When relocating from Iowa to Kentucky, expect professional movers to cost around
$2,206 to
$5,447, roughly
$1,908 for a container move, and close to
$826
for a rental truck.
Fact Checked by:
Best overall value
The best local moving companies in Iowa
In Iowa, you can choose from 31 interstate movers capable of assisting with your move to Kentucky. To help, we’ve rounded up the best local movers in Iowa. Each company on our list is known for transparent pricing, solid customer reviews, and outstanding service.
- Claeys Brothers Moving & Storage Inc: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- Key City Moving & Storage: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- Black Belt Movers: 4.48 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 70
DOT #: 70719
Claeys Brothers Moving & Storage Inc, a staple in Sioux City, IA since 1955, offers comprehensive local residential moving services. With a strong reputation reflected in their 4.2 average rating on Google and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, they are a trusted choice among local movers. Unlike many nearby moving companies, Claeys Brothers also offer packing and unpacking services, as well as the capability to move pianos, art, and antiques. The firm accepts both cash and credit cards, and no deposit is required, making them a flexible and customer-friendly option for local moves.
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
Two Men and a Truck, a reputable moving company in Urbandale, IA, has been providing local residential moving services since 1998. Renowned for their packing, unpacking, and labor-only services, they stand out by requiring no deposit and accepting credit cards, adding convenience for their clients. With an impressive average rating of 4.6 on Google from over 500 reviews and a BBB rating of A+, they excel in customer satisfaction compared to other nearby movers. Their proven track record makes them a trusted choice for local moves.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 7
DOT #: 2378173
College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving, serving Clive, IA since 2018, specializes in local residential moves and stands out from other nearby movers with their comprehensive packing, unpacking, and labor-only services. They also cater to office moving needs, making them a versatile choice. While their Yelp reviews average 3.2 from 14 ratings, their astounding 4.8 out of 1452 Google reviews suggest a generally positive customer experience. Additionally, they accept credit cards and do not require a deposit, offering convenience and flexibility. Despite their F rating from the BBB, their extensive positive feedback on Google indicates a largely satisfactory service.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 115
DOT #: 125563
Key City Moving & Storage has been a trusted name in local residential moving services in and around Peosta, IA since 1910. With glowing customer feedback, including an average rating of 4.6 on Yelp and 4.9 on Google, as well as an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, they stand out among local competitors. They offer comprehensive services including packing, unpacking, and specialized fragile-only packing, ensuring a stress-free move. Unlike other movers, they don’t require a deposit and accept both cash and credit cards, making them a customer-friendly choice for your next move.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Pricing: $150/hr
Years in Business: 17
DOT #: 3527158
Black Belt Movers, serving the Ankeny, IA area since 2009, offers a comprehensive range of local residential moving services. With an A rating from the Better Business Bureau and an average Yelp rating of 4.0 based on 15 reviews, their reputation stands strong among nearby moving companies. They also provide office moving, packing, unpacking, and specialized services like moving pianos and antiques. Unlike many competitors, they accept credit cards, require no deposit, and provide full valuation insurance coverage.
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
The best Iowa to Kentucky moving container companies
Moving containers allow you to save money without having to go the full DIY route. While you’ll have to handle loading and unloading, the container company has you covered on transportation. They’ll pick up your pod in Iowa and drop it off at your new home in Kentucky.
Check out these highly rated moving container companies:
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The best Iowa to Kentucky moving truck rentals
If you want to save money moving from Iowa to Kentucky, renting a moving truck is your best bet. Just keep in mind, you’ll be putting in the sweat equity, doing the loading, unloading, and driving yourself.
Check out our favorite picks for rental moving trucks:
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The best Iowa to Kentucky labor-only movers
If you need some extra muscle to load your belongings into a rental truck or container, labor-only movers are a smart choice. You get a crew that’s the right size for your move, and you only have to pay for the time it takes them to load.
For a smooth move from Iowa to Kentucky, take a look at these top-rated moving labor companies.
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How we chose the best moving companies for your IA to KY move
moveBuddha experts compared rates across 35 Iowa moving services, showcasing the companies that stood out for strong reviews, reliable service, and fair pricing.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): On-schedule service, proactive communication, and no surprises on price.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.
- Industry reputation (15%): Respected by peers and active in associations and trade events.
- Online reputation (15%): Maintains a trustworthy web presence and answers customers with speed and courtesy.
- Service options (10%): Comprehensive offerings including packing, secure storage, delicate-item care, and faster shipping.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
How much does it cost to move from Iowa to Kentucky?
Take a look at the table below for average moving cost estimates from Iowa to Kentucky. We’ve broken down prices by home size and type of moving service, so you can easily compare your choices.
