How we chose the best moving companies for your IA to OH move
moveBuddha’s expert team analyzed moving rates from 37 Iowa movers and listed the top movers based on customer satisfaction, reviews, and cost.
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Customer satisfaction (40%): Shows up on time, communicates clearly, and delivers within the estimate.
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Dispute resolution (20%): Takes responsibility and follows through with fair solutions when problems occur.
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Industry reputation (15%): Earns respect across the industry and participates in conferences and organizations.
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Online reputation (15%): Up-to-date site content and prompt, professional engagement online.
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Service options (10%): We look for companies with a deep breadth of services including full packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
How much does it cost to move from Iowa to Ohio?
Check out the table below for average moving cost estimates from Iowa
to Ohio, broken down by home size and type of moving service.
| Move size |
Moving company |
Moving container |
Rental truck |
| Studio / 1 bedroom |
$1,187 – $3,369 |
$686 – $1,707 |
$452 – $835 |
| 2-3 bedrooms |
$2,023 – $5,505 |
$1,165 – $2,481 |
$468 – $1,041 |
| 4+ bedrooms |
$3,891 – $8,070 |
$1,555 – $3,084 |
$627 – $1,221 |
*The figures shown are approximate for a 615-mile relocation from IA to
OH, derived from moveBuddha
pricing data current as of Dec 11, 2025. moveBuddha aggregates thousands of verified
quotes from movers across the country and updates them monthly to capture seasonal and market
fluctuations. Final pricing will depend on move size, optional services, parking/access issues,
fuel rates, and schedule. We suggest requesting estimates from multiple movers for the best accuracy.
Cost to hire movers from Iowa to Ohio
When moving a studio or one-bedroom from Iowa to Ohio, you’ll likely pay between
$1,187
and $3,369.
If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between
$2,023 and $5,505
for the same journey (IA to OH).
Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $3,891
to $8,070.
Cost of moving containers from Iowa to Ohio
When you’re heading from Iowa to Ohio, and you’re only moving a few items,
you can expect to spend between $686 and
$1,707. For a two- or three-bedroom place,
prices usually fall between $1,165 and
$2,481. If you’re packing up a large home with four or
more bedrooms, the cost can range from $1,555
to $3,084. Want more details? Check out our
complete PODS cost guide.
Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies
to make your move from Iowa easier and more affordable.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Iowa to Ohio
A moving rental truck is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.
Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around
$452
to $835.
A two to three-bedroom move will cost $468
to $1,041, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms
from Iowa to Ohio costs around
$627 to
$1,221.
These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.
Factors affecting the cost of moving from IA to OH
Lots of things can impact how much it costs to move from Iowa to Ohio. Here’s what ultimately affects your final price:
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How big your haul is: More rooms and belongings mean higher costs compared to moving light with only a few items.
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The season you move: Costs spike during the busy summer season in Iowa when demand for movers is highest.
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DIY vs. calling in the experts: A DIY move is easier on the wallet, but professionals make the process far less stressful.
What to know before moving from IA to OH
If you’re moving to Ohio from Iowa, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.
Cost of living: Iowa vs. Ohio
Understanding how costs compare between Iowa and Ohio can make planning easier. Taxes, housing, job markets, and income all shape your budget, and this breakdown highlights the biggest differences:
|
Iowa |
Ohio |
| Average rent |
$914 |
$945 |
| Average home cost |
$220,277 |
$230,798 |
| Average income (per capita) |
$70,571 |
$66,990 |
| Cost of living index |
89 |
94 |
| Unemployment rate |
3.0% |
3.6% |
| Average sales tax |
6.94% |
7.23% |
| State income tax |
4.4% |
3.5% |
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No need to stress about your budget—rental rates are about the same when you’re moving from Iowa to Ohio.
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Home prices in Ohio and Iowa are pretty similar, so you probably won’t need to adjust your mortgage budget much, unless you’re planning to move into a bigger or nicer place.
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The average income is about the same in both Iowa and Ohio, so you won’t need to worry about a big change to your budget.
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The cost of living is 6% higher in Ohio than in Iowa. If you’re making the move to Ohio with a higher cost of living, it’s important to plan carefully to ensure your finances can support the transition.
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The unemployment rate in Ohio is about 20% higher than in Iowa. With more people out of work, you’ll find a bigger talent pool for employers and tougher competition when job hunting.
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No need to stress about sales tax. Rates are similar in Iowa and Ohio, making your move a bit less expensive.
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Income taxes in Ohio are 20% lower than in Iowa. That means you’ll keep more of each paycheck, leaving you with extra cash to save, invest, or spend however you want.
How life is different in Ohio vs. Iowa
The impact of moving goes far beyond finding a job or home. Everyday life is shaped by factors like climate, safety, politics, and community size. Take a look at how Ohio and Iowa line up on these lifestyle indicators.
|
Ohio |
Iowa |
| Population |
11,785,935 |
3,207,004 |
| Political leaning |
Republican 55-45 |
Republican 53-45 |
| Summer high |
84ºF |
84ºF |
| Winter low |
20ºF |
10ºF |
| Annual rain |
40″ |
35″ |
| Annual snow |
28″ |
30″ |
| Crime index |
20.76 |
16.18 |
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The population of Ohio is approximately 268% greater than the population of Iowa.
