($1,451) Cost of Moving From Iowa to Pennsylvania

Quick answer: The average cost to move from Iowa to Pennsylvania ranges from $780 to $7,598 and takes two–seven days. The top cost factors are how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself.

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  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
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  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Certified crews
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Family-owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.75 / 5
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  • Specialty packing services
  • White-glove reputation
  • 80+ years' experience
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • 1,800 trucks
  • Storage available
  • Customized moving plans

Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our moving from Pennsylvania to Iowa guide.

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The best Iowa to Pennsylvania full-service movers

Moving from Iowa to Pennsylvania? With thousands of moving companies in the U.S., hiring the right interstate moving company can be a challenge.

To simplify your search, we've selected the most reliable movers based on our detailed analysis of customer reviews, pricing, and service offerings.

Start with these top long-distance moving companies serving Iowa for your Pennsylvania relocation:

Best Overall Value
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
(855) 650-0657
At A Glance
  • GPS tracking en route
  • Veteran-owned
  • Dedicated move coordinator
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Donates a portion of moves to charity
read our full review
(855) 650-0657
Best for personalized service
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
(980) 217-6841
At A Glance
  • Family-owned, with locations covering the East Coast
  • Full refund if you cancel within 7 days of your move
  • Hands-on customer service
  • 24/7 support
  • Price-matching policy
read our full review
(980) 217-6841
Most Experienced Mover
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
866-835-2392
At A Glance
  • Experienced & fully trained moving crews
  • Specializes in moving art & antiques
  • Competitive pricing
  • Can handle last-minute moves
  • Climate-controlled storage
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866-835-2392
Best for Contents Coverage
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.75 / 5
866-825-0554
At A Glance
  • Fragile packing
  • Storage options
  • 24/7 shipment tracking
  • Quick & efficient
  • Accurate quotes
read our full review
866-825-0554
Best customized Plans
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
(844) 950-2963
At A Glance
  • Custom crates for electronics & art
  • Satellite shipment tracking
  • 1,500 local agents covering all 50 states
  • Self-packing option
  • No deposit required
read our full review
(844) 950-2963

The best local moving companies in Iowa

  1. Claeys Brothers Moving & Storage Inc: 4.72 out of 5 stars
  2. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.72 out of 5 stars
  3. Key City Moving & Storage: 4.66 out of 5 stars
  4. White Glove Movers: 4.62 out of 5 stars
  5. Black Belt Movers: 4.62 out of 5 stars

Claeys Brothers Moving & Storage Inc

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.72 / 5

DOT #: 70719

Years in Business: 69

5600 Harbor Dr, Sioux City, IA 51111

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.

Get a Quote (712) 252-1335

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Storage

Additional Information

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TWO MEN AND A TRUCK

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.72 / 5

DOT #: 2527384

Years in Business: 27

2601 104th St #400, Urbandale, IA 50322

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.

Get a Quote (515) 216-3654

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Pianos
  • Storage
  • Safes

Additional Information

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Key City Moving & Storage

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.66 / 5

DOT #: 125563

Years in Business: 114

9710 Royal Wood Dr, Peosta, IA 52068

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.

Get a Quote (563) 582-3237

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Safes

Additional Information

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White Glove Movers

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.62 / 5

DOT #: 2991947

Years in Business: 19

4600 Commercial Ave, Marion, IA 52302

White Glove Movers, a local moving company based in Marion, IA, has been providing reliable residential moving services since 2005. Compared to other nearby movers, White Glove stands out with its comprehensive packing and unpacking services, as well as specialized capabilities to handle delicate items like pianos and art. Renowned for their exceptional service, they hold an average Google rating of 4.9 from 234 reviews and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Their excellent consumer feedback and array of services make them a top choice for local moves, offering peace of mind and quality assurance.

Get a Quote (319) 393-3000

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Crating
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage

Additional Information

Local Associations

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Black Belt Movers

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.62 / 5

DOT #: 3527158

Pricing: $150/hr

Years in Business: 17

1209 SW ORDNANCE RD STE B, ANKENY, IA 50023

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.

Get a Quote (515) 393-4253

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Safes

Additional Information

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The best Iowa to Pennsylvania moving container companies

Moving containers allow you to save money without having to go the full DIY route. While you’ll have to handle loading and unloading, the container company has you covered on transportation — they’ll pick up your pod in Iowa and drop it off at your new home in Pennsylvania.

