How we chose the best moving companies for your IA to UT move
moveBuddha experts compared rates across 37 Iowa moving services, showcasing the companies that stood out for strong reviews, reliable service, and fair pricing.
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Customer satisfaction (40%): On-schedule service, proactive communication, and no surprises on price.
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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.
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Industry reputation (15%): Respected by peers and active in associations and trade events.
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Online reputation (15%): Maintains a trustworthy web presence and answers customers with speed and courtesy.
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Service options (10%): Comprehensive offerings including packing, secure storage, delicate-item care, and faster shipping.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
How much does it cost to move from Iowa to Utah?
Take a look at the table below for average
moving cost estimates from Iowa to Utah.
We’ve broken down prices by home size and type of moving service, so you can easily compare your choices.
| Move size |
Moving company |
Moving container |
Rental truck |
| Studio / 1 bedroom |
$1,156 – $4,961 |
$795 – $2,022 |
$686 – $1,358 |
| 2-3 bedrooms |
$2,517 – $6,209 |
$1,439 – $2,966 |
$757 – $1,474 |
| 4+ bedrooms |
$4,372 – $8,189 |
$2,046 – $3,797 |
$970 – $1,928 |
*These cost ranges are approximate estimates based on a 1,106-mile move from IA to
UT using pricing data compiled by moveBuddha as of Dec 11, 2025.
moveBuddha collects thousands of verified price points from moving companies nationwide and
updates this data monthly to reflect seasonal fluctuations and market trends.
Your final price may vary depending on move size, added services, parking or access challenges,
fuel rates, and scheduling. We always recommend comparing quotes from multiple movers
to get an accurate idea of pricing.
Cost to hire movers from Iowa to Utah
Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Iowa to Utah typically costs between
$1,156 and
$4,961.
For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between
$2,517
and $6,209
when moving from IA to UT.
If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from Iowa to Utah,
you’re looking at costs ranging from $4,372
up to $8,189.
Cost of moving containers from Iowa to Utah
If you’re relocating from Iowa to Utah,
you’ll typically spend between $795
and $2,022 for a small move.
Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from
$1,439 up to
$2,966.
If you’re moving a larger home—four bedrooms or more—expect to pay anywhere between
$2,046 and
$3,797. For a full breakdown,
check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore our top budget-friendly moving container companies
for your move from Iowa.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Iowa to Utah
Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice, but remember,
you’ll be responsible for all the heavy lifting, packing, and driving on your own.
If you’re moving from a studio or one-bedroom place with a rental truck, expect to pay between
$686 and
$1,358.
For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from
$757 to
$1,474.
If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move,
your rental truck will likely run between $970 and
$1,928.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Factors affecting the cost of moving from IA to UT
Several factors can influence your moving costs from Iowa to Utah. Here’s what could impact your final bill:
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Move size: Moving a large home costs more than moving a studio apartment.
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Seasonal timing: Summer is peak moving season in Iowa, which usually means higher prices.
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Pros vs. DIY: Doing it yourself can save money, but hiring movers saves effort and stress.
What to know before moving from IA to UT
Transitioning from Iowa to Utah gives you a chance to look at how life in your new state will differ from what you know now.
Cost of living: Iowa vs. Utah
Relocating comes with financial tradeoffs, and the contrasts between Iowa and Utah are worth noting. Here’s how the two states stack up in key areas like job opportunities, taxes, housing, and income:
|
Iowa |
Utah |
| Average rent |
$914 |
$1,302 |
| Average home cost |
$220,277 |
$517,020 |
| Average income (per capita) |
$70,571 |
$86,833 |
| Cost of living index |
89 |
105 |
| Unemployment rate |
3.0% |
3.5% |
| Average sales tax |
6.94% |
7.19% |
| State income tax |
4.4% |
4.95% |
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Rent is about 42% more expensive in Utah than in Iowa. Make sure to include this increase in your monthly budget.
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Make sure to plan for a bigger monthly mortgage payment — home prices in Utah are roughly 135% higher than in Iowa.
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Good news — you can expect to earn about 23% more in Utah than in Iowa. That extra income could mean more savings or investment opportunities each month.
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Moving to Utah means you’ll be spending 18% more than you did in Iowa. Be sure to budget for the higher cost of living.
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Unemployment in Utah is about 17% higher than in Iowa. Since more people are searching for jobs, you’ll face tougher competition in the job market.
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Sales tax rates are similar in Utah and Iowa, so this won’t affect your cost of living when you relocate.
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Income taxes are 12% higher in Utah compared to Iowa. As a result, you’ll pay more in state taxes, which could lower your take-home pay.
How life is different in Utah vs. Iowa
A move to another state brings shifts that go beyond housing and work. Things like weather, community safety, political leanings, and population size all help define what daily life looks like. This snapshot shows how Utah and Iowa compare.
|
Utah |
Iowa |
| Population |
3,417,734 |
3,207,004 |
| Political leaning |
Republican 60-40 |
Republican 53-45 |
| Summer high |
90ºF |
84ºF |
| Winter low |
17ºF |
10ºF |
| Annual rain |
15″ |
35″ |
| Annual snow |
43″ |
30″ |
| Crime index |
21.37 |
16.18 |
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If you’re moving from Iowa to Utah, you’ll find Utah has about 7% more people.
That bigger population often means better infrastructure, from hospitals and schools to public transit and entertainment.
