Best Movers From Iowa to Washington (2025 Cost Data)
For a move from Iowa to Washington, budget between $3,026–$6,759 for full-service movers, around
$2,758 if you choose a moving container, and approximately
$1,554
for a rental truck.
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Let’s get moving.
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$1,141 — $6,759 Top local mover
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$1,141 — $9,157 Top long-distance mover
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$974 — $4,798 Top container company
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$950 — $2,601 Top truck rental
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$60 — $79/hour Top labor-only mover
Best movers by type
Professional
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Local
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Container
|
Rental Truck
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Iowa to Washington
From our evaluation of 3,179 movers, the moveBuddha team identified 2,639 (83%) that handle interstate moves. Using our thorough rating methodology, our moving experts selected the top companies prepared to handle your move from Iowa to Washington.
Best overall value
Estimated cost to move from Iowa to Washington
Studio / 1 bedroom
|
2 – 3 bedrooms
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4+ bedrooms
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3 Bedrooms
Dec 23, 2025
1 Bedroom (small)
Nov 25, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Nov 23, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Nov 19, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Nov 17, 2025
4 Bedrooms
Nov 16, 2025
4 Bedrooms
Nov 14, 2025
2 Bedrooms
Oct 29, 2025
4 Bedrooms
Oct 21, 2025
4 Bedrooms
Oct 10, 2025
FAQ
How much does it cost to move from Iowa to Washington?
Here are average cost ranges by home size and service type:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,141 – $4,515 | $974 – $2,375 | $950 – $1,769 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $3,026 – $6,759 | $1,755 – $3,762 | $1,047 – $2,061 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,265 – $9,157 | $2,540 – $4,798 | $1,294 – $2,601 |
How much does it cost to hire movers (a moving company) for this route?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $1,141 – $4,515
- 2–3 bedrooms: $3,026 – $6,759
- 4+ bedrooms: $5,265 – $9,157
How much do moving containers cost from Iowa to Washington?
- Small move: $974 – $2,375
- 2–3 bedrooms: $1,755 – $3,762
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,540 – $4,798
Learn more about PODS cost.
How much does a rental truck cost for this move?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $950 – $1,769
- 2–3 bedrooms: $1,047 – $2,061
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,294 – $2,601
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Which option is usually the cheapest?
A rental truck is generally the cheapest option — but you’ll handle the driving and labor yourself.
Why are these prices ranges (not exact quotes)?
These are approximate estimates for a 1,698-mile move from IA to WA using moveBuddha pricing data as of Jan 17, 2026.
Final costs can vary based on move size, add-on services, parking/access challenges, fuel rates, and scheduling.
How do I get the most accurate price for my exact move?
Compare quotes from multiple movers to dial in a precise number.
What “extra costs” should I plan for after moving from IA to WA?
Beyond the moving bill, your day-to-day budget can change — especially housing and taxes. Here’s a quick side-by-side:
| Iowa | Washington | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $914 | $1,900 |
| Average home cost | $220,277 | $588,856 |
| Average income (per capita) | $70,571 | $90,325 |
| Cost of living index | 89 | 115 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.0% | 4.8% |
| Average sales tax | 6.94% | 6.5% |
| State income tax | 4.4% | 0.0% |
Will rent be more expensive in Washington?
Rent is about 108% higher in Washington than in Iowa.
Avg rent: $914 vs. $1,900
How do home prices compare (if I’m buying after the move)?
Home prices are about 167% higher in Washington than in Iowa.
Avg home value: $220,277 vs. $588,856
Will my earning power likely change after moving?
Average income is about 28% higher in Washington than in Iowa.
Avg income (per capita): $70,571 vs. $90,325
Is the overall cost of living higher in Washington?
The cost of living is 29% higher in Washington than in Iowa.
Cost of living index: 89 vs. 115
Will sales tax increase my everyday spending?
Sales tax is about 6% lower in Washington than in Iowa.
Avg sales tax: 6.94% vs. 6.5%
Will state income tax change my take-home pay?
Washington has no state income tax, so you may keep more of your paycheck compared to Iowa.
State income tax: 4.4% vs. 0.0%
How is daily life different in Washington compared to Iowa?