Check out these highly rated moving container companies:

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  • Unlimited storage
  • 3 container sizes
  • 10% discount
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  • Fast delivery
  • Nationwide
  • 100+ miles moves
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Affordable pricing
  • Offers car shipping
  • No hidden fees

The best Iowa to Pennsylvania moving truck rentals

Moving truck rentals are the most cost-effective way to move from Iowa to Pennsylvania, although they’re also the most labor-intensive. You’ll save big by doing all the heavy lifting and driving.

We like these rental moving trucks:

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.3 / 5
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  • Affordable pricing
  • Online pricing
  • Several discounts
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4 / 5
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  • Most expensive
  • 4 truck sizes
  • Unlimited mileage
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.15 / 5
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  • Greatest coverage
  • 7 truck sizes
  • One way rentals

The best Iowa to Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania:

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Hire moving labor
  • Online quotes
  • Nationwide
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.3 / 5
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  • Online booking
  • Move Concierge
  • Affordable

How we chose the best moving companies for your IA to PA movetoggle

moveBuddha’s expert team analyzed moving rates from 24 Iowa movers and listed the top movers based on customer satisfaction, reviews, and cost.

Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.

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.

Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.

Online reputation (15%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information. The company promptly and professionally responds to online customer inquiries.

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 Pennsylvania?

The table below lays out average cost ranges to move from Iowa to Pennsylvania for different moving services depending on the size of your home.

Move size Moving company Moving container Rental truck
Studio / 1 Bedroom $1,451 - $5,417 $1,004 - $2,417 $766 - $1,336
2 - 3 bedrooms $3,125 - $7,598 $1,750 - $3,639 $780 - $1,638
4+ bedrooms $5,069 - $9,329 $2,332 - $4,497 $1,048 - $1,990

*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 907 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect your final costs.

Cost to hire movers from Iowa to Pennsylvaniatoggle

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Iowa to Pennsylvania will cost between $1,451 and $5,417. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from IA to PA will range from $3,125 to $7,598, and a large move from Iowa to Pennsylvania will cost from $5,069 to $9,329.

Cost of moving containers from Iowa to Pennsylvaniatoggle

Moving containers from Iowa to Pennsylvania will cost you $1,004 to $2,417 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,750 to $3,639. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $2,332 to $4,497. 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 Pennsylvaniatoggle

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 $766 to $1,336. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $780 to $1,638, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms or from Iowa to Pennsylvania costs from $1,048 to $1,990.
These estimates include the estimated fuel cost.

Factors affecting the cost of moving from IA to PAtoggle

There are many factors that influence Iowa moving costs. The cost to move from Iowa to Pennsylvania will depend on these factors:

  • Move size: Moving a large home costs more than moving a studio apartment.
  • Time of year: The peak moving season in Iowa is in the summer, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • 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 PA

If you’re moving to Pennsylvania from Iowa, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.

Cost of living: Iowa vs. Pennsylvania

Iowa Pennsylvania
Average rent cost $914 $1,110
Average home cost $220,277 $268,824
Average income (per capita) $70,571 $73,170
Cost of Living Index 89 99
Unemployment rate 3.0% 3.4%
Average Sales Tax 6.94% 6.34%
State Income Tax 4.4% 3.07%
  • Rent is about 21% more expensive in Pennsylvania than in Iowa.
  • Home prices are about 22% higher in Pennsylvania than in Iowa.
  • The average income is about 4% higher in Pennsylvania than in Iowa.
  • Cost of living is 11% lower in Pennsylvania than in Iowa.
  • Pennsylvania has a higher unemployment rate than Iowa by about 13%.
  • Sales taxes are 9% lower in Pennsylvania than in Iowa.
  • Income taxes are 30% lower in Pennsylvania than in Iowa.

How life is different in Pennsylvania vs. Iowa

Pennsylvania Iowa
Population 12,961,683 3,207,004
Political leaning Republican 51-49 Republican 53-45
Summer high 83ºF 84ºF
Winter low 19ºF 10ºF
Annual rain 44" 35"
Annual snow 38" 30"
Crime index 17.62 16.18
  • The population of Pennsylvania is approximately 304% greater than the population of Iowa.
  • In the last presidential election, Pennsylvania voted Republican and Iowa voted Republican.
  • The average high in the summertime in Pennsylvania is 83ºF and in Iowa, it’s 84ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, Pennsylvania reaches the temperature of 19ºF and Iowa gets down to 10ºF.
  • You can expect about 44 inches of annual rainfall in Pennsylvania versus 35 inches of rainfall in Iowa.
  • In Pennsylvania, it snows about 38 inches annually versus 30 inches of snow in Iowa.
  • Pennsylvania has a higher crime rate than Iowa with a crime index of 17.62 vs. 16.18.

