$892 Movers From Chicago, IL to Iowa

Quick answer: The cost to move from Chicago, IL to Iowa averages from $366 to $4,448 depending on how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself.

Hiring a professional Chicago moving company will be on the more expensive side, while renting a truck or a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.

Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Moving from Iowa to Chicago, IL guide.

Moving from Chicago, IL to Iowa resources

In this article, we’ll lay out everything you need to know for your upcoming move to Iowa. But first, here are a few resources if you need immediate answers:

Moving 316 miles is no joke. Here's what you need to know.

The best Chicago to Iowa moving companies

Hiring an interstate moving company from Chicago to Iowa is a big deal.

There are more than 8,000 moving companies in the U.S. But don’t worry, you won’t have to filter through all of them. We’ve done the research for you and narrowed the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services. Here are the best long-distance moving companies serving Chicago to Iowa.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
Get A Quote
(855) 650-0657

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 20 yrs experience
  • Flat rate pricing
  • Family owned
Get A Quote
(866) 835-2392

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.45 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
Get A Quote
(980) 217-6841

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 74 years in biz
  • 1,800 trucks
  • Storage available
Get A Quote
(844) 950-2963

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • White glove
  • Expensive items
  • Guaranteed delivery
Get A Quote
(703) 972-1772

% of users select this mover

If you’re just trying to ship a few items, here’s a list of our recommended services for small moves.

How much does it cost to move from Chicago, IL to Iowa?

Here are average prices of hire a moving company, rent a moving container, or rent a moving truck when moving from Chicago to Iowa:

Move size Moving company Moving container Rental truck
Studio / 1 Bedroom $892 - $3,022 $624 - $1,446 $331 - $600
2 - 3 bedrooms $1,546 - $4,448 $1,189 - $2,066 $366 - $691
4+ bedrooms $2,364 - $6,535 $1,435 - $2,702 $457 - $816
get a quote

*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 316 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect the final cost of your move.

The cost to move from Chicago, IL to Iowa will depend on:

  • Move size: The amount of items you have — as well as your home size and layout — will impact the total cost of your relocation.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Chicago, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • DIY vs. professional mover: DIY moving services are usually cheaper but involve more work and stress compared to hiring the pros.

How much does it cost to hire movers from Chicago, IL to Iowa?

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Chicago to Iowa will cost between $892 to $3,022. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from Chicago to IA will range from $1,546 to $4,448, and a large move from Chicago to Iowa will cost from $2,364 to $6,535.

How much are moving containers like PODS from Chicago, IL to Iowa?

Moving pods from Chicago to Iowa will cost you $624 to $1,446. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,189 to $2,066. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $1,435 to $2,702. Learn more about PODS cost.

Here are the cheapest moving containers for your move from Chicago to Iowa.

How much is a moving truck from Chicago, IL to Iowa?

A moving rental truck is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.

Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $331 to $600. A larger move will cost $366 to $691, and a four-bedroom or bigger move from Chicago to Iowa costs from $457 to $816.

Is moving from Chicago, IL to Iowa a good idea?

If you’re moving to Iowa from Chicago, IL, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.

Cost of living: Chicago, IL vs Iowa

Chicago, IL Iowa
Average rent cost $1,595 $806
Average home cost $306,098 $207,215
Average income (per capita) $65,601 $70,571
Unemployment rate 9.0% 3.2%
State income tax 4.95% 4.4%
  • Rent is about 76% less expensive in Iowa than in Chicago.
  • Home prices are about 39.7% lower in Iowa than in Chicago.
  • The average income is about 6.3% higher in Iowa than in Chicago.
  • Iowa has a lower unemployment rate than Chicago by about 126.1%.
  • Income taxes are 11.11% lower in Iowa than in Chicago.

How is life different in Chicago, IL from Iowa?

Chicago, IL Iowa
Population 2,746,388 3,200,517
Political leaning Democrat 74-24 Republican 53-45
Summer high 84ºF 84ºF
Winter low 19ºF 10ºF
Annual rain 38" 35"
Annual snow 35" 30"
Crime index 35.19 18.7
  • The population of Iowa is approximately 17% greater than the population of Chicago.
  • In the last presidential election, Iowa voted Republican and Chicago voted Democrat.
  • The average high in the summertime in Iowa is 84ºF and in Chicago, it’s 84ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, Iowa reaches the temperature of 10ºF and Chicago gets down to 19ºF.
  • You can expect about 35 inches of annual rainfall in Iowa vs 38 inches of rainfall in Chicago.
  • In Iowa, it snows about 30 inches annually vs 35 inches of snow in Chicago.
  • Iowa has a lower crime rate than Chicago with a crime index of 35.19 vs 18.7.

