($1,241) Cost of Moving From Iowa to Minnesota

Quick answer: The average cost to move from Iowa to Minnesota ranges from $477 to $5,937 and takes one–four days. The top cost factors are how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Certified crews
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Family-owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.75 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Specialty packing services
  • White-glove reputation
  • 80+ years' experience
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 1,800 trucks
  • Storage available
  • Customized moving plans

Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our moving from Minnesota to Iowa guide.

Our track recordtoggle

Recommended by Time Magazine
Recommended by The New York Times
Recommended by Forbes
Recommended by Money.com
Recommended by Consumer Reports
Recommended by Time Magazine
Recommended by The New York Times
Recommended by Forbes
Recommended by Money.com
Recommended by Consumer Reports

Each year, 400,000+ people trust our car shipping recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:

  • Founded in 2015
  • 2,500+ car shipping companies analyzed
  • $50,000 in moving & auto transport grants delivered
  • Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
  • Fact-checked for accuracy

The best Iowa to Minnesota full-service movers

Moving from Iowa to Minnesota? With thousands of moving companies in the U.S., hiring the right interstate moving company can be a challenge.

To simplify your search, we've selected the most reliable movers based on our detailed analysis of customer reviews, pricing, and service offerings.

Start with these top long-distance moving companies serving Iowa for your Minnesota relocation:

Best Overall Value
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
(855) 650-0657
At A Glance
  • GPS tracking en route
  • Veteran-owned
  • Dedicated move coordinator
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Donates a portion of moves to charity
read our full review
(855) 650-0657
Best for personalized service
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
(980) 217-6841
At A Glance
  • Family-owned, with locations covering the East Coast
  • Full refund if you cancel within 7 days of your move
  • Hands-on customer service
  • 24/7 support
  • Price-matching policy
read our full review
(980) 217-6841
Most Experienced Mover
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
866-835-2392
At A Glance
  • Experienced & fully trained moving crews
  • Specializes in moving art & antiques
  • Competitive pricing
  • Can handle last-minute moves
  • Climate-controlled storage
read our full review
866-835-2392
Best for Contents Coverage
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.75 / 5
866-825-0554
At A Glance
  • Fragile packing
  • Storage options
  • 24/7 shipment tracking
  • Quick & efficient
  • Accurate quotes
read our full review
866-825-0554
Best customized Plans
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
(844) 950-2963
At A Glance
  • Custom crates for electronics & art
  • Satellite shipment tracking
  • 1,500 local agents covering all 50 states
  • Self-packing option
  • No deposit required
read our full review
(844) 950-2963

The best local moving companies in Iowa

  1. Claeys Brothers Moving & Storage Inc: 4.72 out of 5 stars
  2. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.72 out of 5 stars
  3. Key City Moving & Storage: 4.66 out of 5 stars
  4. White Glove Movers: 4.62 out of 5 stars
  5. Black Belt Movers: 4.62 out of 5 stars

Claeys Brothers Moving & Storage Inc

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.72 / 5

DOT #: 70719

Years in Business: 69

5600 Harbor Dr, Sioux City, IA 51111

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.

Get a Quote (712) 252-1335

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Storage

Additional Information

Back to Top movebuddha icon

TWO MEN AND A TRUCK

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.72 / 5

DOT #: 2527384

Years in Business: 27

2601 104th St #400, Urbandale, IA 50322

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.

Get a Quote (515) 216-3654

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Pianos
  • Storage
  • Safes

Additional Information

Back to Top movebuddha icon

Key City Moving & Storage

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.66 / 5

DOT #: 125563

Years in Business: 114

9710 Royal Wood Dr, Peosta, IA 52068

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.

Get a Quote (563) 582-3237

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Safes

Additional Information

Back to Top movebuddha icon

White Glove Movers

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.62 / 5

DOT #: 2991947

Years in Business: 19

4600 Commercial Ave, Marion, IA 52302

White Glove Movers, a local moving company based in Marion, IA, has been providing reliable residential moving services since 2005. Compared to other nearby movers, White Glove stands out with its comprehensive packing and unpacking services, as well as specialized capabilities to handle delicate items like pianos and art. Renowned for their exceptional service, they hold an average Google rating of 4.9 from 234 reviews and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Their excellent consumer feedback and array of services make them a top choice for local moves, offering peace of mind and quality assurance.

Get a Quote (319) 393-3000

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Crating
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage

Additional Information

Local Associations

Back to Top movebuddha icon

Black Belt Movers

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.62 / 5

DOT #: 3527158

Pricing: $150/hr

Years in Business: 17

1209 SW ORDNANCE RD STE B, ANKENY, IA 50023

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.

