How we chose the best moving companies for your IA to OK move
moveBuddha experts compared rates across 37 Iowa moving services, showcasing the companies that stood out for strong reviews, reliable service, and fair pricing.
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Customer satisfaction (40%): On-schedule service, proactive communication, and no surprises on price.
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Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.
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Industry reputation (15%): Respected by peers and active in associations and trade events.
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Online reputation (15%): Maintains a trustworthy web presence and answers customers with speed and courtesy.
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Service options (10%): Comprehensive offerings including packing, secure storage, delicate-item care, and faster shipping.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
How much does it cost to move from Iowa to Oklahoma?
Take a look at the table below for average
moving cost estimates from Iowa to Oklahoma.
We’ve broken down prices by home size and type of moving service, so you can easily compare your choices.
| Move size |
Moving company |
Moving container |
Rental truck |
| Studio / 1 bedroom |
$1,143 – $3,625 |
$722 – $1,627 |
$450 – $824 |
| 2-3 bedrooms |
$2,215 – $5,385 |
$1,265 – $2,490 |
$495 – $988 |
| 4+ bedrooms |
$3,726 – $7,381 |
$1,574 – $3,066 |
$630 – $1,170 |
*These cost ranges are approximate estimates based on a 634-mile move from IA to
OK using pricing data compiled by moveBuddha as of Dec 11, 2025.
moveBuddha collects thousands of verified price points from moving companies nationwide and
updates this data monthly to reflect seasonal fluctuations and market trends.
Your final price may vary depending on move size, added services, parking or access challenges,
fuel rates, and scheduling. We always recommend comparing quotes from multiple movers
to get an accurate idea of pricing.
Cost to hire movers from Iowa to Oklahoma
Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Iowa to Oklahoma typically costs between
$1,143 and
$3,625.
For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between
$2,215
and $5,385
when moving from IA to OK.
If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from Iowa to Oklahoma,
you’re looking at costs ranging from $3,726
up to $7,381.
Cost of moving containers from Iowa to Oklahoma
If you’re relocating from Iowa to Oklahoma,
you’ll typically spend between $722
and $1,627 for a small move.
Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from
$1,265 up to
$2,490.
If you’re moving a larger home—four bedrooms or more—expect to pay anywhere between
$1,574 and
$3,066. For a full breakdown,
check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore our top budget-friendly moving container companies
for your move from Iowa.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Iowa to Oklahoma
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
$450 and
$824.
For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from
$495 to
$988.
If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move,
your rental truck will likely run between $630 and
$1,170.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Factors affecting the cost of moving from IA to OK
Several factors can influence your moving costs from Iowa to Oklahoma. Here’s what could impact your final bill:
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Move size: Moving a large home costs more than moving a studio apartment.
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Seasonal timing: Summer is peak moving season in Iowa, which usually means higher prices.
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Pros vs. DIY: Doing it yourself can save money, but hiring movers saves effort and stress.
What to know before moving from IA to OK
Transitioning from Iowa to Oklahoma gives you a chance to look at how life in your new state will differ from what you know now.
Cost of living: Iowa vs. Oklahoma
Relocating comes with financial tradeoffs, and the contrasts between Iowa and Oklahoma are worth noting. Here’s how the two states stack up in key areas like job opportunities, taxes, housing, and income:
|
Iowa |
Oklahoma |
| Average rent |
$914 |
$934 |
| Average home cost |
$220,277 |
$205,968 |
| Average income (per capita) |
$70,571 |
$61,364 |
| Cost of living index |
89 |
86 |
| Unemployment rate |
3.0% |
3.3% |
| Average sales tax |
6.94% |
8.95% |
| State income tax |
4.4% |
4.75% |
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Your budget won’t be hit too hard when you move to Oklahoma from Iowa with rent being about the same in each state.
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Home prices in Oklahoma are about 6% lower than in Iowa, making your monthly mortgage much more manageable.
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Make sure to review your budget before your move. Average incomes in Oklahoma are roughly 13% lower than in Iowa.
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With a similar cost of living in both Iowa and Oklahoma, you can relax about your budget and concentrate on finding the lifestyle and environment that fit you best.
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Unemployment in Oklahoma is about 10% higher than in Iowa. Since more people are searching for jobs, you’ll face tougher competition in the job market.
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Sales tax in Oklahoma runs 29% higher than in Iowa, so expect to spend more on everyday purchases like groceries, dining, and household goods.
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Income taxes are 8% higher in Oklahoma compared to Iowa. As a result, you’ll pay more in state taxes, which could lower your take-home pay.
How life is different in Oklahoma vs. Iowa
A move to another state brings shifts that go beyond housing and work. Things like weather, community safety, political leanings, and population size all help define what daily life looks like. This snapshot shows how Oklahoma and Iowa compare.
|
Oklahoma |
Iowa |
| Population |
4,053,824 |
3,207,004 |
| Political leaning |
Republican 66-34 |
Republican 53-45 |
| Summer high |
93ºF |
84ºF |
| Winter low |
26ºF |
10ºF |
| Annual rain |
39″ |
35″ |
| Annual snow |
6″ |
30″ |
| Crime index |
27.52 |
16.18 |
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If you’re moving from Iowa to Oklahoma, you’ll find Oklahoma has about 26% more people.
That bigger population often means better infrastructure, from hospitals and schools to public transit and entertainment.
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The last presidential election saw both Iowa and Oklahoma siding with the Republican party.
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The average summer high in Oklahoma is 93°F compared to 84°F in Iowa.
A hotter climate brings more sunshine and outdoor opportunities, but be prepared for higher cooling bills and a warmer adjustment period.
