs.
- Since income levels in San Diego are similar to those in Iowa, your bank account won’t take much of a hit when you move.
- With unemployment 120% higher in San Diego than Iowa, expect more competition for jobs. A focused job search will help you get ahead.
- Expect income taxes in California to run about 202% higher than in Iowa, which could cut into your paycheck.
How life is different in San Diego from Iowa
| San Diego | Iowa | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,386,932 | 3,207,004 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 60-37 | Republican 53-45 |
| Summer high | 79ºF | 84ºF |
| Winter low | 46ºF | 10ºF |
| Annual rain | 12″ | 35″ |
| Annual snow | 0″ | 30″ |
| Crime index | 39.83 | 16.18 |
Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- San Diego voted Democratic, while Iowa was Republican.
- Summer in San Diego usually hits around 79ºF, pretty similar to the 84ºF you’re used to in Iowa. While you won’t face a dramatic change in temperature, you should still keep factors like local humidity, weather trends, and changes to energy costs in mind as you prepare for summer at your new home.
- During the coldest part of the year, San Diego reaches a temperature of 46ºF while Iowa gets down to 10ºF. Relocating to San Diego means you’ll enjoy milder winters, making daily life easier, more affordable, and better for spending time outside.
- In San Diego, you’ll see just 12 inches of rain annually, much less than the 35 inches you’re used to in Iowa. With fewer rainy days, you’ll have more opportunities to soak up the sun and enjoy the outdoors. This sunnier climate can really lift your mood and energy as you settle into your new home.
- San Diego doesn’t get snow, while Iowa sees around 30 inches annually. Relocating to San Diego means saying goodbye to shoveling and icy conditions, making winters far easier and more manageable.
- San Diego has a higher crime rate than Iowa with a crime index of 39.83 vs 16.18. A higher crime rate isn’t necessarily a dealbreaker, but it’s your cue to research local safety measures and think about how it might affect your day-to-day life.
Things to do in San Diego
From parks and museums to sports and top universities, San Diego has a little bit of everything waiting for you.
Museums in San Diego
- USS Midway Museum
- Birch Aquarium at Scripps
- Maritime Museum of San Diego
- San Diego Air & Space Museum
- Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego
Parks in San Diego
- La Jolla Cove
- Balboa Park
- La Jolla Shores Park
- Sunset Cliffs Natural Park
- Ellen Browning Scripps Park
Sports teams in San Diego
- San Diego Padres (MLB)
- San Diego Gulls (AHL)
- San Diego Loyal SC (USL Championship)
Universities in San Diego
- California State University-San Marcos
- California Western School of Law
- San Diego Christian College
- National University
- Point Loma Nazarene University
Other considerations when moving to San Diego, CA
- HOA rules: Take a moment to review your neighborhood or community rules before moving day to avoid any last-minute surprises.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to book your building’s elevator ahead of time and check on any moving rules they might have.
- Parking permits: Some cities make you get a parking permit for your moving truck, so remember to look up your new neighborhood’s rules before moving day.
- 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 a license before hiring them.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a California moving license directly on the state regulator’s official website, here.
- Moving permits: You don’t need a moving permit to relocate to California, but it’s wise to check local parking regulations ahead of time.
- Change of address: Make sure to submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your moving date so your mail will be forwarded to California without any delays. Get started here.
- Mover’s insurance: 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: Staying organized keeps your move stress-free. Our moving checklist makes it easy to stay on top of every detail.
FAQ
How long does a move from Iowa to San Diego take?
The time frame for a move from Iowa to San Diego, CA, varies based on your moving method and starting location. The actual loading up of your items should not take more than a day, even with DIY moves.
The farther north you are in Iowa, the longer it’ll take to reach San Diego. If you’re renting a truck, expect the trip to take one or two days on average, depending on your route and how many stops you make.
Delivery from Iowa to San Diego can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks, whether you’re hiring movers or using a moving container. Always ask for a delivery estimate before booking.
How far in advance should I book movers when moving from Iowa to San Diego?
If you’re gearing up for a 1,786-mile move from Iowa to San Diego, lock in your moving date as soon as your plans are set. Booking your movers two to three months in advance helps you snag the best rates and ensures you get the date you want.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to San Diego, CA?
Summer in San Diego can reach highs of 79°F, while winter temperatures can dip to 46°F. That’s why most people moving from Iowa to San Diego opt for the milder spring or fall weather. But if you’re looking to avoid the crowds—and possibly score a better price—think about moving in the off-season, even if you have to endure crazier temperatures. Need more help planning? Check out our tips on peak moving seasons.
Helpful moving resources
Iowa moving services
Popular Iowa routes
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