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,139 – $3,838 | $692 – $1,654 | $473 – $922 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $2,206 – $5,447 | $1,335 – $2,482 | $526 – $1,127 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,839 – $8,039 | $1,752 – $3,348 | $625 – $1,259 |
*These cost ranges are approximate estimates based on a 665-mile move from IA to KY using pricing data compiled by moveBuddha as of Nov 04, 2025. moveBuddha collects thousands of verified price points from moving companies nationwide and updates this data monthly to reflect seasonal fluctuations and market trends. Your final price may vary depending on move size, added services, parking or access challenges, fuel rates, and scheduling. We always recommend comparing quotes from multiple movers to get an accurate idea of pricing.
Cost to hire movers from Iowa to Kentucky
Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Iowa to Kentucky typically costs between $1,139 and $3,838. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $2,206 and $5,447 when moving from IA to KY. If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from Iowa to Kentucky, you’re looking at costs ranging from $3,839 up to $8,039.
Cost of moving containers from Iowa to Kentucky
If you’re relocating from Iowa to Kentucky, you’ll typically spend between $692 and $1,654 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $1,335 up to $2,482. If you’re moving a larger home—four bedrooms or more—expect to pay anywhere between $1,752 and $3,348. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from Iowa.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Iowa to Kentucky
Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice, but remember, you’ll be responsible for all the heavy lifting, packing, and driving on your own.
If you’re moving from a studio or one-bedroom place with a rental truck, expect to pay between $473 and $922. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $526 to $1,127. If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $625 and $1,259.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Factors affecting the cost of moving from IA to KY
Several factors can influence your moving costs from Iowa to Kentucky. Here’s what could impact your final bill:
- Move size: Moving a large home costs more than moving a studio apartment.
- Seasonal timing: Summer is peak moving season in Iowa, which usually means higher prices.
- Pros vs. DIY: Doing it yourself can save money, but hiring movers saves effort and stress.
What to know before moving from IA to KY
Transitioning from Iowa to Kentucky gives you a chance to look at how life in your new state will differ from what you know now.
Cost of living: Iowa vs. Kentucky
Relocating comes with financial tradeoffs, and the contrasts between Iowa and Kentucky are worth noting. Here’s how the two states stack up in key areas like job opportunities, taxes, housing, and income:
| Iowa | Kentucky | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $914 | $902 |
| Average home cost | $220,277 | $212,088 |
| Average income (per capita) | $70,571 | $60,183 |
| Cost of living index | 89 | 93 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.0% | 5.0% |
| Average sales tax | 6.94% | 6.0% |
| State income tax | 4.4% | 4.0% |
- Your budget won’t be hit too hard when you move to Kentucky from Iowa with rent being about the same in each state.
- Home prices in Kentucky and Iowa are pretty similar, so you won’t need to adjust your mortgage budget unless you’re planning to move into a bigger or better place.
- Make sure to review your budget before your move. Average incomes in Kentucky are roughly 15% lower than in Iowa.
- With a similar cost of living in both Iowa and Kentucky, you can relax about your budget and concentrate on finding the lifestyle and environment that fit you best.
- Unemployment in Kentucky is about 67% higher than in Iowa. Since more people are searching for jobs, you’ll face tougher competition in the job market.
- Sales tax in Kentucky is 14% lower than in Iowa, which can stretch your budget further on recurring expenses like food, shopping, and entertainment.
- Income taxes are 9% lower in Kentucky compared to Iowa. With these lower rates, you’ll keep more of each paycheck, leaving you extra cash to save, invest, or spend on daily needs.
How life is different in Kentucky vs. Iowa
A move to another state brings shifts that go beyond housing and work. Things like weather, community safety, political leanings, and population size all help define what daily life looks like. This snapshot shows how Kentucky and Iowa compare.
| Kentucky | Iowa | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 4,526,154 | 3,207,004 |
| Political leaning | Republican 64.6-33.9 | Republican 53-45 |
| Summer high | 87ºF | 84ºF |
| Winter low | 24ºF | 10ºF |
| Annual rain | 48″ | 35″ |
| Annual snow | 11″ | 30″ |
| Crime index | 16.63 | 16.18 |
- If you’re moving from Iowa to Kentucky, you’ll find Kentucky has about 41% more people. That bigger population often means better infrastructure, from hospitals and schools to public transit and entertainment.
- The last presidential election saw both Iowa and Kentucky siding with the Republican party.
- The average summer high in Kentucky is 87°F, while Iowa averages 84°F. With temperatures so close, you won’t notice much difference in the heat. Still, don’t forget to factor in humidity, local weather quirks, and energy costs to get the full picture.
- In winter, Kentucky drops only to 24°F, milder than 10°F in Iowa. That means lower costs, easier winters, and more chances to enjoy the outdoors.
- Get ready for about 48 inches of rain each year in Kentucky. That’s quite a change from the 35 inches you’re used to back in Iowa. More rain means greener scenery but also some soggy days, so pack your rain gear and make a few adjustments to settle in quickly and comfortably.
- In Kentucky, it only snows about 11 inches annually while Iowa gets 30 inches. Moving to Kentucky, with less snow, means easier winters, less maintenance, and fewer weather-related hassles.
