Local moving companies in Iowa
When relocating from Iowa to Portland, OR, let our favorite local movers take the stress out of your journey.
Out of 32 Iowa movers that handle state-to-state moves, here are the top 5 that can handle your move to Portland, OR.
- Claeys Brothers Moving & Storage Inc: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- Action Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- White Glove Movers: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.38 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 70
DOT #: 70719
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
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 42
DOT #: 299154
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 21
DOT #: 2991947
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 7
DOT #: 2378173
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Cost to move from Iowa to Portland, OR
The table below lays out average cost ranges to move from Iowa to Portland, OR with different moving services depending on the size of your home.
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,250 – $4,760 | $997 – $2,463 | $1,050 – $1,983 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $3,153 – $6,885 | $1,871 – $3,756 | $1,049 – $2,219 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,922 – $10,287 | $2,455 – $5,412 | $1,336 – $2,944 |
These cost ranges are approximate estimates based on a 1,828-mile move from Iowa to Portland, OR using pricing data compiled by moveBuddha as of Jan 17, 2026. Each month, moveBuddha updates thousands of vetted price points from nationwide moving companies to reflect seasonality and market trends. Your final total may vary with move size, add-on services, access or parking constraints, fuel costs, and scheduling. Comparing estimates from multiple movers is the best way to nail down accurate pricing.
Cost to hire professional movers from Iowa to Portland, OR
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Iowa to Portland, OR, you can expect to spend between $1,250 and $4,760. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $3,153 to $6,885 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home will typically run between $5,922 and $10,287.
Cost of moving containers from Iowa to Portland, OR
When moving from Iowa to Portland, OR, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $997 and $2,463. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $1,871 to $3,756. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $2,455 up to $5,412. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from Iowa.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Iowa to Portland, OR
Looking to save money? Renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest option. Just keep in mind that you’ll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving out of a studio or one-bedroom from Iowa to Portland, OR, and are renting a truck, plan to spend between $1,050 and $1,983. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $1,049 and $2,219. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $1,336 and $2,944.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Compare local moving companies from Iowa to Portland, OR
Here’s a quick comparison of the most popular services and discounts available for the top movers for your move:
| Company | Full Service | Antiques | Military Discount | Senior Discount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Claeys Brothers Moving & Storage Inc | ✓ | ✓ | × | × |
| TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | ✓ | × | × | × |
| Action Moving & Storage, Inc. | × | ✓ | × | × |
| White Glove Movers | ✓ | × | × | × |
| College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | ✓ | × | × | × |
Out of the 3,179 movers we’ve reviewed, here’s how Iowa movers stack up compared to the percentage of movers in the country that offer these services and discounts:
| Iowa | Nationwide | |
|---|---|---|
| Full Service | 91% | 96% |
| Antiques | 40% | 46% |
| Military Discount | 2% | 4% |
| Senior Discount | 0% | 4% |
Things to know before moving from Iowa to Portland, OR
Before you start packing, take a moment to get a feel for what life in Portland, OR is really like compared to Iowa. From the cost of living and local culture to daily routines, we’ll guide you through the biggest lifestyle changes and must-see attractions to be aware of.
Cost of living: Iowa vs. Portland, OR
| Iowa | Portland | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $914 | $1,530 |
| Average home cost | $220,277 | $522,596 |
| Average income (per capita) | $70,571 | $85,876 |
| Cost of Living Index | 89 | 128 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.0% | 6.9% |
| State Income Tax | 4.4% | 9.9% |
Portland sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
- Rent in Portland is roughly 67% higher than in Iowa. You’ll need to plan for higher monthly rent.
- Home prices in Portland are approximately 137% higher than in Iowa. Be sure to budget for a larger down payment, higher property taxes, and increased overall homeownership costs.
- You’ll typically earn about 22% more in Portland than in Iowa, which means extra breathing room in your budget, whether you want to spend more or save more.
- With unemployment 130% higher in Portland than Iowa, expect more competition for jobs. A focused job search will help you get ahead.
- Expect income taxes in Oregon to run about 125% higher than in Iowa, which could cut into your paycheck.