Moving to a new state isn’t just about jobs and housing — it’s about how daily life will feel.
| Washington | Iowa | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 7,812,880 | 3,207,004 |
| Political leaning | Democratic | Republican 53-45 |
| Summer high | 79ºF | 84ºF |
| Winter low | 31ºF | 10ºF |
| Annual rain | 38″ | 35″ |
| Annual snow | 18″ | 30″ |
| Crime index | 37.32 | 16.18 |
Will Washington feel more crowded than Iowa?
Washington is about 144% more populous than Iowa — which can mean more infrastructure and amenities.
Will the political culture feel different?
In the last presidential election, Washington voted Democratic while Iowa voted Republican.
How different is the weather (summer and winter)?
Summer: Highs are very similar (79°F vs. 84°F).
Winter: Washington is milder on average (31°F vs. 10°F).
Will it be wetter or snowier in Washington?
Rain: Annual rainfall is pretty similar (38″ vs. 35″).
Snow: Washington gets less snow (18 inches vs. 30 inches).
Is Washington safer than Iowa?
Washington has a higher crime index than Iowa (37.32 vs. 16.18). Research neighborhoods to find the best fit.
What are some things to do in Washington?
Museums in Washington
- Chihuly Garden and Glass
- The Museum of Flight
- LeMay – America’s Car Museum
- Flying Heritage & Combat Armor Museum
- USS Turner Joy Museum Ship
Parks in Washington
- Mount Rainier National Park
- Olympic National Park
- North Cascades National Park
- Deception Pass State Park
- Lake Wenatchee State Park
Sports teams in Washington
- OL Reign Soccer (NWSL)
- Seattle Kraken (NHL)
- Seattle Mariners (MLB)
- Seattle Seahawks (NFL)
- Seattle Sounders FC (MLS)
Universities in Washington
- University of Washington
- Washington State University
- Western Washington University
- The Evergreen State College
- Seattle University
What other things should I plan for besides the move itself?
Other things to consider for your Iowa to Washington 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: Movers operating within Washington DC city limits are subject to regulation by the Utilities and Transportation Commission, which issues operating permits to household goods moving companies. Make sure the moving company you use has proper licensing before hiring them.
- State regulator: You can quickly check a Washington moving license and its current status on the state regulator’s official website here.
- Moving permits: You don’t need a moving permit in Washington, 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. Get started here.
- Mover’s insurance: Federal law requires interstate moving companies to provide basic insurance free of charge. When planning a move in Washington state, explore movers’ insurance options for added peace of mind. Many moving companies offer Released Value Protection at no extra cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. Enhance your protection by discussing Full Value Protection with the moving company or exploring personalized plans with third-party insurance providers. Understand coverage limits, potential extra costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision on your Washington state moving insurance.
- Moving checklist: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you ensure you’ve got everything covered.
Do I need to follow HOA or building rules on moving day?
Check your neighborhood or community rules ahead of moving day to avoid any last-minute surprises and keep your move running smoothly.
Should I reserve an elevator for moving day?
Book your building’s elevator early.
Do I need a parking permit for a moving truck in Washington?
Some cities require a parking permit for moving trucks.
How can I confirm a mover is properly licensed in Washington?
Movers operating within Washington DC city limits are subject to regulation by the Utilities and Transportation Commission, which issues operating permits to household goods moving companies.
You can verify licensing on the state regulator’s official site: check a Washington moving license here.
Do I need a moving permit in Washington?
You don’t need a moving permit in Washington.
What should I do about mail forwarding, insurance, and potential discounts?
Be sure to submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. Get started here.
Federal law requires basic insurance free of charge. When planning a move in Washington state, explore movers’ insurance options for added peace of mind. Many moving companies offer Released Value Protection at no extra cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. Enhance your protection by discussing Full Value Protection with the moving company or exploring personalized plans with third-party insurance providers. Understand coverage limits, potential extra costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision on your Washington state moving insurance.
Some movers in Iowa offer discounts: 1 military discounts;
Discount types, amounts, and eligibility vary.
Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you ensure you’ve got everything covered.
Helpful moving resources
Iowa moving services
Popular Iowa routes
Popular moving resources
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