Best Movers From Iowa to Montana (2025 Cost Data)
When moving from Iowa to Montana, you’ll likely pay between $2,644–$6,028 with professional movers, roughly
$2,277 for a moving container, and about
$1,165
for a rental truck.
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Let’s get moving.
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$1,144 — $6,028 Top local mover
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$1,144 — $8,028 Top long-distance mover
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$812 — $3,995 Top container company
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$700 — $1,814 Top truck rental
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$61 — $79/hour Top labor-only mover
Best movers by type
Professional
|
Local
|
Container
|
Rental Truck
|
Labor Only
|
Best professional movers from Iowa to Montana
Based on a review of 3,180 movers, moveBuddha found 2,641 (83%) that perform interstate moves. Leveraging our thorough rating methodology, our experts curated the best options to manage your relocation from Iowa to Montana.
Best overall value
Estimated cost to move from Iowa to Montana
Studio / 1 bedroom
|
2 – 3 bedrooms
|
4+ bedrooms
|
1 Bedroom (small)
Nov 21, 2025
5+ Bedrooms
Nov 15, 2025
1 Bedroom (small)
Nov 14, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Nov 09, 2025
5+ Bedrooms
Nov 04, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Oct 23, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Oct 14, 2025
5+ Bedrooms
Sep 30, 2025
5+ Bedrooms
Sep 29, 2025
FAQ
How much does it cost to move from Iowa to Montana?
Here are average cost ranges by home size and service type:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,144 – $4,677 | $812 – $2,125 | $700 – $1,371 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $2,644 – $6,028 | $1,559 – $2,996 | $779 – $1,552 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,372 – $8,028 | $2,107 – $3,995 | $960 – $1,814 |
How much does it cost to hire movers (a moving company) for this route?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $1,144 – $4,677
- 2–3 bedrooms: $2,644 – $6,028
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,372 – $8,028
How much do moving containers cost from Iowa to Montana?
- Small move: $812 – $2,125
- 2–3 bedrooms: $1,559 – $2,996
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,107 – $3,995
Learn more about PODS cost.
How much does a rental truck cost for this move?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $700 – $1,371
- 2–3 bedrooms: $779 – $1,552
- 4+ bedrooms: $960 – $1,814
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 1,115-mile move from IA to MT 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 MT?
Beyond the moving bill, your day-to-day budget can change — especially housing and taxes. Here’s a quick side-by-side:
| Iowa | Montana | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $914 | $974 |
| Average home cost | $220,277 | $462,631 |
| Average income (per capita) | $70,571 | $66,341 |
| Cost of living index | 89 | 100 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.0% | 3.3% |
| Average sales tax | 6.94% | 0.0% |
| State income tax | 4.4% | 6.75% |
Will rent be more expensive in Montana?
Rent is about 7% higher in Montana than in Iowa.
Avg rent: $914 vs. $974
How do home prices compare (if I’m buying after the move)?
Home prices are about 110% higher in Montana than in Iowa.
Avg home value: $220,277 vs. $462,631
Will my earning power likely change after moving?
Average income is about 6% lower in Montana than in Iowa.
Avg income (per capita): $70,571 vs. $66,341
Is the overall cost of living higher in Montana?
The cost of living is 12% higher in Montana than in Iowa.
Cost of living index: 89 vs. 100
Will sales tax increase my everyday spending?
Montana doesn’t charge a sales tax, so you’ll save money on everyday purchases compared to Iowa.
Avg sales tax: 6.94% vs. 0.0%
Will state income tax change my take-home pay?
Income taxes are 53% higher in Montana than in Iowa.
State income tax: 4.4% vs. 6.75%
How is daily life different in Montana compared to Iowa?
Everyday life is shaped by factors like climate, safety, politics, and community size.
| Montana | Iowa | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,132,812 | 3,207,004 |
| Political leaning | Republican 58.4-38.5 | Republican 53-45 |
| Summer high | 84ºF | 84ºF |
| Winter low | 12ºF | 10ºF |
| Annual rain | 15″ | 35″ |
| Annual snow | 49″ | 30″ |
| Crime index | 23.37 | 16.18 |
Will Montana feel more crowded than Iowa?