How life is different in Portland from Iowa
| Portland | Iowa | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 652,503 | 3,207,004 |
| Political leaning | Republican 49-48 | Republican 53-45 |
| Summer high | 81ºF | 84ºF |
| Winter low | 36ºF | 10ºF |
| Annual rain | 43″ | 35″ |
| Annual snow | 3″ | 30″ |
| Crime index | 57.37 | 16.18 |
Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- During the last presidential election, both Iowa and Portland supported the Republican candidate.
- Summer in Portland usually hits around 81ºF, pretty similar to the 84ºF you’re used to in Iowa. While you won’t face a dramatic change in temperature, you should still keep factors like local humidity, weather trends, and changes to energy costs in mind as you prepare for summer at your new home.
- During the coldest part of the year, Portland reaches a temperature of 36ºF while Iowa gets down to 10ºF. Relocating to Portland means you’ll enjoy milder winters, making daily life easier, more affordable, and better for spending time outside.
- Expect about 43 inches of rain each year in Portland—compared to just 35 inches in Iowa. With more rain comes greener scenery and wetter days, so get ready to adjust your routine and invest in some quality waterproof gear.
- In Portland, you can expect about 3 inches of snow each year, much less than the 30 inches you’d deal with in Iowa. So, if you’re moving to Portland, get ready for milder winters, less shoveling, and fewer extreme winter weather events.
- Portland has a higher crime rate than Iowa with a crime index of 57.37 vs 16.18. A higher crime rate isn’t necessarily a dealbreaker, but it’s your cue to research local safety measures and think about how it might affect your day-to-day life.
Things to do in Portland
From parks and museums to sports and top universities, Portland has a little bit of everything waiting for you.
Museums in Portland
- Portland Art Museum
- Oregon Museum of Science and Industry
- Oregon Historical Society
- Oregon Maritime Museum
- World Forestry Center – Discovery Museum
Parks in Portland
- Washington Park
- Forest Park
- Hoyt Arboretum
- Mount Tabor Park
- Sauvie Island Wildlife Area
Sports teams in Portland
- Portland Trailblazers (NBA)
- Portland Timbers (MLS)
- Portland Thorns (NWSL)
Universities in Portland
- Portland State University
- Oregon Health & Science University
- Reed College
- University of Portland
- Lewis & Clark College
Other considerations when moving to Portland, OR
- HOA rules: Take a moment to review your neighborhood or community rules before moving day to avoid any last-minute surprises.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to book your building’s elevator ahead of time and check on any moving rules they might have.
- Parking permits: Some cities make you get a parking permit for your moving truck, so remember to look up your new neighborhood’s rules before moving day.
- State licensing: Moving companies headquartered in Oregon must possess an up-to-date USDOT Number as well as a license issued by the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT). Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring them.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a Oregon moving license directly on the state regulator’s official website, here.
- Moving permits: You don’t need a moving permit to relocate to Oregon, but it’s wise to check local parking regulations ahead of time.
- Change of address: Make sure to submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your moving date so your mail will be forwarded to Oregon without any delays. Get started here.
- Mover’s insurance: Released Value Protection is a cost-effective choice as it comes at no extra cost. 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.
- Moving checklist: Staying organized keeps your move stress-free. Our moving checklist makes it easy to stay on top of every detail.
FAQ
How long does a move from Iowa to Portland take?
The time frame for a move from Iowa to Portland, OR, varies based on your moving method and starting location. The actual loading up of your items should not take more than a day, even with DIY moves.
The farther north you are in Iowa, the longer it’ll take to reach Portland. If you’re renting a truck, expect the trip to take one or two days on average, depending on your route and how many stops you make.
Delivery from Iowa to Portland can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks, whether you’re hiring movers or using a moving container. Always ask for a delivery estimate before booking.
How far in advance should I book movers when moving from Iowa to Portland?
If you’re gearing up for a 1,828-mile move from Iowa to Portland, lock in your moving date as soon as your plans are set. Booking your movers two to three months in advance helps you snag the best rates and ensures you get the date you want.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Portland, OR?
Summer in Portland can reach highs of 81°F, while winter temperatures can dip to 36°F. That’s why most people moving from Iowa to Portland opt for the milder spring or fall weather. But if you’re looking to avoid the crowds—and possibly score a better price—think about moving in the off-season, even if you have to endure crazier temperatures. Need more help planning? Check out our tips on peak moving seasons.
Helpful moving resources
Iowa moving services
Popular Iowa routes
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