($1,514) Cost of Moving From Iowa to Montana

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

• Safeway Moving: Best overall value
• American Van Lines: Most experienced mover
• Allied Van Lines: Best for contents coverage
• Mayzlin Relocation: Best for personalized service
• North American Van Lines: Best customized plans

1. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.72 out of 5 stars
2. College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.62 out of 5 stars
3. Key City Moving & Storage: 4.62 out of 5 stars
4. Claeys Brothers Moving & Storage Inc: 4.58 out of 5 stars
5. Black Belt Movers: 4.58 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from Iowa to Montana

Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Iowa to Montana typically costs between $1,514 and $5,763. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $3,264 and $7,894 when moving from IA to MT. If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from Iowa to Montana, you’re looking at costs ranging from $5,559 up to $10,617.

Cost of moving containers from Iowa to Montana

If you’re relocating from Iowa to Montana, you’ll typically spend between $1,042 and $2,702 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $1,887 up to $3,808. If you’re moving a larger home—four bedrooms or more—expect to pay anywhere between $2,523 and $5,281. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.

Exploree our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from Iowa.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Iowa to Montana

Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice, but remember, you’ll be responsible for all the heavy lifting, packing, and driving on your own.

If you're moving from a studio or one-bedroom place with a rental truck, expect to pay between $898 and $1,593. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $934 to $2,092. If you’re heading from Iowa to Montana or tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $1,161 and $2,523.

Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.

Factors affecting the cost of moving from IA to MT

Several factors influence the cost of moving from Iowa to Montana. Here’s what can impact your final bill:

• Move size: The larger your home is, the more you’ll pay compared to moving a small studio apartment.
• Time of year: Prices tend to spike during summer, the busiest moving season in Iowa.
• DIY vs. professional mover: Doing it yourself is cheaper, but hiring pros saves you effort and heavy lifting.

• With a population about 65% smaller than Iowa, Montana offers you more room to breathe, a laid-back atmosphere, and a lower overall cost of living. Keep in mind, though, that you may also have fewer amenities and a slower job market.
• In the last presidential election, Montana leaned Republican, while Iowa supported Republican.
• Summer highs typically reach about 84ºF in Montana and 84ºF in Iowa. With similar temperatures, you shouldn't have much trouble adjusting to the climate. Remember to also consider humidity, general weather patterns, and energy expenses to really understand what summer will feel like in your new home.
• Winter lows in Montana stay around 12ºF, while Iowa can plunge to a brisk 10ºF. Moving to Montana means you’ll get to experience milder winters, making day-to-day life simpler and often saving you money. With fewer icy days and less snow, you can spend more time outside and less time bundled up.
• In Montana, you’ll get about 15 inches of rain each year—less than the 35 inches you’re used to in Iowa. That means more sunshine, more time outside, and fewer weather concerns.
• Each year, Montana gets about 49 inches of snow, far more than the 30 inches you might be accustomed to in Iowa. That means breathtaking winter landscapes and endless opportunities for outdoor fun, but it also calls for a little extra preparation, regular upkeep, and dressing warmly.
• Montana has a higher crime rate than Iowa, with crime indexes at 23.37 and 16.18, respectively. While state averages aren’t everything, it’s a good idea to look into specific neighborhoods, follow local safety updates, and consider how this could impact your day-to-day routine.

Other things to consider for your Iowa to Montana move

• 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: 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: 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 you to get a parking permit for moving trucks. Check your new local regulations before moving day so you’re not caught off guard.
• 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). Verify that your moving company is properly licensed before booking their services.
• State regulator: You can quickly check a Montana moving license and its current status on the state regulator’s official website here.
• 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: Submit your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. Just set your official move date, and your mail will be forwarded to Montana right on time. Get started here.
• Mover's insurance: By law, interstate moving companies are required to provide basic insurance coverage, known as "released value protection," 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: Nothing beats peace of mind. Use our moving checklist to make sure you haven’t missed a thing.

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