Best Movers From Iowa to North Carolina (2025 Cost Data)
When planning a move from Iowa to North Carolina, professional movers typically run between
$2,622 and $5,696, a moving container averages about
$2,270, and a rental truck is around
$1,142.
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$1,200 — $5,696 Top local mover
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$1,200 — $8,034 Top long-distance mover
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$804 — $3,833 Top container company
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$641 — $1,762 Top truck rental
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$60 — $80/hour Top labor-only mover
Best movers by type
Professional
|
Local
|
Container
|
Rental Truck
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Iowa to North Carolina
After analyzing 3,180 movers, the moveBuddha team determined that 2,641 (83%) offer interstate services. Using our thorough rating methodology, our moving experts narrowed the field to the top providers equipped to handle your move from Iowa to North Carolina.
Best overall value
Estimated cost to move from Iowa to North Carolina
Studio / 1 bedroom
|
2 – 3 bedrooms
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4+ bedrooms
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4 Bedrooms
Nov 26, 2025
4 Bedrooms
Nov 19, 2025
4 Bedrooms
Nov 16, 2025
4 Bedrooms
Nov 08, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Nov 06, 2025
5+ Bedrooms
Nov 06, 2025
4 Bedrooms
Nov 06, 2025
1 Bedroom (small)
Oct 21, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Oct 15, 2025
4 Bedrooms
Oct 05, 2025
FAQ
How much does it cost to move from Iowa to North Carolina?
Here are average cost ranges by home size and service type:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,200 – $4,487 | $804 – $2,124 | $641 – $1,230 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $2,622 – $5,696 | $1,426 – $3,114 | $729 – $1,555 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,022 – $8,034 | $1,946 – $3,833 | $934 – $1,762 |
How much does it cost to hire movers (a moving company) for this route?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $1,200 – $4,487
- 2–3 bedrooms: $2,622 – $5,696
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,022 – $8,034
How much do moving containers cost from Iowa to North Carolina?
- Small move: $804 – $2,124
- 2–3 bedrooms: $1,426 – $3,114
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,946 – $3,833
Learn more about PODS cost.
How much does a rental truck cost for this move?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $641 – $1,230
- 2–3 bedrooms: $729 – $1,555
- 4+ bedrooms: $934 – $1,762
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 1,075-mile move from IA to NC 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 NC?
Beyond the moving bill, your day-to-day budget can change — especially housing and taxes. Here’s a quick side-by-side:
| Iowa | North Carolina | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $914 | $1,093 |
| Average home cost | $220,277 | $328,715 |
| Average income (per capita) | $70,571 | $66,186 |
| Cost of living index | 89 | 96 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.0% | 3.7% |
| Average sales tax | 6.94% | 6.98% |
| State income tax | 4.4% | 4.5% |
Will rent be more expensive in North Carolina?
Rent is about 20% higher in North Carolina than in Iowa.
Avg rent: $914 vs. $1,093
How do home prices compare (if I’m buying after the move)?
Home prices are about 49% higher in North Carolina than in Iowa.
Avg home value: $220,277 vs. $328,715
Will my earning power likely change after moving?
Average income is about 6% lower in North Carolina than in Iowa.
Avg income (per capita): $70,571 vs. $66,186
Is the overall cost of living higher in North Carolina?
The cost of living is 8% higher in North Carolina than in Iowa.
Cost of living index: 89 vs. 96
Will sales tax increase my everyday spending?
Sales tax rates are similar in Iowa and North Carolina.
Avg sales tax: 6.94% vs. 6.98%
Will state income tax change my take-home pay?
Income tax rates are similar in Iowa and North Carolina.
State income tax: 4.4% vs. 4.5%
How is daily life different in North Carolina compared to Iowa?