Montana is about 65% less populous than Iowa — which can mean more space and a slower pace.
Will the political culture feel different?
In the last presidential election, both Iowa and Montana voted Republican.
How different is the weather (summer and winter)?
Summer: Highs are very similar (84°F vs. 84°F).
Winter: Lows are very similar (12°F vs. 10°F).
Will it be wetter or snowier in Montana?
Rain: Montana gets less rain (15″ vs. 35″).
Snow: Montana gets more snow (49 inches vs. 30 inches).
Is Montana safer than Iowa?
Montana has a higher crime index than Iowa (23.37 vs. 16.18). Research neighborhoods to find the best fit.
What are some things to do in Montana?
Museums in Montana
- National Museum of Wildlife Art
- Museum of the Rockies
- Aerial Fire Depot and Smokejumper Center
- Moss Mansion
- Conrad Mansion
Parks in Montana
- Lone Pine State Park
- Caras Park
- Sacajawea Park
- Herron Park
- Phil Baux Park
Sports teams in Montana
- Montana Grizzlies (NCAA)
- Montana State Bobcats (NCAA)
Universities in Montana
- Montana State University
- The University of Montana
- Montana Tech
- Montana State University Billings
- Carroll College
What other things should I plan for besides the move itself?
Other things to consider for your Iowa to Montana move
- HOA rules: Before moving day, make sure to review any rules your neighborhood or community might have so your move goes off without a hitch.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to reserve your building’s elevator as soon as possible and review any moving day rules well in advance.
- Parking permits: Some cities expect you to have a parking permit for moving trucks, so double-check your new area’s rules before moving day to prevent any last-minute headaches.
- State licensing: In Montana, local and intrastate movers need to have a valid Public Service Commission (PSC) number issued by the Montana Department of Transportation (MDOT). Make sure your moving company is fully licensed before you book.
- State regulator: You can verify a Montana moving license and its status on the state regulator’s official website.
- Moving permits: You don’t need a moving permit in Montana, but it’s a good idea to look into local parking rules before your move.
- Change of address: Make sure to submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before moving. Get started here.
- Mover’s insurance: By law, interstate movers have to give you basic insurance at no extra cost. Opt for Released Value Protection, a no-cost option from movers with basic coverage. Movers assume liability for up to 60 cents per pound per item. For instance, if your mover lost or damaged a valuable painting weighing 20 pounds, you would only receive $12 (60 cents x 20 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for the full value of your items, discuss alternative options with your chosen moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving checklist: Make moving day a breeze with our straightforward moving checklist.
Do I need to follow HOA or building rules on moving day?
Before moving day, make sure to review any rules your neighborhood or community might have so your move goes off without a hitch.
Should I reserve an elevator for moving day?
Make sure to reserve your building’s elevator as soon as possible.
Do I need a parking permit for a moving truck in Montana?
Some cities expect a parking permit for moving trucks.
How can I confirm a mover is properly licensed in Montana?
In Montana, local and intrastate movers need to have a valid Public Service Commission (PSC) number issued by the Montana Department of Transportation (MDOT).
You can verify licensing on the state regulator’s official site: check a Montana moving license here.
Do I need a moving permit in Montana?
You don’t need a moving permit in Montana.
What should I do about mail forwarding, insurance, and potential discounts?
Make sure to submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before moving. Get started here.
Interstate movers provide basic insurance free of charge. Opt for Released Value Protection, a no-cost option from movers with basic coverage. Movers assume liability for up to 60 cents per pound per item. For instance, if your mover lost or damaged a valuable painting weighing 20 pounds, you would only receive $12 (60 cents x 20 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for the full value of your items, discuss alternative options with your chosen moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
Some movers in Iowa offer discounts: 1 military discounts;
Discount types, amounts, and eligibility vary.
Make moving day a breeze with our moving checklist.
Helpful moving resources
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Popular Iowa routes
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