Moving from Iowa to Tennessee ($1,240-$6,090)
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The cost to move from Iowa to Tennessee ranges from $1,240 to $6,090 with full-service movers, based on 557 real quotes from moveBuddha users. Our moving cost calculator weighs your exact distance, home size, and move date together, so your estimate reflects this specific Iowa to Tennessee route rather than a flat average.
How much does it cost to move from Iowa to Tennessee?
The average cost of moving from Iowa to Tennessee with full-service movers typically ranges between $1,240 to $6,090 for a studio to 3-bedroom home. We calculated this average by reviewing 557 real-time quotes provided to moveBuddha users over the past 90 days. The average moving distance quoted was 705 miles.
The final price of your Iowa to Tennessee move will be dependent on the type of mover you choose, how much you're moving, time of year, distance, access, and add-on services. Get a free and accurate estimate using our moving cost calculator.
The rates below are for full-service movers, meaning the crew loads, transports, and unloads your belongings for you:
| Move Size | Full-Service Mover Cost |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,240 - $4,140 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,490 - $6,090 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,240 - $8,610 |
How much do moving containers cost from Iowa to Tennessee?
A moving container from Iowa to Tennessee costs between $740 and $3,510, depending on how much you're moving. For a 2-3 bedroom home, expect $1,390 to $2,780, roughly 55% less than full-service movers on this route. You pack and load the container yourself; the container company handles the 705-mile drive.
| Move Size | Moving Container Cost |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $740 - $1,950 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,390 - $2,780 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,940 - $3,510 |
17% of movers in Iowa offer climate-controlled storage, worth asking about if your container needs to sit before delivery.
How much does a rental truck cost from Iowa to Tennessee?
A rental truck from Iowa to Tennessee costs between $550 and $1,420. For a 2-3 bedroom home, budget $580 to $1,240, about 80% less than hiring full-service movers. That figure covers the truck itself; with gas in Iowa averaging $2.73 per gallon, fuel for the 705-mile drive, plus insurance, equipment rental, and lodging, all land on top of the base rate.
| Move Size | Rental Truck Cost |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $550 - $1,050 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $580 - $1,240 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $740 - $1,420 |
Add-on costs for an Iowa to Tennessee move
The figures above are linehaul: crew time on both ends plus 705 miles of transport. Accessorial charges are quoted separately, and on an Iowa to Tennessee route they commonly add 10% to 22% to the final invoice.
At 705 miles, an Iowa to Tennessee move is typically a one-to-two-day haul. That's the range where storage-in-transit and shuttle fees start appearing on quotes, since your shipment may sit briefly before a delivery window opens in Tennessee. Guaranteed-delivery upgrades are available but uncommon at this distance.
Cost of living is close between Iowa and Tennessee, so accessorial pricing on this route lands near national averages at both ends. Distance, not local labor rates, is what drives the numbers below.
| Add-On Service | Typical Cost (Iowa to Tennessee) |
|---|---|
| Full packing service | $1,000 - $2,590 |
| Packing materials only | $130 - $380 |
| Specialty item (piano, safe, pool table) | $290 - $800 |
| Appliance disconnect & reconnect | $90 - $240 |
| Stair or elevator carry | $70 - $230 |
| Storage-in-transit (per month) | $160 - $380 |
| Shuttle service at delivery | $180 - $520 |
| Auto transport (1 vehicle) | $380 - $560 |
| Full-value protection | 1% - 2% of declared shipment value |
Released-value protection at 60¢ per pound is included at no charge on every interstate move, but it pays out almost nothing on a damaged item. A 40-pound TV settles at $24. Full-value protection is the line item most worth the money on a 705-mile haul. Our moving cost calculator prices these accessorials into your Iowa to Tennessee estimate up front instead of leaving them to surface on moving day.
64% of movers in Iowa handle piano moves, 19% handle pool tables, and 31% handle safes — confirm your mover covers whichever specialty item you're moving before booking. 8% of Iowa movers require a deposit to book, and 36% offer full-value protection as an add-on rather than folding it into every quote.
Our recommended Iowa to Tennessee Movers
These movers average a 89% positive review rate among Iowa movers we track.
Compare movers for your Iowa to Tennessee move
Before you request quotes, take a look at the Iowa long-distance movers our team has reviewed and rated for routes like this one to Tennessee:
56% of Iowa movers we track offer instant online quotes, well above the 45% national average, so you can compare several before picking up the phone.
2601 104th St #400, Urbandale, IA 50322
Claeys Brothers Moving & Storage Inc
5600 Harbor Dr, Sioux City, IA 51111
514 Clark St, Sioux City, IA 51101
Horizon Movers & Climate Control Storage
4726 N Brady St, Davenport, IA 52806
9710 Royal Wood Dr, Peosta, IA 52068
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Alternate Iowa to Tennessee moving options
DIY moving options offer real cost savings on an Iowa to Tennessee move, with the right choice depending on how hands-on you want to be. Moving containers run about 55% less than full-service interstate movers, and rental trucks come in around 80% less.
