How we chose the best moving companies for your IA to TX move
Our analysts at moveBuddha reviewed rates from 37 Iowa moving companies, highlighting the best performers for satisfaction, reviews, and overall value.
-
Customer satisfaction (40%): Reliable timelines, steady communication, and final bills that match the quote.
-
Dispute resolution (20%): Addresses issues transparently and fixes them without dragging feet.
-
Industry reputation (15%): Positive standing with industry pros and ongoing involvement in trade circles.
-
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%): Offers a broad menu—packing, storage, specialty item care, and expedited delivery.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
How much does it cost to move from Iowa to Texas?
Take a look at the table below for average
moving cost estimates from Iowa to Texas.
Costs are organized by home size and the type of moving service you choose.
| Move size |
Moving company |
Moving container |
Rental truck |
| Studio / 1 bedroom |
$1,106 – $4,477 |
$805 – $1,806 |
$620 – $1,061 |
| 2-3 bedrooms |
$2,434 – $6,034 |
$1,432 – $2,725 |
$645 – $1,274 |
| 4+ bedrooms |
$3,986 – $7,949 |
$1,814 – $3,607 |
$824 – $1,677 |
*These price ranges represent estimates for a 918-mile move from IA to
TX using moveBuddha data as
of Dec 11, 2025. Our database includes thousands of verified prices from moving companies nationwide
and is refreshed each month to account for seasonal patterns and market trends. Your total may differ
based on volume, selected services, access or parking challenges, fuel costs, and timing. Getting quotes
from multiple movers is the best way to dial in a precise price.
Cost to hire movers from Iowa to Texas
If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move from Iowa to Texas,
you can expect prices to land between $1,106
and $4,477.
For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from
$2,434 to
$6,034 for the trip from IA
to TX. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between
$3,986 and
$7,949.
Cost of moving containers from Iowa to Texas
Moving containers from Iowa to Texas
will cost you $805 to
$1,806 for a small move.
For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,432
to $2,725. A four-bedroom move or bigger will
cost $1,814 to
$3,607.
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 Texas
Renting a moving truck typically costs the least, but you’ll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.
Expect to pay between
$620
and $1,061
to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move,
prices usually range from $645
to $1,274.
If you’re relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you’ll likely spend anywhere from
$824
to $1,677.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Factors affecting the cost of moving from IA to TX
Several factors influence the cost of moving from Iowa to Texas. Here’s what can impact your final bill:
-
Size of your move: Relocating a large home comes with higher costs than moving a small apartment or studio.
-
Timing of your move: Relocating during peak summer months in Iowa generally comes with a higher price tag.
-
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 TX
Making the move from Iowa to Texas means weighing what day-to-day life will look like once you settle in.
Cost of living: Iowa vs. Texas
A clear look at the cost differences between Iowa and Texas helps set expectations. From employment trends to housing costs, taxes, and earnings, this comparison outlines what may matter most for your wallet and lifestyle:
|
Iowa |
Texas |
| Average rent |
$914 |
$1,251 |
| Average home cost |
$220,277 |
$300,267 |
| Average income (per capita) |
$70,571 |
$73,035 |
| Cost of living index |
89 |
93 |
| Unemployment rate |
3.0% |
4.1% |
| Average sales tax |
6.94% |
8.19% |
| State income tax |
4.4% |
0.0% |
-
Rent in Texas is about 37% higher than in Iowa. Be sure to factor this into your monthly budget planning.
-
Get ready for a bigger monthly payment. Home prices in Texas are usually around 36% higher than what you’ll find in Iowa.
-
Luckily, the average income is about the same in Texas and Iowa, so no need to worry about big financial changes.
-
Since living costs in Texas and Iowa are pretty similar, you can focus less on your budget and more on finding the right lifestyle and environment for you.
-
Unemployment in Texas is roughly 37% higher than in Iowa. That means there are more job seekers, giving employers more options but making it harder for you to land a job.
-
Sales taxes are 18% higher in Texas than in Iowa, meaning you’ll spend more on everyday essentials like clothes, electronics, dining out, and household goods.
-
Texas has no state income tax, so you’ll get to keep more of your paycheck compared to Iowa. This can be a major advantage for salaried workers, freelancers, and retirees with taxable income.
How life is different in Texas vs. Iowa
Moving to a new state isn’t just about jobs and housing, it’s about how daily life will feel.
From weather patterns and crime rates to political culture and population size, these factors can shape your overall experience.
Here’s how life in Texas and Iowa compares across key lifestyle indicators:
|
Texas |
Iowa |
| Population |
30,503,301 |
3,207,004 |
| Political leaning |
Republican 56-44 |
Republican 53-45 |
| Summer high |
94ºF |
84ºF |
| Winter low |
36ºF |
10ºF |
| Annual rain |
36″ |
35″ |
| Annual snow |
2″ |
30″ |
| Crime index |
27.32 |
16.18 |
-
Texas has a population that’s about 851% larger than Iowa.
A bigger population usually means more advanced infrastructure. Think better healthcare, schools, public transit, and entertainment choices.
-
Iowa and Texas both voted Republican in the last election.
-
Summers in Texas top out at 94°F, higher than 84°F in Iowa.
Expect more heat, more sunshine, and possibly higher cooling costs.
-
Texas has winter lows around 36°F, compared to 10°F in Iowa.
