How we chose the best moving companies for your KS to IA move
After studying pricing from 22 Kansas movers, the moveBuddha team identified the highest-rated options by weighing customer feedback, reviews, and affordability.
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Customer satisfaction (40%): Consistent punctuality, clear updates, and costs that align with the estimate.
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Dispute resolution (20%): Admits faults and prioritizes fair, practical fixes for customers.
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Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.
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Online reputation (15%): Keeps an accurate site and responds promptly and professionally to inquiries.
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Service options (10%): Covers everything from full packing to storage, special handling, and rush delivery.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
How much does it cost to move from Kansas to Iowa?
Check out the table below for average
moving cost estimates from Kansas to Iowa.
You’ll find prices organized by home size and type of moving service, making it easy to compare your options.
| Move size |
Moving company |
Moving container |
Rental truck |
| Studio / 1 bedroom |
$1,123 – $2,915 |
$633 – $1,505 |
$372 – $721 |
| 2-3 bedrooms |
$1,892 – $5,126 |
$1,099 – $2,268 |
$420 – $831 |
| 4+ bedrooms |
$3,435 – $7,057 |
$1,596 – $2,964 |
$499 – $990 |
*Estimated costs for a 467-mile move from KS to
IA are shown here, calculated from moveBuddha’s
dataset as of Dec 11, 2025. We compile thousands of verified price points from movers nationwide
and update them monthly to reflect seasonal variability and market dynamics. Actual charges can vary
with shipment size, extra services, parking/access limitations, fuel prices, and scheduling.
For the most accurate pricing, compare quotes from several moving companies.
Cost to hire movers from Kansas to Iowa
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Kansas to Iowa will cost between
$1,123 and
$2,915.
The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from KS to IA will
range from $1,892 to
$5,126, and a large move from Kansas
to Iowa will cost from $3,435
to $7,057.
Cost of moving containers from Kansas to Iowa
If you’re moving from Kansas to Iowa,
expect to pay between $633
and $1,505 for a small load.
For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from
$1,099 up to
$2,268.
Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $1,596 and
$2,964. Check out our guide on
PODS cost for more details.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies
for your move from Kansas.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Kansas to Iowa
Renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest option, but keep in mind you’ll be handling all the loading,
unloading, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck, expect to spend between
$372 and
$721.
For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $420
and $831. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home?
You’re likely looking at anywhere from $499 up to
$990 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Factors affecting the cost of moving from KS to IA
A few key things can affect how much it costs to move from Kansas to Iowa. Here’s what might influence your total price:
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Everything you’re taking with you: More stuff to transport means a bigger bill compared to a lighter load.
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Time of year: The peak moving season in Kansas is in the summer, so moving companies will likely charge more.
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DIY or full-service help: Handling the move yourself costs less, but hiring pros saves you the heavy lifting.
What to know before moving from KS to IA
A relocation from Kansas to Iowa comes with changes worth comparing, from lifestyle shifts to daily routines.
Cost of living: Kansas vs. Iowa
Comparing expenses in Kansas and Iowa shows how much everyday living can vary. This side-by-side view of income, unemployment, taxes, and housing sheds light on where your money may go further:
|
Kansas |
Iowa |
| Average rent |
$986 |
$914 |
| Average home cost |
$229,012 |
$220,277 |
| Average income (per capita) |
$69,747 |
$70,571 |
| Cost of living index |
87 |
89 |
| Unemployment rate |
3.4% |
3.0% |
| Average sales tax |
8.65% |
6.94% |
| State income tax |
5.7% |
4.4% |
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Expect to pay around 7% less in rent in Iowa than in Kansas, which means more savings in your wallet every month.
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Home prices are about the same in Iowa and Kansas, so there’s no need to change up your mortgage budget, unless you’re upgrading your living situation.
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Good news — you won’t need to stress about your finances since average incomes are similar in both Iowa and Kansas.
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Since the cost of living is about the same in Iowa and Kansas, you don’t have to stress about your budget. Just focus on choosing the lifestyle and environment that suit you best.
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With an unemployment rate about 12% lower than Kansas, Iowa boasts a stronger job market and a vibrant economy, which is encouraging if you’re thinking about making a move.
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Sales tax in Iowa is 20% lower than in Kansas. If you have a large family or higher spending habits, this reduced rate in Iowa can really help lower your monthly costs.
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Income taxes are 23% lower in Iowa than in Kansas. Lower income tax rates mean less money withheld from your paycheck, giving you more flexibility to save, invest, or cover everyday expenses.
How life is different in Iowa vs. Kansas
Relocating to a new state is about more than finding a job or a place to live.
It’s about how your day-to-day life will feel. Things like weather, safety, local culture,
and the size of your community will all play a part in your overall experience. Here’s a side-by-side look
at how life in Iowa stacks up against Kansas across important lifestyle factors:
|
Iowa |
Kansas |
| Population |
3,207,004 |
2,940,546 |
| Political leaning |
Republican 53-45 |
Republican 57.1%-41.1 |
| Summer high |
84ºF |
91ºF |
| Winter low |
10ºF |
19ºF |
| Annual rain |
35″ |
33″ |
| Annual snow |
30″ |
15″ |
| Crime index |
16.18 |
24.07 |
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Iowa is about 9% more populous than Kansas.
