How we chose the best moving companies for your IA to CO move
moveBuddha’s expert team analyzed moving rates from 37 Iowa movers and listed the top movers based on customer satisfaction, reviews, and cost.
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Customer satisfaction (40%): Shows up on time, communicates clearly, and delivers within the estimate.
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Dispute resolution (20%): Takes responsibility and follows through with fair solutions when problems occur.
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Industry reputation (15%): Earns respect across the industry and participates in conferences and organizations.
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Online reputation (15%): Up-to-date site content and prompt, professional engagement online.
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Service options (10%): We look for companies with a deep breadth of services including full packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
How much does it cost to move from Iowa to Colorado?
Check out the table below for average moving cost estimates from Iowa
to Colorado, broken down by home size and type of moving service.
| Move size |
Moving company |
Moving container |
Rental truck |
| Studio / 1 bedroom |
$1,189 – $4,058 |
$735 – $1,871 |
$552 – $960 |
| 2-3 bedrooms |
$2,203 – $5,558 |
$1,335 – $2,651 |
$551 – $1,151 |
| 4+ bedrooms |
$3,769 – $8,089 |
$1,738 – $3,525 |
$718 – $1,454 |
*The figures shown are approximate for a 775-mile relocation from IA to
CO, derived from moveBuddha
pricing data current as of Dec 11, 2025. moveBuddha aggregates thousands of verified
quotes from movers across the country and updates them monthly to capture seasonal and market
fluctuations. Final pricing will depend on move size, optional services, parking/access issues,
fuel rates, and schedule. We suggest requesting estimates from multiple movers for the best accuracy.
Cost to hire movers from Iowa to Colorado
When moving a studio or one-bedroom from Iowa to Colorado, you’ll likely pay between
$1,189
and $4,058.
If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between
$2,203 and $5,558
for the same journey (IA to CO).
Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $3,769
to $8,089.
Cost of moving containers from Iowa to Colorado
When you’re heading from Iowa to Colorado, and you’re only moving a few items,
you can expect to spend between $735 and
$1,871. For a two- or three-bedroom place,
prices usually fall between $1,335 and
$2,651. If you’re packing up a large home with four or
more bedrooms, the cost can range from $1,738
to $3,525. Want more details? Check out our
complete PODS cost guide.
Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies
to make your move from Iowa easier and more affordable.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Iowa to Colorado
A moving rental truck is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.
Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around
$552
to $960.
A two to three-bedroom move will cost $551
to $1,151, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms
from Iowa to Colorado costs around
$718 to
$1,454.
These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.
Factors affecting the cost of moving from IA to CO
Lots of things can impact how much it costs to move from Iowa to Colorado. Here’s what ultimately affects your final price:
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How big your haul is: More rooms and belongings mean higher costs compared to moving light with only a few items.
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The season you move: Costs spike during the busy summer season in Iowa when demand for movers is highest.
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DIY vs. calling in the experts: A DIY move is easier on the wallet, but professionals make the process far less stressful.
What to know before moving from IA to CO
If you’re moving to Colorado from Iowa, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.
Cost of living: Iowa vs. Colorado
Understanding how costs compare between Iowa and Colorado can make planning easier. Taxes, housing, job markets, and income all shape your budget, and this breakdown highlights the biggest differences:
|
Iowa |
Colorado |
| Average rent |
$914 |
$1,594 |
| Average home cost |
$220,277 |
$541,072 |
| Average income (per capita) |
$70,571 |
$87,598 |
| Cost of living index |
89 |
91 |
| Unemployment rate |
3.0% |
4.1% |
| Average sales tax |
6.94% |
7.81% |
| State income tax |
4.4% |
5.49% |
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Rent is about 74% higher in Colorado than in Iowa. Keep this in mind when planning your monthly budget.
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Prepare for a higher monthly mortgage. Home prices in Colorado are typically about 146% higher than in Iowa.
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You’re likely to earn about 24% more in Colorado than in Iowa. That extra income could mean more savings or new investment opportunities once you move.
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With the cost of living being about the same in Colorado and Iowa, you can shift your focus from finances to quality of life and lifestyle fit.
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The unemployment rate in Colorado is about 37% higher than in Iowa. With more people out of work, you’ll find a bigger talent pool for employers and tougher competition when job hunting.
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Sales taxes are 13% higher in Colorado than in Iowa. So, expect to pay more for everyday essentials like clothing, electronics, dining out, and household items.
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Income taxes in Colorado are 25% higher than in Iowa, so you’ll be paying more in state taxes and taking home a bit less pay.
How life is different in Colorado vs. Iowa
The impact of moving goes far beyond finding a job or home. Everyday life is shaped by factors like climate, safety, politics, and community size. Take a look at how Colorado and Iowa line up on these lifestyle indicators.
|
Colorado |
Iowa |
| Population |
5,877,610 |
3,207,004 |
| Political leaning |
Democrat 54-46 |
Republican 53-45 |
| Summer high |
86ºF |
84ºF |
| Winter low |
13ºF |
10ºF |
| Annual rain |
16″ |
35″ |
| Annual snow |
63″ |
30″ |
| Crime index |
36.4 |
16.18 |
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The population of Colorado is approximately 83% greater than the population of Iowa.
With more people often comes better-developed infrastructure, including healthcare, education, public transportation, and entertainment opportunities.
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In the most recent presidential election, Colorado voted Democrat, while Iowa went Republican.
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In Colorado, summer highs are around 86°F, close to 84°F in Iowa.
With such little difference, your summer experience won’t change much.
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Winter temperatures usually fall to 13°F in Colorado and 10°F in Iowa.