Starting fresh means adjusting to more than logistics — climate, crime, and culture shape the experience.
| North Carolina | Iowa | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 10,835,491 | 3,207,004 |
| Political leaning | Republican 51-49 | Republican 53-45 |
| Summer high | 88ºF | 84ºF |
| Winter low | 29ºF | 10ºF |
| Annual rain | 48″ | 35″ |
| Annual snow | 4″ | 30″ |
| Crime index | 24.69 | 16.18 |
Will North Carolina feel more crowded than Iowa?
North Carolina is about 238% more populous than Iowa — which can mean more infrastructure and amenities.
Will the political culture feel different?
In the last presidential election, both Iowa and North Carolina voted Republican.
How different is the weather (summer and winter)?
Summer: Highs are very similar (88°F vs. 84°F).
Winter: North Carolina is milder on average (29°F vs. 10°F).
Will it be wetter or snowier in North Carolina?
Rain: North Carolina gets more rain (48″ vs. 35″).
Snow: North Carolina gets less snow (4 inches vs. 30 inches).
Is North Carolina safer than Iowa?
North Carolina has a higher crime index than Iowa (24.69 vs. 16.18). Research neighborhoods to find the best fit.
What are some things to do in North Carolina?
Museums in North Carolina
- Biltmore
- North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences
- International Civil Rights Center & Museum
- Greensboro Science Center
- Museum of the Cherokee Indian
Parks in North Carolina
- Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest
- Mingo Falls
- The North Carolina Arboretum
- Sarah P. Duke Gardens
- Fontana Lake
Sports teams in North Carolina
- Charlotte Hornets (NBA)
- Carolina Panthers (NFL)
- Carolina Hurricanes (NHL)
- North Carolina Courage (NWSL)
- Charlotte FC (MLS)
Universities in North Carolina
- North Carolina State University
- University of North Carolina at Charlotte
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- East Carolina University
- Appalachian State University
What other things should I plan for besides the move itself?
Other things to consider for your Iowa to North Carolina move
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- 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 a parking permit for moving trucks, so be sure to check your new local rules before moving day to avoid any surprises.
- State licensing: For-profit household goods carriers in the state fall under the jurisdiction of the North Carolina Utilities Commission, Transportation Division. All legitimate movers should have a “C Number” issued by the commission, signifying that they’ve met minimum insurance requirements and adhere to the provisions outlined in the state’s Maximum Rate Tariff (MRT). Before you book, double-check that your moving company is properly licensed.
- State regulator: Easily verify the status of a North Carolina moving license anytime on the official state regulator’s website, here.
- Moving permits: North Carolina does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
- Change of address: Submit your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. Get started here.
- Mover’s insurance: Federal law requires interstate moving companies to provide basic insurance for free. Choose Released Value Protection for no-cost, minimal coverage from movers, with responsibility limited to 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage, explore alternatives with your chosen moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving checklist: Keep moving day simple with our easy-to-use moving checklist.
Do I need to follow HOA or building rules on moving day?
Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
Should I reserve an elevator for moving day?
A key task to tackle early is booking your building’s elevator.
Do I need a parking permit for a moving truck in North Carolina?
Some cities require a parking permit for moving trucks.
How can I confirm a mover is properly licensed in North Carolina?
For-profit household goods carriers in the state fall under the jurisdiction of the North Carolina Utilities Commission, Transportation Division. All legitimate movers should have a “C Number” issued by the commission, signifying that they’ve met minimum insurance requirements and adhere to the provisions outlined in the state’s Maximum Rate Tariff (MRT).
You can verify licensing on the state regulator’s official site: check a North Carolina moving license here.
Do I need a moving permit in North Carolina?
North Carolina does not require any moving permits.
What should I do about mail forwarding, insurance, and potential discounts?
Submit your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. Get started here.
Federal law requires basic insurance for interstate moves. Choose Released Value Protection for no-cost, minimal coverage from movers, with responsibility limited to 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage, explore alternatives 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.
Keep moving day simple with our moving checklist.
Helpful moving resources
Iowa moving services
Popular Iowa routes
Popular moving resources
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