Moving from Iowa to San Francisco, CA: Movers and Cost

Sergio Ocampo has reviewed hundreds of moving companies and is an expert at all things moving.

Last Updated: Jul 19, 2022 · 5 min

Quick Answer: The average cost to move from Iowa to San Francisco, CA ranges from $1,200 to $9,115. Moving costs will vary based on the amount of stuff being moved, the time of year, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself.

Moving out of state can feel overwhelming. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know for your move to San Francisco, CA. But just in case you’re short on time, here are a few quick resources to get immediate answers.

How much will your move cost?: Want to narrow down how much your move will cost? Use our moving cost calculator to get more specific price ranges and recommendations on the best companies to use for your move.
Best Iowa to San Francisco, CA movers: If you plan on hiring a moving company be sure to check out our list of the top movers from Iowa to San Francisco, CA.
Consider moving containers: Need a more budget-friendly option? With these companies, you load and they drive! These are the best moving container companies.
Iowa to San Francisco, CA car shippers: Moving your car? Use a company that prioritizes professionalism, cares for your vehicle, and is experienced.

Okay, let’s talk about moving costs.

How much does it cost to move from Iowa to San Francisco, CA?

The table below lays out average cost ranges for different moving services depending on the size of your home.

Size of the Move	Moving Company	Moving Container	Rental Truck
Studio / 1 Bedroom	$1,574 - $6,056	$1,469 - $2,401	$1,149 - $1,486
2 - 3 bedrooms	$4,192 - $9,115	$2,492 - $3,797	$1,200 - $1,733
4+ bedrooms	$7,853 - $13,596	$3,453 - $4,894	$1,501 - $2,083

*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 1,832 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 Iowa to San Francisco, CA will depend on:

Move size: 5 bedroom homes are more expensive to move than 1 bedroom apartments.
Time of year: Summer is busy season so moving companies charge more.
Do-it-yourself vs Professional Mover: DIY moving services are usually cheaper but involve more work and stress.

How Much do Movers Cost?

Get instant ballpark pricing. No email or phone required. It's fast, free, and easy.

Who Are The Best Iowa to San Francisco, CA Movers?

Hiring a moving company is a big deal.

We’ve researched over 500 interstate moving companies, cross-referencing verified customer reviews, license data, insurance data, and federal complaint records to find you the best long distance moving companies in the industry.

If you’re moving a 1 bedroom apartment worth of stuff or more, these are the best full service moving companies.

Company	Quote	Rating
Safeway Moving Systems Best Overall Value	Get A Quote	5 overall rating
American Van Lines Best industry reputation	Get A Quote	4.85 overall rating
Air Van northAmerican Van Lines Best for complex moves	Get A Quote	4.35 overall rating

If you’re just trying to ship a few items, here’s a list of our recommended services for small moves.

How to ship a car from Iowa to San Francisco, CA

Now that you've picked from the top movers for your belongings, it's time to choose an experienced and reputable Iowa to San Francisco, CA car shipper.

Just like booking a reputable mover, professional car shippers will apply know-how and experience to make sure that your car makes it unscathed during this long-distance move.

Company	Our Take	Rating
Montway Auto Transport	Best Overall Value	5 overall rating
Ship A Car Direct	Best Insurance Coverage	4.75 overall rating
Easy Auto Ship	best for quick pick up	4.5 overall rating

Is moving from Iowa to San Francisco, CA a good idea?

Cost of Living: Iowa vs San Francisco, CA

	Iowa	San Francisco	% difference
Average rent cost	$789	$2,900	268%
Average home value	$183,155	$1,579,001	762.1%
Average income (per capita)	$61,836	$123,859	100.3%
Unemployment rate	3.7%	5.0%	35.14%
State Income Tax	8.53%	13.3%	+55.92%

How is life different in San Francisco, CA from Iowa?

	San Francisco	Iowa
Population	873,965	3,193,079
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	50.72	19.85

Considerations for moving to San Francisco, CA

Weather: San Francisco's weather is strongly influenced by the cool currents of the Pacific Ocean on the west side of the city, and the water of San Francisco Bay to the north and east. This moderates temperature swings and produces a remarkably mild year-round climate with little seasonal temperature variation..
HOA Rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
Elevator Reservation: One common and important example of something that should be handled ahead of time is reserving the building's elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
Parking Permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles, find out ahead of time with your new local rules.
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.
Moving Permits: California 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 California. Get started here.
Mover's Insurance: Every state has their own requirements when it comes to insurance. Released Value Protection is the most economical option because it doesn’t cost anything. It is offered by movers at no additional charge, but the protection is minimal. Under this option, the mover is responsible for no more than 60 cents per pound per article. For example, if your mover lost or damaged a 50 inch TV weighing 25 pounds, you would only receive $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). If you need for the full value of your items to be covered, please consult with the moving company you're hiring for other options or a third-party insurance provider.