How we chose the best moving companies for your IA to DE move
Our analysts at moveBuddha reviewed rates from 37 Iowa moving companies, highlighting the best performers for satisfaction, reviews, and overall value.
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Customer satisfaction (40%): Reliable timelines, steady communication, and final bills that match the quote.
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Dispute resolution (20%): Addresses issues transparently and fixes them without dragging feet.
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Industry reputation (15%): Positive standing with industry pros and ongoing involvement in trade circles.
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Online reputation (15%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information. The company promptly and professionally responds to online customer inquiries.
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Service options (10%): Offers a broad menu—packing, storage, specialty item care, and expedited delivery.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
How much does it cost to move from Iowa to Delaware?
Take a look at the table below for average
moving cost estimates from Iowa to Delaware.
Costs are organized by home size and the type of moving service you choose.
| Move size |
Moving company |
Moving container |
Rental truck |
| Studio / 1 bedroom |
$1,212 – $4,770 |
$870 – $1,942 |
$668 – $1,294 |
| 2-3 bedrooms |
$2,622 – $6,235 |
$1,471 – $2,847 |
$744 – $1,555 |
| 4+ bedrooms |
$4,106 – $7,557 |
$2,067 – $3,911 |
$924 – $1,799 |
*These price ranges represent estimates for a 1,082-mile move from IA to
DE using moveBuddha data as
of Dec 11, 2025. Our database includes thousands of verified prices from moving companies nationwide
and is refreshed each month to account for seasonal patterns and market trends. Your total may differ
based on volume, selected services, access or parking challenges, fuel costs, and timing. Getting quotes
from multiple movers is the best way to dial in a precise price.
Cost to hire movers from Iowa to Delaware
If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move from Iowa to Delaware,
you can expect prices to land between $1,212
and $4,770.
For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from
$2,622 to
$6,235 for the trip from IA
to DE. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between
$4,106 and
$7,557.
Cost of moving containers from Iowa to Delaware
Moving containers from Iowa to Delaware
will cost you $870 to
$1,942 for a small move.
For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,471
to $2,847. A four-bedroom move or bigger will
cost $2,067 to
$3,911.
Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies
when moving out of Iowa.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Iowa to Delaware
Renting a moving truck typically costs the least, but you’ll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.
Expect to pay between
$668
and $1,294
to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move,
prices usually range from $744
to $1,555.
If you’re relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you’ll likely spend anywhere from
$924
to $1,799.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Factors affecting the cost of moving from IA to DE
Several factors influence the cost of moving from Iowa to Delaware. Here’s what can impact your final bill:
-
Size of your move: Relocating a large home comes with higher costs than moving a small apartment or studio.
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Timing of your move: Relocating during peak summer months in Iowa generally comes with a higher price tag.
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DIY vs. professional mover: DIY moving services are cheaper but you do all the heavy lifting compared to letting the pros handle your move.
What to know before moving from IA to DE
Making the move from Iowa to Delaware means weighing what day-to-day life will look like once you settle in.
Cost of living: Iowa vs. Delaware
A clear look at the cost differences between Iowa and Delaware helps set expectations. From employment trends to housing costs, taxes, and earnings, this comparison outlines what may matter most for your wallet and lifestyle:
|
Iowa |
Delaware |
| Average rent |
$914 |
$1,286 |
| Average home cost |
$220,277 |
$388,654 |
| Average income (per capita) |
$70,571 |
$79,325 |
| Cost of living index |
89 |
100 |
| Unemployment rate |
3.0% |
3.0% |
| Average sales tax |
6.94% |
0.0% |
| State income tax |
4.4% |
6.6% |
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Rent in Delaware is about 41% higher than in Iowa. Be sure to factor this into your monthly budget planning.
-
Get ready for a bigger monthly payment. Home prices in Delaware are usually around 76% higher than what you’ll find in Iowa.
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Exciting news here, the average income is about 12% higher in Delaware than in Iowa, so you should have more to save or invest each month.
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Living in Delaware costs 12% more than in Iowa. If you’re relocating to Delaware, be sure to budget carefully so your finances can handle the higher expenses.
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Unemployment rates in Delaware and Iowa are about the same, so you’re unlikely to see a big shift in job opportunities or competition after your move.
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Delaware doesn’t charge a sales tax, so you’ll save money on regular purchases compared to Iowa.
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State income taxes in Delaware are 50% higher than in Iowa, which means you’ll owe more in state taxes and take home slightly less pay.
How life is different in Delaware vs. Iowa
Moving to a new state isn’t just about jobs and housing, it’s about how daily life will feel.
From weather patterns and crime rates to political culture and population size, these factors can shape your overall experience.
Here’s how life in Delaware and Iowa compares across key lifestyle indicators:
|
Delaware |
Iowa |
| Population |
1,031,890 |
3,207,004 |
| Political leaning |
Democratic 57-43 |
Republican 53-45 |
| Summer high |
87ºF |
84ºF |
| Winter low |
25ºF |
10ºF |
| Annual rain |
45″ |
35″ |
| Annual snow |
13″ |
30″ |
| Crime index |
23.48 |
16.18 |
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The population of Delaware is about 68% smaller than that of Iowa.