With a larger population, you can usually expect upgraded infrastructure — better hospitals, schools, public transit, and more entertainment options.
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During the last presidential election, both Kansas and Iowa supported the Republican candidate.
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Iowa averages 84°F in summer, a cooler contrast to 91°F in Kansas.
Expect milder summers, lower utility costs, and more time to enjoy being outdoors.
-
During the coldest part of the year, Iowa drops to about 10°F while Kansas only reaches 19°F.
Moving to Iowa with its colder winters means preparing for higher heating costs and more intense weather — but it also brings unique seasonal beauty.
-
In Iowa, you’ll get about 35 inches of rain each year, while Kansas sees around 33 inches annually.
So, your total yearly rainfall won’t change much with the move. However, keep in mind that when and how that rain falls throughout the seasons can still affect your daily routine.
-
Every year, Iowa gets around 30 inches of snow, much more than the 15 inches that Kansas typically sees.
With all that extra snow, you’ll enjoy stunning winter scenery and tons of outdoor fun, but you’ll also have to do more prep work in the winter.
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Iowa has a lower crime rate than Kansas with a crime index of 16.18 vs. 24.07.
A lower crime rate is a great sign. It typically means safer streets, stronger communities, and fewer disruptions. While it’s not the only factor to consider, it adds valuable peace of mind to your move.
Comparing the pros of Kansas vs. Iowa
Starting over somewhere new is always exciting.
Check out this quick comparison of what life’s like in Iowa versus Kansas:
| Pros of living in Kansas |
Pros of living in Iowa |
| Delicious barbecue |
Low cost of living |
| Low cost housing |
Ample economic opportunity |
| Cheap living |
High quality of education |
| Four season living |
No traffic |
| Ample economic opportunity |
Beautiful outdoors |
Comparing the cons of living in Kansas vs. Iowa
Moving from Kansas to Iowa comes with its own set of challenges.
Keep these things in mind to make your move smoother:
| Cons of living in Kansas |
Cons of living in Iowa |
| Extreme weather |
Severe weather conditions |
| Dull landscape |
Limited recreational opportunities |
| High taxes |
High taxes |
| Lack of public transportation |
High emphasis on politics |
| Remote small-town lifestyle |
Rustic food |
Other things to consider for your Kansas to Iowa move
-
HOA rules:
Take a moment to review your neighborhood or community guidelines before moving day to ensure everything goes off without a hitch and you don’t run into any unexpected issues.
-
Elevator reservation:
Reserve your building’s elevator in advance and review any moving day guidelines beforehand.
-
Parking permits:
Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles. Find out about your new local rules 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. Verify that your moving company is properly licensed before booking their services.
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State regulator:
Easily verify a Iowa moving license and its current status on the official state regulator’s website, here.
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Moving permits:
You won’t need a moving permit in Iowa, but it’s a good idea to review local parking rules ahead of your move.
-
Change of address:
Submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. That way, once you’ve locked in your moving date, your mail will start forwarding to Iowa without a hitch. Get started here.
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Mover’s insurance:
Interstate moving companies are required under federal law to provide basic insurance, also called “released value protection,” free of charge to all moving customers. Choose cost-free Released Value Protection from movers for basic coverage at 60 cents per pound.
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Moving checklist:
Nothing beats peace of mind. Use our moving checklist to make sure you haven’t missed a thing.
Things to do in Iowa
Get ready to discover all that Iowa has to offer. Here are some must-see places to check out in your new state:
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
Parks in Iowa
- Vander Veer Botanical Park
- Gray’s Lake Park
- Pappajohn Sculpture Park
- Eagle Point Park
- Terry Trueblood Recreational Area
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
FAQs
What is the cheapest way to move from Kansas to Iowa?
Do movers transport your car from Kansas to Iowa?
What are the benefits of moving from Kansas to Iowa?
The main reasons people are moving from Kansas to Iowa are the amazing upsides of living in Iowa, such as low cost of living and ample economic opportunity.
Is it cheaper to live in Kansas or Iowa?
Living in Kansas usually costs less than in Iowa.
While the overall cost of living is similar for both states, housing
is much more affordable in Iowa,
with average rent about 7% less and home prices 4% lower than in Kansas.
Taxes are also
lower in Iowa, most notably income taxes, which are more than 20% less than those paid by Kansas residents.
How much should you make a year to live comfortably in Iowa?
You should make approximately $63,616 as a single adult with no children to live comfortably in Iowa.
The cost of living in Iowa is about $2,436 per month for an individual and $5,230 for a family of four.
Exact expenses will vary depending on your city. Larger cities like Des Moines and Cedar Rapids tend to be more expensive than smaller towns.
Which discounts can you find from movers in Kansas?
Some movers in Kansas provide budget-friendly deals.
Special pricing for military members is available from 2 moving companies.
Discounts for seniors are offered by 1 movers.
Discount details vary, so confirm terms with each mover before booking.
Helpful moving resources
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When moving from Kansas to Iowa, expect to spend between
$1,892–$5,126 if using professional movers, about
$1,683 for a moving container, and around
$625
for a rental truck.
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