$1,358 Movers From Iowa to Michigan
Fact Checked by: The cost to move from Iowa to Michigan averages from $542 to $6,197 depending on how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself.
Hiring a full-service Iowa moving company will be on the more expensive side, while a rental truck or a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.
Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Moving from Michigan to Iowa guide.
Moving from Iowa to Michigan resources
- Best Iowa to Michigan movers: We’ve handpicked the best moving companies from Iowa to Michigan.
- How much do movers cost?: Use our moving cost calculator to get a more accurate estimate on moving expenses.
- 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 Michigan car shippers: Moving your car? Use a company that prioritizes professionalism, cares for your vehicle, and is experienced.
Moving 580 miles is no joke. Here's what you need to know.
The best Iowa to Michigan movers
Hiring an interstate moving company from Iowa to Michigan is a big deal.
There are more than 8,000 moving companies in the U.S. But don’t worry, you won’t have to filter through all of them. We’ve done the research for you and narrowed the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services. Here are the best long-distance moving companies serving Iowa to Michigan.
- Safeway Moving: Best overall value
- American Van Lines: Best industry reputation
- Mayzlin Relocation: Best upfront pricing
- North American Van Lines: Best for complex moves
- JK Moving Services: Best for high-end moves
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If you’re just trying to ship a few items, here’s a list of our recommended services for small moves.
How much does it cost to move from Iowa to Michigan?
The table below lays out average cost ranges when moving from Iowa to Michigan for different moving services depending on the size of your home.
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 Bedroom | $1,358 - $4,075 | $841 - $2,027 | $518 - $927 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,407 - $6,197 | $1,531 - $2,890 | $542 - $1,158 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,301 - $9,519 | $2,023 - $3,584 | $698 - $1,328 |
*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 580 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.
There are many factors that influence Iowa moving costs. The cost to move from Iowa to Michigan will depend on these factors:
- Move size: Moving a large home costs more than moving a studio apartment.
- Time of year: The peak moving season in Iowa is in the summer, so moving companies will likely charge more.
- DIY vs. professional mover: DIY moving services are cheaper but you do all the heavy lifting compared to letting the pros handle your move.
How much does it cost to hire movers from Iowa to Michigan?
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Iowa to Michigan will cost between $1,358 to $4,075. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from IA to MI will range from $2,407 to $6,197, and a large move from Iowa to Michigan will cost from $4,301 to $9,519.
How much are moving containers like PODS from Iowa to Michigan?
Moving containers from Iowa to Michigan will cost you $841 to $2,027 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,531 to $2,890. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $2,023 to $3,584. Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of Iowa.
How much is a moving truck from Iowa to Michigan?
A moving rental truck is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor; these estimates include the estimated fuel cost:
Moving a studio or 1-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $518 to $927. A larger move will cost $542 to $1,158, and a 4+ bedroom move from Iowa to Michigan costs from $698 to $1,328.
Is moving from Iowa to Michigan a good idea?
If you’re moving to Michigan from Iowa, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.
Cost of Living: Iowa vs Michigan
| Iowa | Michigan | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $806 | $892 |
| Average home cost | $207,215 | $232,380 |
| Average income (per capita) | $70,571 | $68,505 |
| Cost of Living Index | 89 | 92 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.2% | 4.1% |
| Average Sales Tax | 6.94% | 6.0% |
| State Income Tax | 4.4% | 4.25% |
- Rent is about 11% more expensive in Michigan than in Iowa.
- Home prices are about 12.1% higher in Michigan than in Iowa.
- The average income is about 2.9% lower in Michigan than in Iowa.
- Cost of living is 3.4% lower in Michigan than in Iowa.
- Michigan has a higher unemployment rate than Iowa by about 28.1%.
- Sales taxes are 13.54% lower in Michigan than in Iowa.
- Income taxes are 3.41% lower in Michigan than in Iowa.
How is life different in Michigan from Iowa?
| Michigan | Iowa | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 10,034,113 | 3,200,517 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 59-48 | Republican 53-45 |
| Summer High | 81ºF | 84ºF |
| Winter Low | 14ºF | 10ºF |
| Annual Rain | 34" | 35" |
| Annual Snow | 64" | 30" |
| Crime Index | 18.76 | 18.7 |
- The population of Michigan is approximately 214% greater than the population of Iowa.
