Local moving companies in Iowa
When relocating from Iowa to Philadelphia, PA, 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 Philadelphia, PA.
- 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
- Black Belt Movers: 4.42 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
Pricing: $150/hr
Years in Business: 17
DOT #: 3527158
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
Cost to move from Iowa to Philadelphia, PA
The table below lays out average cost ranges to move from Iowa to Philadelphia, PA with different moving services depending on the size of your home.
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,186 – $4,863 | $829 – $2,043 | $649 – $1,258 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $2,400 – $6,261 | $1,427 – $3,023 | $722 – $1,466 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,970 – $7,878 | $1,888 – $3,946 | $872 – $1,857 |
These cost ranges are approximate estimates based on a 1,059-mile move from Iowa to Philadelphia, PA using pricing data compiled by moveBuddha as of Dec 17, 2025. 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 Philadelphia, PA
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Iowa to Philadelphia, PA, you can expect to spend between $1,186 and $4,863. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $2,400 to $6,261 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home will typically run between $3,970 and $7,878.
Cost of moving containers from Iowa to Philadelphia, PA
When moving from Iowa to Philadelphia, PA, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $829 and $2,043. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $1,427 to $3,023. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $1,888 up to $3,946. 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 Philadelphia, PA
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 Philadelphia, PA, and are renting a truck, plan to spend between $649 and $1,258. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $722 and $1,466. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $872 and $1,857.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Compare local moving companies from Iowa to Philadelphia, PA
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 | ✓ | × | × | × |
| Black Belt Movers | ✓ | ✓ | × | × |
Out of the 3,180 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 Philadelphia, PA
Before you start packing, take a moment to get a feel for what life in Philadelphia, PA 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. Philadelphia, PA
| Iowa | Philadelphia | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $914 | $1,695 |
| Average home cost | $220,277 | $216,914 |
| Average income (per capita) | $70,571 | $70,746 |
| Cost of Living Index | 89 | 104 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.0% | 10.6% |
| State Income Tax | 4.4% | 3.07% |
Philadelphia sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
- Rent in Philadelphia is roughly 85% higher than in Iowa. You’ll need to plan for higher monthly rent.
- Home prices are about the same in Philadelphia and Iowa, so the cost of buying a home should be in the same ballpark, but local market conditions may still affect your options.
- Since income levels in Philadelphia are similar to those in Iowa, your bank account won’t take much of a hit when you move.
- With unemployment 253% higher in Philadelphia than Iowa, expect more competition for jobs. A focused job search will help you get ahead.
- You’ll pay roughly 30% less in state income taxes in Pennsylvania compared to Iowa, so you keep more of what you earn.
How life is different in Philadelphia from Iowa
| Philadelphia | Iowa | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,603,797 | 3,207,004 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 81-18 | Republican 53-45 |
| Summer high | 87ºF | 84ºF |
| Winter low | 26ºF | 10ºF |
| Annual rain | 47″ | 35″ |
| Annual snow | 13″ | 30″ |
| Crime index | 66.09 | 16.18 |
Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- Philadelphia voted Democratic, while Iowa was Republican.
- Summer in Philadelphia usually hits around 87ºF, 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, Philadelphia reaches a temperature of 26ºF while Iowa gets down to 10ºF. Relocating to Philadelphia means you’ll enjoy milder winters, making daily life easier, more affordable, and better for spending time outside.
- Expect about 47 inches of rain each year in Philadelphia—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 Philadelphia, you can expect about 13 inches of snow each year, much less than the 30 inches you’d deal with in Iowa. So, if you’re moving to Philadelphia, get ready for milder winters, less shoveling, and fewer extreme winter weather events.
- Philadelphia has a higher crime rate than Iowa with a crime index of 66.09 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 Philadelphia
From parks and museums to sports and top universities, Philadelphia has a little bit of everything waiting for you.
Museums in Philadelphia
- Eastern State Penitentiary
- Philadelphia Museum of Art
- Barnes
- Museum of the American Revolution
- The Franklin Institute
Parks in Philadelphia
- Wissahickon Valley Park
- Spruce Street Harbor Park
- Fairmount Park
- Love Park
- Penn’s Landing
Sports teams in Philadelphia
- Philadelphia 76ers (NBA)
- Philadelphia Eagles (NFL)
- Philadelphia Flyers (NHL)
- Philadelphia Phillies (MLB)
- Philadelphia Union (MLS)
Universities in Philadelphia
- The University of Pennsylvania
- Temple University
- Drexel University
- Thomas Jefferson University
- Drexel University College of Medicine
Other considerations when moving to Philadelphia, PA
- 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: 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 them.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a Pennsylvania moving license directly on the state regulator’s official website, here.
- Moving permits: You don’t need a moving permit to relocate to Pennsylvania, 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 Pennsylvania without any delays. Get started here.
- Mover’s insurance: 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: 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 Philadelphia take?
The time frame for a move from Iowa to Philadelphia, PA, 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 Philadelphia. 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 Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia?
If you’re gearing up for a 1,059-mile move from Iowa to Philadelphia, 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 Philadelphia, PA?
Summer in Philadelphia can reach highs of 87°F, while winter temperatures can dip to 26°F. That’s why most people moving from Iowa to Philadelphia 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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