-
The last presidential election saw both Iowa and Utah siding with the Republican party.
-
The average summer high in Utah is 90°F compared to 84°F in Iowa.
A hotter climate brings more sunshine and outdoor opportunities, but be prepared for higher cooling bills and a warmer adjustment period.
-
In winter, Utah drops only to 17°F, milder than 10°F in Iowa.
That means lower costs, easier winters, and more chances to enjoy the outdoors.
-
In Utah, you’ll get about 15 inches of rain each year, less than the 35 inches you’re used to in Iowa.
That means more sun, more time outside, and fewer weather hassles to hold you back.
-
Each year, Utah gets about 43 inches of snow, far more than the 30 inches you might be accustomed to in Iowa.
That means breathtaking winter landscapes and endless opportunities for outdoor fun, but it also calls for a little extra preparation and regular upkeep.
-
Utah has a higher crime rate than Iowa, with a crime index of 21.37 compared to 16.18.
While a higher statewide crime rate isn’t necessarily a reason to rule out your move, it’s smart to research specific neighborhoods, stay aware of local safety, and think about how it might affect your daily life.
Comparing the pros of Iowa vs. Utah
Starting fresh in a new place can be thrilling.
Here’s a quick snapshot comparing life in Utah to Iowa:
| Pros of living in Iowa |
Pros of living in Utah |
| Low cost of living |
Robust economic growth |
| Ample economic opportunity |
Abundant outdoor activities |
| High quality of education |
Growing population |
| No traffic |
Outdoor paradise |
| Beautiful outdoors |
Diverse |
Comparing the cons of living in Iowa vs. Utah
No matter your location, life isn’t always perfect.
Keep these points in mind as you make the move from Iowa to Utah:
| Cons of living in Iowa |
Cons of living in Utah |
| Severe weather conditions |
Extreme weather |
| Limited recreational opportunities |
High cost of housing |
| High taxes |
Peculiar liquor laws |
| High emphasis on politics |
Dangerous drivers |
| Rustic food |
Huge emphasis on religious identity |
Other things to consider for your Iowa to Utah move
-
HOA rules:
Double-check your neighborhood or community guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises and keep everything running smoothly.
-
Elevator reservation:
One common issue you should handle ahead of your move is reserving the building’s elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
-
Parking permits:
Some cities require you to get a parking permit for moving trucks. Check your new local regulations before moving day so you’re not caught off guard.
-
State licensing:
Although a local license is not required in Utah, make sure the moving company you’ll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if you’re dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number. Make sure your moving company has the right licenses before you book with them.
-
State regulator:
Quickly check the status of a Utah moving license anytime on the official state regulator’s website, here.
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Moving permits:
No moving permit is required in Utah, but be sure to check local parking regulations before your move.
-
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 Utah. Get started here.
-
Mover’s insurance:
By law, interstate moving companies are required to provide basic insurance coverage, known as “released value protection,” at no extra cost. In Utah, movers commonly offer Released Value Protection at no extra cost, providing coverage at 60 cents per pound. To increase protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company.
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Moving checklist:
Keep your move stress-free with our handy moving checklist. It’s the easiest way to make sure nothing gets overlooked.
Things to do in Utah
Get excited to explore Utah. Don’t miss these top spots in your new home state:
Museums in Utah
- Natural History Museum of Utah
- Hill Aerospace Museum
- Clark Planetarium
- Goulding’s Trading Post Museum.
- Thanksgiving Point
Parks in Utah
- Red Hills Desert Garden
- Pioneer Park
- Liberty Park
- Ensign Peak Park
- Thunder Junction All Abilities Park
Sports teams in Utah
- Real Salt Lake Soccer (MLS)
- Salt Lake City Stars (NBA G League)
- Utah Grizzlies Hockey (ECHL)
- Utah Jazz (NBA)
Universities in Utah
- The University of Utah
- Brigham Young University
- Utah State University
- Weber State University
- Utah Valley University
FAQs
What is the cheapest way to move from Iowa to Utah?
Do movers transport your car from Iowa to Utah?
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
Utah
separately through one of the top car shipping companies.
What are the benefits of moving from Iowa to Utah?
Many people are making the move from Iowa to Utah to take advantage of all the great benefits that life in Utah has to offer, like robust economic growth and abundant outdoor activities.
Is it cheaper to live in Iowa or Utah?
Living in Iowa usually costs less than in Utah.
Housing
is much more affordable in Iowa,
with average rent about 30% less and home prices 57% lower than in Utah.
Taxes are also
lower in Iowa, most notably income taxes, which are more than 10% less than those paid by Utah residents.
How much should you make a year to live comfortably in Utah?
Planning to move to Utah? A single adult should aim for an income of around $70,362 to live comfortably.
Monthly costs average $2,538 for an individual, or $5,934 for a family of four.
Your expenses depend a lot on location — bigger cities like Salt Lake City and St. George usually have steeper housing costs than smaller towns.
Which discounts can you find from movers in Iowa?
Here’s a breakdown of discount types currently available in Iowa:
1 provide military discounts;
Availability can change, so always verify details before booking.
Helpful moving resources
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When relocating from Iowa to Utah, expect professional movers to cost around
$2,517 to
$6,209, roughly
$2,202 for a container move, and close to
$1,115
for a rental truck.
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