With such similar lows, you won’t face much adjustment beyond local weather quirks.
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In Colorado, you’ll get about 16 inches of rain each year — less than the 35 inches you’re used to in Iowa.
That means more sunshine, more time outside, and fewer weather concerns.
-
Each year, Colorado sees about 63 inches of snowfall, while Iowa averages just 30 inches.
With more snow comes stunning winter scenery and plenty of outdoor fun, but also the need for extra preparation and warm gear.
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Colorado has a higher crime rate than Iowa, with a crime index of 36.4 compared to 16.18.
While a statewide crime rate isn’t a dealbreaker, it’s smart to research neighborhoods.
Comparing the pros of Iowa vs. Colorado
New beginnings can be really exciting.
Here’s a quick comparison between life in Colorado and Iowa:
| Pros of living in Iowa |
Pros of living in Colorado |
| Low cost of living |
Ample economic opportunity |
| Ample economic opportunity |
Awesome snow recreational activities |
| High quality of education |
Quality healthcare |
| No traffic |
High quality of life |
| Beautiful outdoors |
Beautiful outdoors |
Comparing the cons of living in Iowa vs. Colorado
Everything can’t be sunshine and rainbows all the time, no matter where you live.
Here are some things to be aware of when leaving Iowa for Colorado:
| Cons of living in Iowa |
Cons of living in Colorado |
| Severe weather conditions |
Extreme weather |
| Limited recreational opportunities |
High cost of living |
| High taxes |
Altitude sickness |
| High emphasis on politics |
Overcrowding |
| Rustic food |
Bad traffic |
Other things to consider for your Iowa to Colorado move
-
HOA rules:
Before moving day, make sure to review any rules your neighborhood or community might have so your move goes off without a hitch.
-
Elevator reservation:
Make sure to reserve your building’s elevator as soon as possible and review any moving day rules well in advance.
-
Parking permits:
Some cities expect you to have a parking permit for moving trucks, so double-check your new area’s rules before moving day to prevent any last-minute headaches.
-
State licensing:
The Colorado Public Utilities Commission (COPUC) regulates local and intrastate moving service providers in Colorado. Make sure your moving company is fully licensed before you book.
-
State regulator:
You can verify a Colorado moving license and its status on the state regulator’s official website.
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Moving permits:
You don’t need a moving permit in Colorado, but it’s a good idea to look into local parking rules before your move.
-
Change of address:
Make sure to submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before moving. Once you set your move date, your mail will start forwarding to Colorado right on schedule. Get started here.
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Mover’s insurance:
By law, interstate movers have to give you basic insurance known as “released value protection” at no extra cost. Choose Released Value Protection for its cost-free advantage, provided by movers with minimal coverage. Under this option, the mover’s responsibility is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if your mover lost or damaged a valuable item, you would only receive compensation based on this limited valuation. If you seek comprehensive coverage for your items’ full value, discuss alternative options with the moving company you’re hiring or explore third-party insurance providers.
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Moving checklist:
Make moving day a breeze with our straightforward moving checklist, which can help you stay on track and make sure you don’t miss any steps.
Things to do in Colorado
While you’re in Colorado, you won’t be bored. These are some of the coolest places to visit in your new home state:
Museums in Colorado
- Denver Botanic Gardens
- Argo Mill and Tunnel
- Rosemount Museum
- Benson Park Sculpture Garden
- Denver Museum of Nature & Science
Parks in Colorado
- Rocky Mountain National Park
- Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve
- Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park
- Mesa Verde National Park
- Canyons of the Ancients National Monument
Sports teams in Colorado
- Denver Broncos (NFL)
- Denver Barbarians (RSL)
- Denver Nuggets (NBA)
- Colorado Rockies (MLB)
- Colorado Avalanche (NHL)
Universities in Colorado
- University of Colorado Boulder
- Colorado State University
- University of Denver
- United States Air Force Academy
- University of Colorado Denver
FAQs
What is the cheapest way to move from Iowa to Colorado?
Do movers transport your car from Iowa to Colorado?
A lot of full-service movers will handle auto transport for you, usually for an added cost. Or,
if you prefer, you can arrange
vehicle transport from Iowa to Colorado on your own through a top car shipping company.
What are the benefits of moving from Iowa to Colorado?
An increasing number of people are relocating from Iowa to Colorado to enjoy all the great benefits Colorado provides, such as ample economic opportunity and awesome snow recreational activities.
Is it cheaper to live in Iowa or Colorado?
Living in Iowa usually costs less than in Colorado.
While the overall cost of living is similar for both states, housing
is much more affordable in Iowa,
with average rent about 43% less and home prices 59% lower than in Colorado.
Taxes are also
lower in Iowa, most notably income taxes, which are more than 20% less than those paid by Colorado residents.
How much should you make a year to live comfortably in Colorado?
Thinking of moving to Colorado on your own? You’ll want to earn around $85,853 to cover your expenses comfortably.
If you’re living solo, expect to spend about $4,016 per month, or around $8,875 if you have a family of four.
Where you choose to live makes a big difference, too. Bigger cities like Castle Pines North and Carbonate tend to have higher housing costs compared to smaller towns.
Which discounts can you find from movers in Iowa?
Plenty of moving companies offer ways to help you save, from seasonal promotions to ongoing deals.
Military members can find special pricing from 1 companies.
Discount types, amounts, and availability can differ, so it’s worth confirming the details with each mover before you book.
Helpful moving resources
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When moving from Iowa to Colorado, you’ll likely pay between $2,203–$5,558 with professional movers, roughly
$1,993 for a moving container, and about
$851
for a rental truck.
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