Best Movers From Iowa to Michigan (2025 Cost Data)
When planning a move from Iowa to Michigan, professional movers typically run between
$2,001 and $5,151, a moving container averages about
$1,730, and a rental truck is around
$733.
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Let’s get moving.
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$1,163 — $5,151 Top local mover
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$1,163 — $7,376 Top long-distance mover
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$639 — $3,193 Top container company
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$431 — $1,162 Top truck rental
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$61 — $80/hour Top labor-only mover
Best movers by type
Professional
|
Local
|
Container
|
Rental Truck
|
Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Iowa to Michigan
After analyzing 3,180 movers, the moveBuddha team determined that 2,641 (83%) offer interstate services. Using our thorough rating methodology, our moving experts narrowed the field to the top providers equipped to handle your move from Iowa to Michigan.
Best overall value
Estimated cost to move from Iowa to Michigan
Studio / 1 bedroom
|
2 – 3 bedrooms
|
4+ bedrooms
|
1 Bedroom (large)
Nov 26, 2025
4 Bedrooms
Nov 16, 2025
2 Bedrooms
Nov 12, 2025
Studio apartment
Oct 31, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Oct 13, 2025
5+ Bedrooms
Oct 08, 2025
5+ Bedrooms
Oct 06, 2025
4 Bedrooms
Sep 27, 2025
4 Bedrooms
Sep 23, 2025
Studio apartment
Sep 22, 2025
FAQ
How much does it cost to move from Iowa to Michigan?
Here are average cost ranges by home size and service type:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,163 – $3,188 | $639 – $1,686 | $431 – $778 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $2,001 – $5,151 | $1,152 – $2,308 | $464 – $1,002 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,538 – $7,376 | $1,682 – $3,193 | $609 – $1,162 |
How much does it cost to hire movers (a moving company) for this route?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $1,163 – $3,188
- 2–3 bedrooms: $2,001 – $5,151
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,538 – $7,376
How much do moving containers cost from Iowa to Michigan?
- Small move: $639 – $1,686
- 2–3 bedrooms: $1,152 – $2,308
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,682 – $3,193
Learn more about PODS cost.
How much does a rental truck cost for this move?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $431 – $778
- 2–3 bedrooms: $464 – $1,002
- 4+ bedrooms: $609 – $1,162
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Which option is usually the cheapest?
A rental truck is generally the cheapest option — but you’ll handle the driving and labor yourself.
Why are these prices ranges (not exact quotes)?
These are approximate estimates for a 579-mile move from IA to MI using moveBuddha pricing data as of Dec 17, 2025.
Final costs can vary based on move size, add-on services, parking/access challenges, fuel rates, and scheduling.
How do I get the most accurate price for my exact move?
Compare quotes from multiple movers to dial in a precise number.
What “extra costs” should I plan for after moving from IA to MI?
Beyond the moving bill, your day-to-day budget can change — especially housing and taxes. Here’s a quick side-by-side:
| Iowa | Michigan | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $914 | $1,037 |
| Average home cost | $220,277 | $245,716 |
| Average income (per capita) | $70,571 | $68,505 |
| Cost of living index | 89 | 92 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.0% | 4.7% |
| Average sales tax | 6.94% | 6.0% |
| State income tax | 4.4% | 4.25% |
Will rent be more expensive in Michigan?
Rent is about 13% higher in Michigan than in Iowa.
Avg rent: $914 vs. $1,037
How do home prices compare (if I’m buying after the move)?
Home prices are about 12% higher in Michigan than in Iowa.
Avg home value: $220,277 vs. $245,716
Will my earning power likely change after moving?
Average incomes are about the same in Iowa and Michigan.
Avg income (per capita): $70,571 vs. $68,505
Is the overall cost of living higher in Michigan?
The cost of living is about the same in Iowa and Michigan.
Cost of living index: 89 vs. 92
Will sales tax increase my everyday spending?
Sales tax is about 14% lower in Michigan than in Iowa.
Avg sales tax: 6.94% vs. 6.0%
Will state income tax change my take-home pay?
Income tax rates are similar in Iowa and Michigan.
State income tax: 4.4% vs. 4.25%
How is daily life different in Michigan compared to Iowa?