-
In winter, Oklahoma drops only to 26°F, milder than 10°F in Iowa.
That means lower costs, easier winters, and more chances to enjoy the outdoors.
-
In Oklahoma, you’ll experience about 39 inches of rain each year, pretty similar to the 35 inches you’re used to in Iowa.
While the overall rainfall won’t shift much after your move, don’t forget that the timing and patterns of rain throughout the year can still influence your day-to-day plans.
-
In Oklahoma, it only snows about 6 inches annually while Iowa gets 30 inches.
Moving to Oklahoma, with less snow, means easier winters, less maintenance, and fewer weather-related hassles.
-
Oklahoma has a higher crime rate than Iowa, with a crime index of 27.52 compared to 16.18.
While a higher statewide crime rate isn’t necessarily a reason to rule out your move, it’s smart to research specific neighborhoods, stay aware of local safety, and think about how it might affect your daily life.
Comparing the pros of Iowa vs. Oklahoma
Starting fresh in a new place can be thrilling.
Here’s a quick snapshot comparing life in Oklahoma to Iowa:
| Pros of living in Iowa |
Pros of living in Oklahoma |
| Low cost of living |
Ample economic opportunity |
| Ample economic opportunity |
Low cost of living |
| High quality of education |
Delicious barbecue |
| No traffic |
Rapid earnings growth |
Comparing the cons of living in Iowa vs. Oklahoma
No matter your location, life isn’t always perfect.
Keep these points in mind as you make the move from Iowa to Oklahoma:
| Cons of living in Iowa |
Cons of living in Oklahoma |
| Severe weather conditions |
Dull landscape |
| Limited recreational opportunities |
Destructive weather |
| High taxes |
Poor education |
| High emphasis on politics |
Dangerous drivers |
| Rustic food |
Low diversity |
Other things to consider for your Iowa to Oklahoma move
-
HOA rules:
Double-check your neighborhood or community guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises and keep everything running smoothly.
-
Elevator reservation:
One common issue you should handle ahead of your move is reserving the building’s elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
-
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.
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State licensing:
In Oklahoma, in-state household goods movers are certified and licensed by the Oklahoma Corporation Commission (OCC). Make sure your moving company has the right licenses before you book with them.
-
State regulator:
Quickly check the status of a Oklahoma moving license anytime on the official state regulator’s website, here.
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Moving permits:
No moving permit is required in Oklahoma, but be sure to check local parking regulations before your move.
-
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 so that all your mail will get properly forwarded to Oklahoma. Get started here.
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Mover’s insurance:
By law, interstate moving companies are required to provide basic insurance coverage, known as “released value protection,” at no extra cost. Opting for Released Value Protection is the most cost-effective choice since it comes at no extra expense. Movers provide this option without additional charges, but the coverage it offers is minimal. With Released Value Protection, the mover’s liability is limited to 60 cents per pound per article. For example, if your mover were to lose or damage a set of fine china weighing 15 pounds, you would only be compensated $9 (60 cents x 15 pounds). If you require coverage for the full value of your items, it is advisable to discuss alternative options with the moving company or explore third-party insurance providers.
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Moving checklist:
Keep your move stress-free with our handy moving checklist. It’s the easiest way to make sure nothing gets overlooked.
Things to do in Oklahoma
Get excited to explore Oklahoma. Don’t miss these top spots in your new home state:
Museums in Oklahoma
- Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum
- Philbrook Museum of Art
- National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum
- Science Museum Oklahoma
- Gilcrease Museum
Parks in Oklahoma
- Gathering Place
- Tallgrass Prairie Preserve
- Turner Falls Park
- Medicine Park
- Woodward Park
Sports teams in Oklahoma
- Oklahoma City Thunder (NBA)
- Oklahoma City Blue (NBA G League)
- Oklahoma Sooners (NCAA)
- Oklahoma State Cowboys (NCAA)
Universities in Oklahoma
- The University of Oklahoma
- Oklahoma State University
- The University of Tulsa
- The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center
- Oral Roberts University
FAQs
What is the cheapest way to move from Iowa to Oklahoma?
Do movers transport your car from Iowa to Oklahoma?
Some full-service movers can coordinate auto transport for you as part of your relocation package for an
additional fee.
But you can also handle
vehicle transport from
Iowa to
Oklahoma
separately through one of the top car shipping companies.
What are the benefits of moving from Iowa to Oklahoma?
Many people are making the move from Iowa to Oklahoma to take advantage of all the great benefits that life in Oklahoma has to offer, like ample economic opportunity and low cost of living.
Is it cheaper to live in Iowa or Oklahoma?
Living in Oklahoma usually costs less than in Iowa.
Housing
is much more affordable in Oklahoma,
with average rent about 2% less and home prices 6% lower than in Iowa.
However, taxes are
lower in Iowa, most notably income taxes, which are more than 7% less than those paid by Oklahoma residents.
How much should you make a year to live comfortably in Oklahoma?
Planning to move to Oklahoma? A single adult should aim for an income of around $60,583 to live comfortably.
Monthly costs average $2,596 for an individual, or $5,168 for a family of four.
Your expenses depend a lot on location — bigger cities like Oklahoma City and Tulsa usually have steeper housing costs than smaller towns.
Which discounts can you find from movers in Iowa?
Here’s a breakdown of discount types currently available in Iowa:
1 provide military discounts;
Availability can change, so always verify details before booking.
Helpful moving resources
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When relocating from Iowa to Oklahoma, expect professional movers to cost around
$2,215 to
$5,385, roughly
$1,877 for a container move, and close to
$741
for a rental truck.
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