With more people often comes better-developed infrastructure, including healthcare, education, public transportation, and entertainment opportunities.
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In the most recent presidential race, both Iowa and Ohio leaned Republican.
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In Ohio, summer highs are around 84°F, close to 84°F in Iowa.
With such little difference, your summer experience won’t change much.
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Winter lows in Ohio average 20°F, milder than 10°F in Iowa.
Easier winters bring lower bills, fewer hassles, and more freedom to enjoy life outdoors.
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In Ohio, you’ll see about 40 inches of rain each year — nearly identical to the 35 inches you’re used to in Iowa.
While the overall rainfall stays pretty consistent, the timing and pattern of those showers might shake up your daily routine.
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In Ohio, it snows about 28 inches annually while Iowa gets 30 inches.
With snowfall being similar, you’re likely to experience a smooth transition with no major surprises.
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Ohio has a higher crime rate than Iowa, with a crime index of 20.76 compared to 16.18.
While a statewide crime rate isn’t a dealbreaker, it’s smart to research neighborhoods.
Comparing the pros of Iowa vs. Ohio
New beginnings can be really exciting.
Here’s a quick comparison between life in Ohio and Iowa:
| Pros of living in Iowa |
Pros of living in Ohio |
| Low cost of living |
Ample economic opportunity |
| Ample economic opportunity |
Low cost of living |
| High quality of education |
Bountiful recreational opportunities |
| No traffic |
Famously delicious beer |
| Beautiful outdoors |
Amazing food |
Comparing the cons of living in Iowa vs. Ohio
Everything can’t be sunshine and rainbows all the time, no matter where you live.
Here are some things to be aware of when leaving Iowa for Ohio:
| Cons of living in Iowa |
Cons of living in Ohio |
| Severe weather conditions |
Low happiness |
| Limited recreational opportunities |
Limited diversity |
| High taxes |
Political division |
| High emphasis on politics |
Harsh weather |
| Rustic food |
Weird laws |
Other things to consider for your Iowa to Ohio 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.
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State licensing:
Although a local license is not required in Ohio, make sure the moving company you’ll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if you’re dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number. Make sure your moving company is fully licensed before you book.
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State regulator:
You can verify a Ohio moving license and its status on the state regulator’s official website.
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Moving permits:
You don’t need a moving permit in Ohio, but it’s a good idea to look into local parking rules before your move.
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Change of address:
Make sure to submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before moving. Once you set your move date, your mail will start forwarding to Ohio right on schedule. Get started here.
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Mover’s insurance:
By law, interstate movers have to give you basic insurance known as “released value protection” at no extra cost. Opt for cost-free Released Value Protection from movers, offering minimal coverage with a maximum liability of 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage, explore alternatives with your chosen moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
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Moving checklist:
Make moving day a breeze with our straightforward moving checklist, which can help you stay on track and make sure you don’t miss any steps.
Things to do in Ohio
While you’re in Ohio, you won’t be bored. These are some of the coolest places to visit in your new home state:
Museums in Ohio
- Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
- Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
- Cleveland Museum of Art
- A Christmas Story House
- National Museum of the US Air Force
Parks in Ohio
- Cuyahoga Valley National Park
- Hopewell Culture National Historical Park
- Wayne National Forest
- Upper Falls at Old Man’s Cave
- Maumee Bay State Park
Sports teams in Ohio
- Cincinnati Reds (MLB)
- Cleveland Guardians (MLB)
- Cincinnati Bengals (NFL)
- Cleveland Browns (NFL)
- Cleveland Cavaliers (NBA)
Universities in Ohio
- The Ohio State University
- University of Cincinnati
- Case Western Reserve University
- Kent State University
- Bowling Green State University
FAQs
What is the cheapest way to move from Iowa to Ohio?
Do movers transport your car from Iowa to Ohio?
A lot of full-service movers will handle auto transport for you, usually for an added cost. Or,
if you prefer, you can arrange
vehicle transport from Iowa to Ohio on your own through a top car shipping company.
What are the benefits of moving from Iowa to Ohio?
An increasing number of people are relocating from Iowa to Ohio to enjoy all the great benefits Ohio provides, such as ample economic opportunity and low cost of living.
Is it cheaper to live in Iowa or Ohio?
Living in Iowa usually costs less than in Ohio.
Housing
is more affordable in Iowa,
with average rent about 3% less and home prices 5% lower than in Ohio.
However, taxes are
lower in Ohio, most notably income taxes, which are more than 20% less than those paid by Iowa residents.
How much should you make a year to live comfortably in Ohio?
Thinking of moving to Ohio on your own? You’ll want to earn around $65,241 to cover your expenses comfortably.
If you’re living solo, expect to spend about $2,580 per month, or around $6,799 if you have a family of four.
Where you choose to live makes a big difference, too. Bigger cities like Columbus and Cleveland tend to have higher housing costs compared to smaller towns.
Which discounts can you find from movers in Iowa?
Plenty of moving companies offer ways to help you save, from seasonal promotions to ongoing deals.
Military members can find special pricing from 1 companies.
Discount types, amounts, and availability can differ, so it’s worth confirming the details with each mover before you book.
Helpful moving resources
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When moving from Iowa to Ohio, you’ll likely pay between $2,023–$5,505 with professional movers, roughly
$1,823 for a moving container, and about
$754
for a rental truck.
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