Comparing the pros of Chicago, IL vs. Iowa:

There are always a lot of reasons to get excited about living somewhere new. These are the best parts of living in Chicago vs Iowa side-by-side.

Pros of living in Chicago, IL Pros of living in Iowa
Bountiful arts and recreational activities Low cost of living
Delicious food Ample economic opportunity
Abundant entertainment High quality of education
Intense sports culture No traffic
Ample economic opportunity Beautiful outdoors

Comparing the cons of living in Chicago, IL vs. Iowa:

Not everything is sunshine and rainbows, these are the things to be aware of when leaving Chicago for Iowa.

Cons of living in Chicago, IL Cons of living in Iowa
High crime rate Severe weather conditions
Temperamental weather Limited recreational opportunities
Terrible traffic High taxes
High taxes High emphasis on politics
Pollution Rustic food

Considerations for moving to Iowa

  • Weather: Iowa has a humid continental climate throughout the state. Snowfall is common in Iowa. Spring brings in severe weather season. Iowa has about 50 thunderstorm days per year and has a tornado season. Iowa is known for hot and humid summers. Be sure to check the weather before your move, especially during the springtime..
  • HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you’ll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
  • Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
  • State licensing: When moving within Iowa, make sure to hire a company that is licensed by the Iowa Department of Transportation. Each household goods mover in the state should have an Iowa Motor Carrier (IOWAMC) Number, which means they’ve met minimum insurance and highway safety requirements. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Iowa moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
  • Moving permits: Iowa does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • 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 and this way all of your mail will get properly forward to Iowa. Get started here.
  • Mover's insurance: Every state has their own requirements when it comes to insurance. Choose cost-free Released Value Protection from movers for basic coverage at 60 cents per pound.
  • Moving checklist: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.

Looking for local Chicago movers?

Company Quote Rating Contact
New City Moving Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.9 overall rating
2929 N Campbell Ave, Chicago, IL, 60618
(773) 489-0600
Mid-West Moving & Storage Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.9 overall rating
1255 Tonne Rd, Elk Grove Village, IL, 60007
(847) 593-7201

Visit our best movers in Chicago page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

What to do in Iowa?

Whether you’re looking for parks, museums, sports, or even universities, you’ll be happy to find a plethora of these in Iowa.

Museums in Iowa

  • National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium
  • Figge Art Museum
  • National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library
  • The Putnam Museum & Science Center
  • Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center
  • Union Pacific Railroad Museum
  • Buffalo Bill Museum
  • John Deere Tractor & Engine Museum
  • Old Capitol Museum
  • Okoboji Classic Cars
  • Des Moines Art Center
  • Iowa Great Lakes Maritime Museum
  • Pottawattamie County Squirrel Cage Jail and Museum
  • Sioux City Public Museum
  • State Historical Museum

Parks in Iowa

  • Vander Veer Botanical Park
  • Gray's Lake Park
  • Pappajohn Sculpture Park
  • Eagle Point Park
  • Terry Trueblood Recreational Area
  • Clear Lake State Park
  • Mines of Spain Recreation Area
  • Eagle Point Park
  • Raccoon River Park
  • Big Woods Lake Recreation Area
  • West Lake Park
  • Centennial Park
  • Effigy Mounds National Monument
  • Rand Park
  • Bayliss Park

Sports Teams in Iowa

  • Iowa Wolves (NBA G League)
  • Iowa Hawkeyes (NCAA)
  • Northern Iowa Panthers (NCAA)
  • Iowa State Cyclones (NCAA)
  • Drake Bulldogs (NCAA)

Universities in Iowa

  • Iowa State University
  • University of Iowa
  • University of Northern Iowa
  • Maharishi International University
  • Grinnell College
  • Drake University
  • Luther College
  • Cornell College
  • Wartburg College
  • St. Ambrose University
  • Dordt University
  • Central College
  • Coe College
  • Simpson College
  • Buena Vista University

Moving from Chicago to Iowa FAQs

Why are people moving from Chicago to Iowa?

Many people are moving to Iowa because of low cost of living and ample economic opportunity. On the other hand, people are moving away from Chicago because of high crime rate and temperamental weather.

Where can I find a list of long-distance moving companies from Chicago?

Here are our top picks for the best long-distance movers in Chicago.

Related articles to your move

Learn more about Iowa