Get a Quote (515) 393-4253

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Safes

Additional Information

Back to Top movebuddha icon

The best Iowa to Minnesota 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 Minnesota.

Check out these highly rated moving container companies:

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Unlimited storage
  • 3 container sizes
  • 10% discount
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Fast delivery
  • Nationwide
  • 100+ miles moves
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Affordable pricing
  • Offers car shipping
  • No hidden fees

The best Iowa to Minnesota moving truck rentals

Moving truck rentals are the most cost-effective way to move from Iowa to Minnesota, although they’re also the most labor-intensive. You’ll save big by doing all the heavy lifting and driving.

We like these rental moving trucks:

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.3 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Affordable pricing
  • Online pricing
  • Several discounts
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Most expensive
  • 4 truck sizes
  • Unlimited mileage
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.15 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Greatest coverage
  • 7 truck sizes
  • One way rentals

The best Iowa to Minnesota labor-only movers

If you need help moving some or all of your items into a container or rental truck, you can hire labor-only movers. They’ll send over a professional crew the right size for your move and you’ll pay only for the amount of time they work.

Consider one of these top-notch moving labor companies for your move from Iowa to Minnesota:

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Hire moving labor
  • Online quotes
  • Nationwide
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.3 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Online booking
  • Move Concierge
  • Affordable

How we chose the best moving companies for your IA to MN movetoggle

moveBuddha’s expert team analyzed moving rates from 24 Iowa movers and listed the top movers based on customer satisfaction, reviews, and cost.

Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.

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%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.

Online reputation (15%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information. The company promptly and professionally responds to online customer inquiries.

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 Minnesota?

The table below lays out average cost ranges to move from Iowa to Minnesota for different moving services depending on the size of your home.

Move size Moving company Moving container Rental truck
Studio / 1 Bedroom $1,241 - $3,587 $793 - $1,789 $426 - $839
2 - 3 bedrooms $2,278 - $5,937 $1,450 - $2,751 $477 - $937
4+ bedrooms $3,751 - $9,005 $1,940 - $3,341 $622 - $1,112

*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 404 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect your final costs.

Cost to hire movers from Iowa to Minnesotatoggle

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Iowa to Minnesota will cost between $1,241 and $3,587. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from IA to MN will range from $2,278 to $5,937, and a large move from Iowa to Minnesota will cost from $3,751 to $9,005.

Cost of moving containers from Iowa to Minnesotatoggle

Moving containers from Iowa to Minnesota will cost you $793 to $1,789 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,450 to $2,751. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $1,940 to $3,341. 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 Minnesotatoggle

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 $426 to $839. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $477 to $937, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms or from Iowa to Minnesota costs from $622 to $1,112.
These estimates include the estimated fuel cost.

Factors affecting the cost of moving from IA to MNtoggle

There are many factors that influence Iowa moving costs. The cost to move from Iowa to Minnesota 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.

What to know before moving from IA to MN

If you’re moving to Minnesota from Iowa, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.

Cost of living: Iowa vs. Minnesota

Iowa Minnesota
Average rent cost $914 $1,178
Average home cost $220,277 $334,119
Average income (per capita) $70,571 $84,313
Cost of Living Index 89 94
Unemployment rate 3.0% 3.4%
Average Sales Tax 6.94% 8.03%
State Income Tax 4.4% 9.85%
  • Rent is about 29% more expensive in Minnesota than in Iowa.
  • Home prices are about 52% higher in Minnesota than in Iowa.
  • The average income is about 19% higher in Minnesota than in Iowa.
  • Cost of living is 6% lower in Minnesota than in Iowa.
  • Minnesota has a higher unemployment rate than Iowa by about 13%.
  • Sales taxes are 16% higher in Minnesota than in Iowa.
  • Income taxes are 124% higher in Minnesota than in Iowa.

How life is different in Minnesota vs. Iowa

Minnesota Iowa
Population 5,737,915 3,207,004
Political leaning Democratic 51.1-46.9 Republican 53-45
Summer high 81ºF 84ºF
Winter low 2ºF 10ºF
Annual rain 29" 35"
Annual snow 47" 30"
Crime index 22.47 16.18
  • The population of Minnesota is approximately 79% greater than the population of Iowa.
  • In the last presidential election, Minnesota voted Democratic and Iowa voted Republican.
  • The average high in the summertime in Minnesota is 81ºF and in Iowa, it’s 84ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, Minnesota reaches the temperature of 2ºF and Iowa gets down to 10ºF.
  • You can expect about 29 inches of annual rainfall in Minnesota versus 35 inches of rainfall in Iowa.
  • In Minnesota, it snows about 47 inches annually versus 30 inches of snow in Iowa.
  • Minnesota has a higher crime rate than Iowa with a crime index of 22.47 vs. 16.18.