With a rental truck (ex: U-Haul), you handle all the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus added costs like fuel, insurance, and equipment rentals on top of the base rate. If you'd rather skip the heavy lifting, local labor-only crews in Iowa run $60 - $81 per hour to load the truck for you, while you still drive and unload on the Tennessee end. 50% of movers in Iowa offer labor-only service, so finding one shouldn't take long.
With a moving container (ex: PODS), you handle the packing and loading in Iowa on your own timeline, and the container company will drop it off in Tennessee for you to unload. A standard 16-foot container (the size most 2-3 bedroom interstate moves need) typically runs $315 - $813 to rent in Iowa, before the long-distance haul fee shown above is added.
Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed over 557 real quotes from Iowa to Tennessee, so our pricing data stays current. Use our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and spot bad actors early.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Tennessee to Iowa guide.
Iowa to Tennessee cost of living comparison
Before you commit to a Iowa to Tennessee move, it helps to know how the two states actually compare. Based on the moving trends moveBuddha tracks nationwide, cost of living, job markets, housing, and lifestyle are the factors that most often make or break a relocation decision:
| Factor | Iowa | Tennessee |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 89 | 90 |
| Average household income | $70,571 | $64,035 |
| Median home value | $220,277 | $319,208 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.0% | 3.3% |
| State income tax | 4.4% | 0.0% |
| Average monthly rent | $914 | $1,047 |
| Average sales tax | 6.94% | 9.55% |
| Crime index | 16.18 | 29.24 |
| College graduation rate | 30.54% | 30.48% |
| Population | 3,207,004 | 7,126,489 |
The cost of living in Tennessee is comparable to Iowa, so most people making this move are driven by career, family, or personal reasons rather than cost differences. Day-to-day expenses should feel familiar after you settle in.
Tennessee's largest industries are Manufacturing ($55 billion), Professional and business services ($41.4 billion), and Educational services, health care, and social assistance ($40.3 billion), worth a look if a job change is part of this move.
FAQs: Moving from Iowa to Tennessee
Should I ship my car when moving from Iowa to Tennessee?
Deciding whether to ship or drive your car comes down to distance, timeline, and vehicle count. Auto transport for an Iowa to Tennessee move typically costs $600 - $1,500 depending on distance and vehicle type, with open transport cheaper than enclosed. Most people ship when the drive would take more than 2 days, or they're relocating more than 1 vehicle.
Who regulates interstate moves?
Interstate moves are regulated federally by the FMCSA. Verify your mover's USDOT number for free at FMCSA's carrier lookup tool. Report violations at 1-888-368-7238. You can also look up licensed movers in Iowa at Iowa's official regulatorandin Tennessee at Tennessee's official regulator.
Are full-service movers worth it for an Iowa to Tennessee move?
People making this move are often chasing abundant recreational opportunities in Tennessee.Full-service makes sense for a large home (3+ bedrooms), a tight timeline, or high-value items. DIY fits a smaller home (1-2 bedrooms) when cost matters most and you have time to spare. Moving containers, about 55% less than full-service, split the difference by skipping the drive.
How do I get a moving quote from Iowa to Tennessee?
Use our moving cost calculator for an instant estimate on this 705-mile route. Full-service runs $1,240-$6,090, or a rental truck starts at $548. Take a room-by-room inventory of your furniture and bulky items so your quote matches your final bill. Then collect a few real quotes and confirm whether each is binding or non-binding — moveBuddha has reviewed 36 movers in Iowa alone.
How long does it take to move from Iowa to Tennessee?
Plan for 1 - 6 days from pickup to delivery, depending on distance, your mover's routing, and whether your shipment is consolidated with others. Moving containers take longer, typically 1 - 2 weeks from loading to delivery since they ship by scheduled ground freight. Rental trucks give you the most control since you drive directly, but add 1 - 2 days depending on distance.
Popular Iowa to Tennessee moving routes
These are the most common city-to-city moves on the Iowa to Tennessee corridor. Each guide covers local mover recommendations, cost estimates specific to those metro areas, and neighborhood information to help you plan your destination.
Moving from Iowa to Tennessee: the bottom line
The cost to move from Iowa to Tennessee ranges from $1,240 - $6,090 for a studio to 3-bedroom home with full-service movers. Moving containers and rental trucks cost 55% - 80% less for the same move. For most people making this 705-mile relocation, hiring a full-service mover is the most reliable option, especially for larger homes, time-sensitive moves, or relocations involving high-value items.
To get the best price, collect at least 3 quotes, book 4 - 12 weeks in advance depending on your season, and schedule a mid-week, mid-month pickup date when possible. Use our moving cost calculator to compare costs across all service types for your specific home size.