- Kentucky and Iowa share similar crime rates (16.18). However, crime can vary greatly between different cities and neighborhoods within each state, so be sure to look into local crime data for a clearer picture.
Comparing the pros of Iowa vs. Kentucky
Starting fresh in a new place can be thrilling. Here’s a quick snapshot comparing life in Kentucky to Iowa:
| Pros of living in Iowa | Pros of living in Kentucky |
|---|---|
| Low cost of living | Low cost of living |
| Ample economic opportunity | Abundant outdoor adventures |
| High quality of education | Delicious food and drink |
| No traffic | Horse racing |
| Beautiful outdoors | Four season weather |
Comparing the cons of living in Iowa vs. Kentucky
No matter your location, life isn’t always perfect. Keep these points in mind as you make the move from Iowa to Kentucky:
| Cons of living in Iowa | Cons of living in Kentucky |
|---|---|
| Severe weather conditions | Extreme weather |
| Limited recreational opportunities | Low diversity |
| High taxes | Poor air quality |
| High emphasis on politics | Poor infrastructure |
| Rustic food | Poor education system |
Other things to consider for your Iowa to Kentucky move
- HOA rules: Double-check your neighborhood or community guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises and keep everything running smoothly.
- Elevator reservation: One common issue you should handle ahead of your move is reserving the building’s elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
- Parking permits: Some cities require you to get a parking permit for moving trucks. Check your new local regulations before moving day so you’re not caught off guard.
- State licensing: Movers in Kentucky are licensed and regulated by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) – Division of Motor Carriers. Moving companies that operate within the state must carry adequate cargo insurance and file public tariffs detailing the services they offer and the cost for each. The KYTC can assist consumers with resolving disputes with movers, but only after a customer makes a formal written complaint. Make sure your moving company has the right licenses before you book with them.
- State regulator: Quickly check the status of a Kentucky moving license anytime on the official state regulator’s website, here.
- Moving permits: No moving permit is required in Kentucky, but be sure to check local parking regulations before your move.
- 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 so that all your mail will get properly forwarded to Kentucky. Get started here.
- Mover’s insurance: By law, interstate moving companies are required to provide basic insurance coverage, known as “released value protection,” at no extra cost. Choose Released Value Protection for free, basic coverage from movers at 60 cents per pound. For comprehensive protection matching your items’ full value, consult your moving company for alternative options or consider a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving checklist: Keep your move stress-free with our handy moving checklist. It’s the easiest way to make sure nothing gets overlooked.
Things to do in Kentucky
Get excited to explore Kentucky. Don’t miss these top spots in your new home state:
Museums in Kentucky
- Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory
- Kentucky Derby Museum
- Ark Encounter
- National Corvette Museum
- The National Quilt Museum
Parks in Kentucky
- Smothers Park
- Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park
- Natural Bridge State Resort Park
- Red River Gorge Geological Area
- Freeman Lake Park
Sports teams in Kentucky
- Bellarmine Knights (NCAA)
- Eastern Kentucky Colonels (NCAA)
- Kentucky Wildcats (NCAA)
- Louisville Cardinals (NCAA)
- Morehead State Eagles (NCAA)
Universities in Kentucky
- University of Kentucky
- University of Louisville
- Western Kentucky University
- Eastern Kentucky University
- Georgetown College
FAQs
What is the cheapest way to move from Iowa to Kentucky?
If you want a stress-free move, hiring a full-service Iowa moving company is the way to go, even if it costs a bit more. Looking to save money? Try renting a moving truck or going with a moving container, but be prepared to do more of the heavy lifting yourself. Want to spend even less? Check out our tips for the cheapest ways to move out of state.
Do movers transport your car from Iowa to Kentucky?
Some full-service movers can coordinate auto transport for you as part of your relocation package for an additional fee. But you can also handle vehicle transport from Iowa to Kentucky separately through one of the top car shipping companies.
What are the benefits of moving from Iowa to Kentucky?
Many people are making the move from Iowa to Kentucky to take advantage of all the great benefits that life in Kentucky has to offer, like low cost of living and abundant outdoor adventures.
Is it cheaper to live in Iowa or Kentucky?
Living in Iowa usually costs less than in Kentucky. Housing is much more affordable in Kentucky, with average rent about 1% less and home prices 4% lower than in Iowa. Taxes are also lower in Kentucky, most notably income taxes, which are more than 9% less than those paid by Iowa residents.
How much should you make a year to live comfortably in Kentucky?
Planning to move to Kentucky? A single adult should aim for an income of around $59,905 to live comfortably. Monthly costs average $2,600 for an individual, or $4,876 for a family of four. Your expenses depend a lot on location — bigger cities like Louisville and Lexington usually have steeper housing costs than smaller towns.
Which discounts can you find from movers in Iowa?
Here’s a breakdown of discount types currently available in Iowa: 1 provide military discounts;
Availability can change, so always verify details before booking.
Helpful moving resources
Iowa moving services
Popular Iowa routes
Popular moving resources
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