Comparing the pros of Iowa vs. Minnesota

Getting a fresh start in a new location is exciting. Here’s a side-by-side look at the perks of living in Minnesota compared to Iowa.

Pros of living in Iowa Pros of living in Minnesota
Low cost of living Ample economic opportunity
Ample economic opportunity Bountiful recreational outdoor opportunities
High quality of education Multitudinous lakes
No traffic Diverse festivals
Beautiful outdoors Friendly people

Comparing the cons of living in Iowa vs. Minnesota

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 Minnesota.

Cons of living in Iowa Cons of living in Minnesota
Severe weather conditions Bland food
Limited recreational opportunities Cold snowy winters
High taxes Terrible traffic
High emphasis on politics High tax burden
Rustic food Thick accents

Other things to consider for your Iowa to Minnesota movetoggle

  • Weather: Minnesota experiences temperature extremes characteristic of its continental climate, with cold winters and hot summers. Minnesota does experience weather such as: rain, snow, blizzards, thunderstorms, hail, derechos, tornadoes, and high-velocity straight-line winds.
  • 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: To operate legally within the state, Minnesota household goods movers must have a current permit from the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT). Before being granted operating authority, each moving company must file a public tariff, provide proof of insurance and submit a Certificate of Compliance to MnDOT. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Minnesota moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
  • Moving permits: Minnesota 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 so that all your mail will get properly forwarded to Minnesota. Get started here.
  • Mover's insurance: Interstate moving companies are required under federal law to provide basic insurance — also called “released value protection” — free of charge to all moving customers. In Minnesota, opt for the budget-friendly Released Value Protection provided by movers at no extra charge. While economical, it offers minimal coverage at 60 cents per pound per article. For full value coverage of your items, consult with your chosen moving company for alternatives or consider a third-party insurance provider.
  • Moving checklist: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.

Things to do in Minnesotatoggle

While you’re in Minnesota, you won’t be bored. These are some of the coolest places to visit in your new home state:

  • Mall of America
  • Como Park Zoo and Conservatory
  • Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness
  • Cathedral of Saint Paul
  • North Shore Scenic Drive
  • Split Rock Lighthouse State Park
  • Minnehaha Falls
  • Munsinger Clemens Gardens
  • Itasca State Park
  • Valleyfair Amusement Park
  • Voyageurs National Park
  • International Wolf Center
  • Frederick R. Weisman Art Museum
  • Duluth Aerial Lift Bridge
  • Gooseberry Falls State Park
  • Devil’s Kettle
  • Niagara Cave
  • Greyhound Bus Museum
  • Minneapolis Institute of Art
  • Stone Arch Bridge
  • Pipestone National Monument
  • Guthrie Theater
  • Paul Bunyan & Babe the Blue Ox Statues
  • SPAM Museum
  • Quarry Hill Nature Center

FAQs

What is the cheapest way to move from Iowa to Minnesota?toggle

Hiring a full-service Iowa moving company will be on the more expensive side, while a rental truck or a moving container is usually the cheaper way to go, but requires more work. Here’s our guide for the cheapest way to move out of state.

Do movers transport your car from Iowa to Minnesota?toggle

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 Minnesota separately through one of the top car shipping companies.

What are the benefits of moving from Iowa to Minnesota?toggle

The main reasons people are moving from Iowa to Minnesota are the amazing upsides of living in Minnesota such as ample economic opportunity and bountiful recreational outdoor opportunities.

Is it cheaper to live in Iowa or Minnesota?toggle

It is generally cheaper to live in Iowa than in Minnesota. Housing is much more affordable in Iowa, with average rent about 22% less and home prices 34% lower than in Minnesota. Taxes are also lower in Iowa, most notably income taxes, which are more than 50% less than those paid by Minnesota residents.

How much should you make a year to live comfortably in Minnesota?toggle

You should make approximately $78,470 as a single adult with no children to live comfortably in Minnesota. The cost of living in Minnesota is approximately $3,191 per month for an individual and $6,662 for a family of four. The exact amount you’ll need to live comfortably may be more or less depending on where in Minnesota you live For example, larger cities like Bloomington and Duluth will have higher housing costs than those in smaller towns.

Helpful moving resources