Comparing the pros of Iowa vs. Pennsylvania

Getting a fresh start in a new location is exciting. Here’s a side-by-side look at the perks of living in Pennsylvania compared to Iowa.

Pros of living in Iowa Pros of living in Pennsylvania
Low cost of living Low cost of living
Ample economic opportunity Abundant fun and recreational activities
High quality of education Beautiful landscapes
No traffic Ample economic opportunity
Beautiful outdoors Excellent education options

Comparing the cons of living in Iowa vs. Pennsylvania

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 Pennsylvania.

Cons of living in Iowa Cons of living in Pennsylvania
Severe weather conditions Harsh winter weather
Limited recreational opportunities Bad driving conditions
High taxes Nuclear power plants
High emphasis on politics Unpredictable weather
Rustic food High taxes on gasoline

Other things to consider for your Iowa to Pennsylvania movetoggle

  • Weather: Pennsylvania experiences cold winters and humid summers. Summers are generally hot and humid. Moving toward the mountainous interior of the state, the winter climate becomes colder, the number of cloudy days increases, and snowfall amounts are greater. Tornadoes occur annually in the state, sometimes in large numbers, such as 30 recorded tornadoes in 2011; generally speaking, these tornadoes do not cause significant damage.
  • HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator reservation: One common and important example of something that should be handled ahead of time is reserving the building's elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
  • Parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles, find out ahead of time with your new local rules.
  • State licensing: For decades movers In Pennsylvania were regulated by the Public Utility Commission (PUC). Each company was issued a PUC Number and was required to abide by a universal publicly published tariff that established the rates movers could charge for various services. Now, some sources claim that the PUC no longer regulates in-state movers, and it appears as though the PUC’s website is no longer functioning. So if you’re moving within Pennsylvania, you’ll want to address these issues with your moving company representative and if possible, contact the state directly. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Pennsylvania moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
  • Moving permits: Pennsylvania does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • 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 Pennsylvania. Get started here.
  • Mover's insurance: Interstate moving companies are required under federal law to provide basic insurance — also called “released value protection” — free of charge to all moving customers. In Pennsylvania, movers typically offer Released Value Protection at no extra cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. For more comprehensive coverage, inquire about Full Value Protection with the moving company, or explore third-party insurance options for tailored plans. Consider coverage limits, additional costs, and reviews before making a decision.
  • Moving checklist: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.

Things to do in Pennsylvaniatoggle

While you’re in Pennsylvania, you won’t be bored. These are some of the coolest places to visit in your new home state:

  • Hersheypark
  • Gettysburg National Military Park
  • Fallingwater
  • Philadelphia Museum of Art
  • Visit Strasburg
  • Independence National Park and the Liberty Bell
  • Valley Forge National Historical Park
  • Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
  • Eastern State Penitentiary
  • Presque Isle State Park
  • Andy Warhol Museum
  • Longwood Gardens
  • Ohiopyle State Park
  • Knoebels Amusement Resort
  • Flight 93 National Memorial
  • Ricketts Glen State Park
  • Carnegie Museum of Natural History
  • Lake Tobias Wildlife Park
  • Eisenhower National Historic Site
  • Reading Terminal Market

FAQs

What is the cheapest way to move from Iowa to Pennsylvania?toggle

Hiring a full-service Iowa moving company will be on the more expensive side, while a rental truck or a moving container is usually the cheaper way to go, but requires more work. Here’s our guide for the cheapest way to move out of state.

Do movers transport your car from Iowa to Pennsylvania?toggle

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 Pennsylvania separately through one of the top car shipping companies.

What are the benefits of moving from Iowa to Pennsylvania?toggle

The main reasons people are moving from Iowa to Pennsylvania are the amazing upsides of living in Pennsylvania such as low cost of living and abundant fun and recreational activities.

Is it cheaper to live in Iowa or Pennsylvania?toggle

It is generally cheaper to live in Iowa than in Pennsylvania. Housing is more affordable in Iowa, with average rent about 18% less and home prices 18% lower than in Pennsylvania. However, taxes are lower in Pennsylvania, most notably income taxes, which are more than 30% less than those paid by Iowa residents.

How much should you make a year to live comfortably in Pennsylvania?toggle

You should make approximately $48,400 as a single adult with no children to live comfortably in Pennsylvania. The cost of living in Pennsylvania is approximately $3,005 per month for an individual and $2,804 for a family of four. The exact amount you’ll need to live comfortably may be more or less depending on where in Pennsylvania you live For example, larger cities like Erie and Allentown will have higher housing costs than those in smaller towns.

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