For a move from Iowa to New York, budget between $2,506–$6,020 for full-service movers, around
$2,212 if you choose a moving container, and approximately
$1,147
for a rental truck.
Fact Checked by:
Best overall value
The best local moving companies in Iowa
You’ll find 31 interstate movers in Iowa who can handle your relocation to New York. That’s why we’ve rounded up the top local movers in Iowa, including movers that are known for transparent pricing, strong customer reviews, and standout services to make your move smoother.
- Claeys Brothers Moving & Storage Inc: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- Key City Moving & Storage: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- Black Belt Movers: 4.48 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 70
DOT #: 70719
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.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 27
DOT #: 2527384
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.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 7
DOT #: 2378173
College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving, serving Clive, IA since 2018, specializes in local residential moves and stands out from other nearby movers with their comprehensive packing, unpacking, and labor-only services. They also cater to office moving needs, making them a versatile choice. While their Yelp reviews average 3.2 from 14 ratings, their astounding 4.8 out of 1452 Google reviews suggest a generally positive customer experience. Additionally, they accept credit cards and do not require a deposit, offering convenience and flexibility. Despite their F rating from the BBB, their extensive positive feedback on Google indicates a largely satisfactory service.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 115
DOT #: 125563
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.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Pricing: $150/hr
Years in Business: 17
DOT #: 3527158
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.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
The best Iowa to New York moving container companies
Moving containers are a budget-friendly option that lets you avoid doing all the work yourself. You pack and unpack your belongings, and the company takes care of the transport, picking up your container in Iowa and delivering it to your new place in New York.
Here are our favorite moving container companies for a smooth, stress-free move:
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The best Iowa to New York moving truck rentals
Looking to cut costs on your move from Iowa to New York? Consider renting a moving truck. Just keep in mind, you’ll handle all the packing, lifting, and driving on your own.
Take a look at our top choices for moving truck rentals:
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The best Iowa to New York 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 New York:
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How we chose the best moving companies for your IA to NY move
How much does it cost to move from Iowa to New York?
Take a look at the table below for average moving cost estimates from Iowa to New York. Costs are organized by home size and the type of moving service you choose.
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,242 – $4,646 | $866 – $2,073 | $726 – $1,247 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $2,506 – $6,020 | $1,507 – $2,917 | $717 – $1,578 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,122 – $7,743 | $1,994 – $3,968 | $938 – $1,844 |
*These price ranges represent estimates for a 1,089-mile move from IA to NY using moveBuddha data as of Nov 04, 2025. Our database includes thousands of verified prices from moving companies nationwide and is refreshed each month to account for seasonal patterns and market trends. Your total may differ based on volume, selected services, access or parking challenges, fuel costs, and timing. Getting quotes from multiple movers is the best way to dial in a precise price.
Cost to hire movers from Iowa to New York
If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move from Iowa to New York, you can expect prices to land between $1,242 and $4,646. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $2,506 to $6,020 for the trip from IA to NY. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between $4,122 and $7,743.
Cost of moving containers from Iowa to New York
Moving containers from Iowa to New York will cost you $866 to $2,073 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,507 to $2,917. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $1,994 to $3,968. 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 New York
Renting a moving truck typically costs the least, but you’ll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.
Expect to pay between $726 and $1,247 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $717 to $1,578. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you’ll likely spend anywhere from $938 to $1,844.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Factors affecting the cost of moving from IA to NY
Several factors influence the cost of moving from Iowa to New York. Here’s what can impact your final bill:
- Size of your move: Relocating a large home comes with higher costs than moving a small apartment or studio.
- Timing of your move: Relocating during peak summer months in Iowa generally comes with a higher price tag.
- 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 NY
Making the move from Iowa to New York means weighing what day-to-day life will look like once you settle in.
Cost of living: Iowa vs. New York
A clear look at the cost differences between Iowa and New York helps set expectations. From employment trends to housing costs, taxes, and earnings, this comparison outlines what may matter most for your wallet and lifestyle:
| Iowa | New York | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $914 | $1,507 |
| Average home cost | $220,277 | $482,742 |
| Average income (per capita) | $70,571 | $81,386 |
| Cost of living index | 89 | 100 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.0% | 4.4% |
| Average sales tax | 6.94% | 8.52% |
| State income tax | 4.4% | 10.9% |
- Rent in New York is about 65% higher than in Iowa. Be sure to factor this into your monthly budget planning.
- Get ready for a bigger monthly payment. Home prices in New York are usually around 119% higher than what you’ll find in Iowa.
- Exciting news here, the average income is about 15% higher in New York than in Iowa, so you should have more to save or invest each month.
- Living in New York costs 12% more than in Iowa. If you’re relocating to New York, be sure to budget carefully so your finances can handle the higher expenses.
- Unemployment in New York is roughly 47% higher than in Iowa. That means there are more job seekers, giving employers more options but making it harder for you to land a job.