- In the last presidential election, Michigan voted Democratic and Iowa voted Republican.
- The average high in the summertime in Michigan is 81ºF and in Iowa, it’s 84ºF.
- During the coldest part of the year, Michigan reaches the temperature of 14ºF and Iowa gets down to 10ºF.
- You can expect about 34 inches of annual rainfall in Michigan vs 35 inches of rainfall in Iowa.
- In Michigan, it snows about 64 inches annually vs 30 inches of snow in Iowa.
- Michigan has a higher crime rate than Iowa with a crime index of 18.76 vs 18.7.
Comparing the pros of Iowa vs. Michigan:
There are always a lot of reasons to get excited about living somewhere new. These are the best parts of living in Iowa vs Michigan side-by-side.
| Pros of living in Iowa | Pros of living in Michigan |
|---|---|
| Low cost of living | Scenic beauty |
| Ample economic opportunity | Good higher education |
| High quality of education | Bountiful recreational opportunities |
| No traffic | Low cost of living |
| Beautiful outdoors | Beautiful lakes |
Comparing the cons of living in Iowa vs. Michigan:
Not everything is sunshine and rainbows, these are the things to be aware of when leaving Iowa for Michigan.
| Cons of living in Iowa | Cons of living in Michigan |
|---|---|
| Severe weather conditions | Cold snowy winters |
| Limited recreational opportunities | Spotty economic opportunity |
| High taxes | Poor transportation infrastructure |
| High emphasis on politics | Expensive education |
| Rustic food | Thick accents |
Considerations for moving to Michigan
- Weather: Michigan has a continental climate, although there are two distinct regions. The southern and central parts of the Lower Peninsula (south of Saginaw Bay and from the Grand Rapids area southward) have a warmer climate with hot summers and cold winters. The northern part of the Lower Peninsula and the entire Upper Peninsula has a more severe climate (Köppen Dfb), with warm, but shorter summers and longer, cold to very cold winters. Some parts of the state average high temperatures below freezing from December through February, and into early March in the far northern parts. During the winter through the middle of February, the state is frequently subjected to heavy lake-effect snow. The state averages 30 days of thunderstorm activity per year. These can be severe, especially in the southern part of the state. The state averages 17 tornadoes per year, which are more common in the state's extreme southern section.
- 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: 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State Regulator: You can verify a Michigan moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
- 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: 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 Michigan. Get started here.
- Mover's Insurance: Every state has their own requirements when it comes to insurance. 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: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.
Looking for local Iowa movers?
| Company | Quote | Rating | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
most popular
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Get A Quote |
 
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2601 104th St #400, Urbandale, IA, 50322 (515) 216-3654 |
| Black Belt Movers | Get A Quote |
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1209 SW ORDNANCE RD STE B, ANKENY, IA, 50023 (515) 393-4253 |
| All Mighty Movers LLC | Get A Quote |
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59 Clark St., Des Moines, IA, 50314 (515) 313-1395 |
Visit our Best Movers in Iowa page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.
Things to do in Michigan
While you’re in Michigan, you won’t be bored. These are some of the coolest places to visit in your new home state.
- Mackinac Island
- Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
- Henry Ford Museum
- Michigan State Capitol
- University of Michigan
- Isle Royale National Park
- Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
- Colonial Michilimackinac
- Detroit Institute of Arts
- Windmill Island Gardens
- Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
- Detroit Zoo
- Michigan History Center
- Mackinac Bridge
- Soo Locks Boat Tour
- Belle Isle
- Motown Historical Museum
- Michigan’s Adventure
- Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum
- Kitch-iti-Kipi
FAQs about moving from Iowa to Michigan
What is the cheapest way to move from Iowa to Michigan?
The cheapest way to move from Iowa to Michigan is with a DIY move. Here’s our guide for the cheapest way to move out of state.
What are the benefits of moving from Iowa to Michigan?
The main reasons people are moving from Iowa to Michigan are the amazing upsides of living in Michigan such as scenic beauty and good higher education.