Choosing a less crowded state can mean more space, lower costs, and a simpler lifestyle, but you might need to adjust to fewer services or a slower job market.
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In the latest presidential election, Delaware voted Democratic, while Iowa chose Republican.
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Summer highs average 87°F in Delaware, compared to 84°F in Iowa.
The difference is minimal, so you won’t see major changes, though humidity and energy costs still matter.
-
Delaware has winter lows around 25°F, compared to 10°F in Iowa.
That milder weather makes winters easier, cheaper, and more comfortable to live through.
-
You can expect about 45 inches of annual rainfall in Delaware versus only 35 inches of rainfall in Iowa.
More annual rainfall means wetter days, greener scenery, and some lifestyle adjustments. With the right mindset, and waterproof gear, you can settle in comfortably.
-
In Delaware, you’ll get about 13 inches of snow each year, far less than Iowa.
That means moving to Delaware will bring milder winters with less shoveling and fewer weather headaches.
-
Delaware has a higher crime rate than Iowa, with crime indexes at 23.48 and 16.18, respectively.
While state averages aren’t everything, it’s a good idea to look into specific neighborhoods, follow local safety updates, and consider how this could impact your day-to-day routine.
Comparing the pros of Iowa vs. Delaware
Getting a fresh start in a new location is exciting.
Here’s a side-by-side look at the perks of living in Delaware compared to Iowa:
| Pros of living in Iowa |
Pros of living in Delaware |
| Low cost of living |
Bountiful recreational opportunities |
| Ample economic opportunity |
High-quality healthcare |
| High quality of education |
Ample economic opportunity |
| No traffic |
Beautiful beaches |
| Beautiful outdoors |
Rich culture |
Comparing the cons of living in Iowa vs. Delaware
Life isn’t always perfect, no matter where you are.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when making the move from Iowa to Delaware:
| Cons of living in Iowa |
Cons of living in Delaware |
| Severe weather conditions |
Hurricanes |
| Limited recreational opportunities |
High crime rate |
| High taxes |
Overcrowding |
| High emphasis on politics |
High cost of living |
| Rustic food |
Limited public transportation |
Other things to consider for your Iowa to Delaware 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:
Movers headquartered in Delaware that offer local and intrastate moving services don’t need to be licensed. Still, they must comply with Delaware Department of Transportation (DDOT) regulations on insurance and commercial vehicle safety. Make sure the moving company you use has proper licensing before hiring them.
-
State regulator:
You can quickly check a Delaware moving license and its current status on the state regulator’s official website here.
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Moving permits:
You don’t need a moving permit in Delaware, 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 Delaware 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. Selecting Released Value Protection is a cost-effective choice, provided at no extra charge by movers, even though it offers limited coverage. Within this option, the mover’s responsibility is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. If you’re concerned about the value of your possessions and require more extensive coverage, consider discussing alternative options with the moving company you’ve chosen or explore third-party insurance providers. Ensure comprehensive protection for your belongings during the move by exploring these additional coverage choices.
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Moving checklist:
Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you ensure you’ve got everything covered.
Things to do in Delaware
You’ll have plenty to explore in Delaware! Check out these top spots to visit in your new home state:
Museums in Delaware
- Nemours Estate
- Air Mobility Command Museum
- Hagley Museum And Library
- Johnson Victrola Museum
- Indian River Life-Saving Station Museum at Delaware Seashore State Park
Parks in Delaware
- Glasgow Park
- Battery Park
- First State Heritage Park
- Iron Hill Park
- Browns Branch County Park
Sports teams in Delaware
- Delaware Blue Coats (NBA G League)
- Delaware Fightin’ Blue Hens (NCAA)
- Delaware Black Foxes (USARL)
- Southern Delaware Rollergirls (WFTDA)
Universities in Delaware
- University of Delaware
- Delaware State University
- Wilmington University
- Goldey-Beacom College
FAQs
What is the cheapest way to move from Iowa to Delaware?
Do movers transport your car from Iowa to Delaware?
What are the benefits of moving from Iowa to Delaware?
Plenty of movers are choosing to leave Iowa for Delaware, drawn by advantages like bountiful recreational opportunities and high-quality healthcare that make life in the new state more appealing.
Is it cheaper to live in Iowa or Delaware?
Living in Iowa usually costs less than in Delaware.
Housing
is much more affordable in Iowa,
with average rent about 29% less and home prices 43% lower than in Delaware.
Taxes are also
lower in Iowa, most notably income taxes, which are more than 30% less than those paid by Delaware residents.
How much should you make a year to live comfortably in Delaware?
To live comfortably as a single adult in Delaware, you should aim to make around $59,688.
On average, expect to spend about $3,428 per month, or $6,148 monthly for a family of four.
Your actual expenses can vary depending on your location within the state. Bigger cities like Wilmington and Dover generally come with higher housing costs than smaller towns.
Which discounts can you find from movers in Iowa?
Many movers in Iowa publish special-rate programs:
1 offer military-specific savings;
Eligibility and amounts may change, so confirm with each mover before booking.
Helpful moving resources
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For a move from Iowa to Delaware, budget between $2,622–$6,235 for full-service movers, around
$2,159 if you choose a moving container, and approximately
$1,149
for a rental truck.
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