- Sales taxes are 23% higher in New York than in Iowa, meaning you’ll spend more on everyday essentials like clothes, electronics, dining out, and household goods.
- State income taxes in New York are 148% higher than in Iowa, which means you’ll owe more in state taxes and take home slightly less pay.
How life is different in New York vs. Iowa
Moving to a new state isn’t just about jobs and housing, it’s about how daily life will feel. From weather patterns and crime rates to political culture and population size, these factors can shape your overall experience. Here’s how life in New York and Iowa compares across key lifestyle indicators:
| New York | Iowa | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 19,571,216 | 3,207,004 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 60-40 | Republican 53-45 |
| Summer high | 81ºF | 84ºF |
| Winter low | 16ºF | 10ºF |
| Annual rain | 44″ | 35″ |
| Annual snow | 62″ | 30″ |
| Crime index | 21.51 | 16.18 |
- New York has a population that’s about 510% larger than Iowa. A bigger population usually means more advanced infrastructure. Think better healthcare, schools, public transit, and entertainment choices.
- In the latest presidential election, New York voted Democratic, while Iowa chose Republican.
- Summer highs average 81°F in New York, compared to 84°F in Iowa. The difference is minimal, so you won’t see major changes, though humidity and energy costs still matter.
- New York has winter lows around 16°F, compared to 10°F in Iowa. That milder weather makes winters easier, cheaper, and more comfortable to live through.
- You can expect about 44 inches of annual rainfall in New York versus only 35 inches of rainfall in Iowa. More annual rainfall means wetter days, greener scenery, and some lifestyle adjustments. With the right mindset, and waterproof gear, you can settle in comfortably.
- Each year, New York gets about 62 inches of snow, while Iowa sees only 30 inches. More snow means beautiful winter views and lots of outdoor activities, but it also calls for extra prep and upkeep.
- New York has a higher crime rate than Iowa, with crime indexes at 21.51 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.
Comparing the pros of Iowa vs. New York
Getting a fresh start in a new location is exciting. Here’s a side-by-side look at the perks of living in New York compared to Iowa:
| Pros of living in Iowa | Pros of living in New York |
|---|---|
| Low cost of living | Natural beauty |
| Ample economic opportunity | Arts |
| High quality of education | Ample economic opportunity |
| No traffic | Abundant outdoor recreational opportunities |
| Beautiful outdoors | Distinct seasons |
Comparing the cons of living in Iowa vs. New York
Life isn’t always perfect, no matter where you are. Here are a few things to keep in mind when making the move from Iowa to New York:
| Cons of living in Iowa | Cons of living in New York |
|---|---|
| Severe weather conditions | High tax burden |
| Limited recreational opportunities | Rough winter weather |
| High taxes | High cost of living |
| High emphasis on politics | Poor quality healthcare |
| Rustic food | Populous |
Other things to consider for your Iowa to New York move
- HOA rules: Check your neighborhood or community rules ahead of moving day to avoid any last-minute surprises and keep your move running smoothly.
- Elevator reservation: Book your building’s elevator early and check any moving day rules ahead of time.
- Parking permits: Some cities require a parking permit for moving trucks, so check your new neighborhood’s rules ahead of time to avoid last-minute hassles.
- State licensing: New York requires moving companies to have a license and obtain a New York Department of Transportation (NYDOT) number. A NYDOT license ensures your mover is in compliance with the state’s safety, insurance, and operational regulations. Make sure the moving company you use has proper licensing before hiring them.
- State regulator: You can quickly check a New York moving license and its current status on the state regulator’s official website here.
- Moving permits: You don’t need a moving permit in New York, but it’s smart to check local parking regulations before moving day.
- Change of address: Be sure to submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. This way, once you’ve picked your moving date, your mail will start forwarding to New York right on time. Get started here.
- Mover’s insurance: Federal law requires interstate moving companies to provide you with basic insurance, called “released value protection,” free of charge. Choose Released Value Protection for no-cost, minimal coverage from movers. They’re responsible for a maximum of 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage, discuss alternatives with your moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving checklist: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you ensure you’ve got everything covered.
Things to do in New York
You’ll have plenty to explore in New York! Check out these top spots to visit in your new home state:
Museums in New York
- The National 9/11 Memorial & Museum
- The Strong National Museum of Play
- The Metropolitan Museum of Art
- New York State Museum
- Erie Canal Museum
Parks in New York
- Brooklyn Bridge Park
- Central Park
- Flushing Meadows Corona Park
- Gantry Plaza State Park
- Robert Moses State Park
Sports teams in New York
- Brooklyn Nets Basketball (NBA)
- Buffalo Bills (NFL)
- Buffalo Sabres (NHL)
- New York City FC (MLS)
- New York Islanders (NHL)
Universities in New York
- Cornell University
- Columbia University in the City of New York
- New York University
- University of Rochester
- University at Buffalo, State University of New York
FAQs
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Helpful moving resources
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