That milder weather makes winters easier, cheaper, and more comfortable to live through.
-
You can expect about 36 inches of annual rainfall in Texas and 35 inches in Iowa.
Your overall experience with precipitation is unlikely to change much, but how that rain shows up throughout the year can still impact your daily life.
-
In Texas, you’ll get about 2 inches of snow each year, far less than Iowa.
That means moving to Texas will bring milder winters with less shoveling and fewer weather headaches.
-
Texas has a higher crime rate than Iowa, with crime indexes at 27.32 and 16.18, respectively.
While state averages aren’t everything, it’s a good idea to look into specific neighborhoods, follow local safety updates, and consider how this could impact your day-to-day routine.
Comparing the pros of Iowa vs. Texas
Getting a fresh start in a new location is exciting.
Here’s a side-by-side look at the perks of living in Texas compared to Iowa:
| Pros of living in Iowa |
Pros of living in Texas |
| Low cost of living |
Ample economic opportunity |
| Ample economic opportunity |
Favorable climate |
| High quality of education |
Delicious barbecue |
| No traffic |
Low taxes |
| Beautiful outdoors |
Privacy and freedom |
Comparing the cons of living in Iowa vs. Texas
Life isn’t always perfect, no matter where you are.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when making the move from Iowa to Texas:
| Cons of living in Iowa |
Cons of living in Texas |
| Severe weather conditions |
Severe weather |
| Limited recreational opportunities |
Limited healthcare access |
| High taxes |
High crime rate |
| High emphasis on politics |
Traffic issues |
| Rustic food |
Politics |
Other things to consider for your Iowa to Texas move
-
HOA rules:
Check your neighborhood or community rules ahead of moving day to avoid any last-minute surprises and keep your move running smoothly.
-
Elevator reservation:
Book your building’s elevator early and check any moving day rules ahead of time.
-
Parking permits:
Some cities require a parking permit for moving trucks, so check your new neighborhood’s rules ahead of time to avoid last-minute hassles.
-
State licensing:
In-state movers operating in the Lone Star State are legally required to be licensed by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TXDMV), which issues 10-digit TXDMV numbers to commercial carriers. Make sure the moving company you use has proper licensing before hiring them.
-
State regulator:
You can quickly check a Texas moving license and its current status on the state regulator’s official website here.
-
Moving permits:
You don’t need a moving permit in Texas, but it’s smart to check local parking regulations before moving day.
-
Change of address:
Be sure to submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. This way, once you’ve picked your moving date, your mail will start forwarding to Texas right on time. Get started here.
-
Mover’s insurance:
Federal law requires interstate moving companies to provide you with basic insurance, called “released value protection,” free of charge. In Texas, movers typically provide Released Value Protection at no additional cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. For enhanced protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Alternatively, explore third-party insurance providers for customized plans. It’s crucial to understand coverage limits, potential additional costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Texas.
-
Moving checklist:
Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you ensure you’ve got everything covered.
Things to do in Texas
You’ll have plenty to explore in Texas! Check out these top spots to visit in your new home state:
Museums in Texas
- The Houston Museum of Natural Science
- The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza
- Waco Mammoth National Monument
- USS Lexington Museum on the Bay
- National Museum of the Pacific War
Parks in Texas
- Balmorhea State Park, Toyahvale
- Big Bend National Park, far West Texas
- Big Thicket National Preserve, near Beaumont
- Enchanted Rock State Park, near Fredericksburg
- Garner State Park, Concan
Sports teams in Texas
- Austin FC (MLS)
- Dallas Cowboys (NFL)
- Dallas Mavericks (NBA)
- Dallas Stars (NHL)
- Dallas Wings (WNBA)
Universities in Texas
- The University of Texas at Austin
- Texas A&M University
- Texas Tech University
- University of Houston
- The University of Texas at Arlington
FAQs
What is the cheapest way to move from Iowa to Texas?
Do movers transport your car from Iowa to Texas?
What are the benefits of moving from Iowa to Texas?
Plenty of movers are choosing to leave Iowa for Texas, drawn by advantages like ample economic opportunity and favorable climate that make life in the new state more appealing.
Is it cheaper to live in Iowa or Texas?
Living in Iowa usually costs less than in Texas.
Housing
is much more affordable in Iowa,
with average rent about 27% less and home prices 27% lower than in Texas.
However, taxes are
lower in Texas, most notably income taxes, which are more than 100% less than those paid by Iowa residents.
How much should you make a year to live comfortably in Texas?
To live comfortably as a single adult in Texas, you should aim to make around $66,858.
On average, expect to spend about $2,597 per month, or $6,627 monthly for a family of four.
Your actual expenses can vary depending on your location within the state. Bigger cities like Houston and San Antonio generally come with higher housing costs than smaller towns.
Which discounts can you find from movers in Iowa?
Many movers in Iowa publish special-rate programs:
1 offer military-specific savings;
Eligibility and amounts may change, so confirm with each mover before booking.
Helpful moving resources
Not what you were looking for?
Check out other categories that can help you find the information you need!
See All
Hide All
For a move from Iowa to Texas, budget between $2,434–$6,034 for full-service movers, around
$2,078 if you choose a moving container, and approximately
$959
for a rental truck.
Fact Checked by:
Best overall value
