$1,474 Movers From Iowa to Montana

The cost to move from Iowa to Montana averages from $892 to $7,106 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 Montana to Iowa guide.

Moving from Iowa to Montana resources

Moving 1,118 miles is no joke. Here's what you need to know.

The best Iowa to Montana movers

Hiring an interstate moving company from Iowa to Montana 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 Montana.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
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(855) 650-0657

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 20 yrs experience
  • Flat rate pricing
  • Family owned
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(866) 835-2392

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.45 / 5
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
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(980) 217-6841

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 74 years in biz
  • 1,800 trucks
  • Storage available
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(844) 950-2963

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • White glove
  • Expensive items
  • Guaranteed delivery
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(703) 972-1772

% of users select this mover

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 Montana?

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

Move size Moving company Moving container Rental truck
Studio / 1 Bedroom $1,474 - $5,626 $986 - $2,458 $793 - $1,649
2 - 3 bedrooms $2,997 - $7,106 $1,767 - $3,640 $892 - $1,960
4+ bedrooms $5,157 - $9,658 $2,364 - $4,615 $1,099 - $2,319
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*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 1,118 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 Montana 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 Montana?

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Iowa to Montana will cost between $1,474 to $5,626. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from IA to MT will range from $2,997 to $7,106, and a large move from Iowa to Montana will cost from $5,157 to $9,658.

How much are moving containers like PODS from Iowa to Montana?

Moving containers from Iowa to Montana will cost you $986 to $2,458 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,767 to $3,640. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $2,364 to $4,615. 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 Montana?

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 $793 to $1,649. A larger move will cost $892 to $1,960, and a 4+ bedroom move from Iowa to Montana costs from $1,099 to $2,319.

Is moving from Iowa to Montana a good idea?

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

Cost of Living: Iowa vs Montana

Iowa Montana
Average rent cost $806 $836
Average home cost $207,215 $446,483
Average income (per capita) $70,571 $66,341
Cost of Living Index 89 100
Unemployment rate 3.2% 2.8%
Average Sales Tax 6.94% 0.0%
State Income Tax 4.4% 6.75%
  • Rent is about 4% more expensive in Montana than in Iowa.
  • Home prices are about 115.5% higher in Montana than in Iowa.
  • The average income is about 6.0% lower in Montana than in Iowa.
  • Cost of living is 12.4% lower in Montana than in Iowa.
  • Montana has a lower unemployment rate than Iowa by about 12.5%.
  • Sales taxes are 100.00% lower in Montana than in Iowa.
  • Income taxes are 53.41% higher in Montana than in Iowa.

How is life different in Montana from Iowa?

Montana Iowa
Population 1,122,867 3,200,517
Political leaning Republican 57-41 Republican 53-45
Summer High 84ºF 84ºF
Winter Low 12ºF 10ºF
Annual Rain 15" 35"
Annual Snow 49" 30"
Crime Index 26.29 18.7
  • The population of Montana is approximately 65% lower than the population of Iowa.
  • In the last presidential election, Montana voted Republican and Iowa voted Republican.
  • The average high in the summertime in Montana is 84ºF and in Iowa, it’s 84ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, Montana reaches the temperature of 12ºF and Iowa gets down to 10ºF.
  • You can expect about 15 inches of annual rainfall in Montana vs 35 inches of rainfall in Iowa.
  • In Montana, it snows about 49 inches annually vs 30 inches of snow in Iowa.
  • Montana has a higher crime rate than Iowa with a crime index of 26.29 vs 18.7.

Comparing the pros of Iowa vs. Montana:

There are always a lot of reasons to get excited about living somewhere new. These are the best parts of living in Iowa vs Montana side-by-side.

Pros of living in Iowa Pros of living in Montana
Low cost of living Unmatched natural beauty
Ample economic opportunity Bountiful outdoor opportunities
High quality of education Ample economic opportunity
No traffic Delicious unique cuisine
Beautiful outdoors No traffic

Comparing the cons of living in Iowa vs. Montana:

Not everything is sunshine and rainbows, these are the things to be aware of when leaving Iowa for Montana.

Cons of living in Iowa Cons of living in Montana
Severe weather conditions Dangerous wildlife
Limited recreational opportunities Remote lifestyle
High taxes Touristy
High emphasis on politics Lacking in urban amenities
Rustic food Challenging weather

Considerations for moving to Montana

  • Weather: Montana has a lot of variation in geography, topography, and elevation, and the climate is equally varied. The western half is mountainous, interrupted by numerous large valleys. Eastern Montana comprises plains and badlands, broken by hills and isolated mountain ranges, The Continental Divide has a considerable effect on the climate, as it restricts the flow of warmer air from the Pacific from moving east, and drier continental air from moving west. The area west of the divide has a modified northern Pacific Coast climate, with milder winters, cooler summers, less wind, and a longer growing season. Low clouds and fog often form in the valleys west of the divide in winter, but this is rarely seen in the east.
  • 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: 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 the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State Regulator: You can verify a Montana moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
  • Moving Permits: Montana 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 Montana. Get started here.
  • Mover's Insurance: Every state has their own requirements when it comes to insurance. 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: 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
Black Belt Movers Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.62 overall rating
1209 SW ORDNANCE RD STE B, ANKENY, IA, 50023
(515) 393-4253
All Mighty Movers LLC Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.58 overall rating
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 Montana

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

  • Glacier National Park
  • Yellowstone National Park
  • Lewis & Clark Trail
  • Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument
  • Museum of the Rockies
  • Lake McDonald
  • Montana Historical Society Museum
  • Montana State Capitol
  • The C.M. Russell Museum Complex
  • Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center
  • The World Museum of Mining
  • Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park
  • The Moss Mansion
  • Big Sky Resort
  • ZooMontana
  • Conrad Mansion Museum
  • Tizer Botanic Gardens & Arboretum
  • Garden of One Thousand Buddhas
  • Ringing Rocks
  • American Computer & Robotics Museum
  • Whitefish Mountain Resort
  • Big Hole National Battlefield
  • Western Heritage Centre
  • Chico Hot Springs Resort & Day Spa

FAQs about moving from Iowa to Montana

What is the cheapest way to move from Iowa to Montana?

The cheapest way to move from Iowa to Montana 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 Montana?

The main reasons people are moving from Iowa to Montana are the amazing upsides of living in Montana such as unmatched natural beauty and bountiful outdoor opportunities.

Related articles to your move

Learn more about Montana