Starting fresh means adjusting to more than logistics — climate, crime, and culture shape the experience.
| Michigan | Iowa | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 10,037,261 | 3,207,004 |
| Political leaning | Republican 49.7-48.3 | Republican 53-45 |
| Summer high | 81ºF | 84ºF |
| Winter low | 14ºF | 10ºF |
| Annual rain | 34″ | 35″ |
| Annual snow | 64″ | 30″ |
| Crime index | 19.98 | 16.18 |
Will Michigan feel more crowded than Iowa?
Michigan is about 213% more populous than Iowa — which can mean more infrastructure and amenities.
Will the political culture feel different?
In the last presidential election, both Iowa and Michigan voted Republican.
How different is the weather (summer and winter)?
Summer: Highs are very similar (81°F vs. 84°F).
Winter: Lows are very similar (14°F vs. 10°F).
Will it be wetter or snowier in Michigan?
Rain: Annual rainfall is pretty similar (34″ vs. 35″).
Snow: Michigan gets more snow (64 inches vs. 30 inches).
Is Michigan safer than Iowa?
Michigan has a higher crime index than Iowa (19.98 vs. 16.18). Research neighborhoods to find the best fit.
What are some things to do in Michigan?
Museums in Michigan
- Detroit Institute of Arts
- Motown Museum
- The Henry Ford
- Kalamazoo Valley Museum
- Gerald R. Ford Museum
Parks in Michigan
- 1. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
- 2. Pere Marquette Park
- 3. Silver Beach County Park
- 4. Presque Isle Park
- 5. Galien River County Park
Sports teams in Michigan
- Detroit Lions (NFL)
- Detroit Pistons (NBA)
- Detroit Red Wings (NHL)
- Detroit Tigers (MLB)
- Grand Rapids Gold (NBA G League)
Universities in Michigan
- University of Michigan
- Michigan State University
- Michigan Technological University
- Wayne State University
- Western Michigan University
What other things should I plan for besides the move itself?
Other things to consider for your Iowa to Michigan move
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: A key task to tackle early is booking your building’s elevator and checking out the rules for using it on moving day.
- Parking permits: Some cities require a parking permit for moving trucks, so be sure to check your new local rules before moving day to avoid any surprises.
- State licensing: The agency regulating local and intrastate household goods movers in Michigan is the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC). State regulation and oversight activities include commercial vehicle registration and safety compliance, review of published tariff rates, licensing, and consumer protection efforts. Before you book, double-check that your moving company is properly licensed.
- State regulator: Easily verify the status of a Michigan moving license anytime on the official state regulator’s website, here.
- Moving permits: Michigan does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
- Change of address: Submit your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. Get started here.
- Mover’s insurance: Federal law requires interstate moving companies to provide basic insurance for free. In Alabama, Massachusetts, and Michigan, choose the economical option of Released Value Protection, provided by movers at no extra cost. However, it offers minimal coverage at 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage of your items’ full value, consult with your moving company for alternatives or explore third-party insurance providers.
- Moving checklist: Keep moving day simple with our easy-to-use moving checklist.
Do I need to follow HOA or building rules on moving day?
Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
Should I reserve an elevator for moving day?
A key task to tackle early is booking your building’s elevator.
Do I need a parking permit for a moving truck in Michigan?
Some cities require a parking permit for moving trucks.
How can I confirm a mover is properly licensed in Michigan?
The agency regulating local and intrastate household goods movers in Michigan is the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC). State regulation and oversight activities include commercial vehicle registration and safety compliance, review of published tariff rates, licensing, and consumer protection efforts.
You can verify licensing on the state regulator’s official site: check a Michigan moving license here.
Do I need a moving permit in Michigan?
Michigan does not require any moving permits.
What should I do about mail forwarding, insurance, and potential discounts?
Submit your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. Get started here.
Federal law requires basic insurance for interstate moves. In Alabama, Massachusetts, and Michigan, choose the economical option of Released Value Protection, provided by movers at no extra cost. However, it offers minimal coverage at 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage of your items’ full value, consult with your moving company for alternatives or explore third-party insurance providers.
Some movers in Iowa offer discounts: 1 military discounts;
Discount types, amounts, and eligibility vary.
Keep moving day simple with our moving checklist.
Helpful moving resources
Iowa moving services
Popular Iowa routes
Popular moving resources
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