Local moving companies in Detroit
Out of 36 Detroit movers that can handle state-to-state moves, here are the top 5 that can handle your move to Iowa.
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Palmer Moving Services: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- White Star Movers, Inc.: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- Royal Movers Enterprises, LLC: 4.42 out of 5 stars
- O’Sullivan Moving & Storage CO.: 4.42 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 14
DOT #: 2378173
Alternate Names: JCAL Holdings, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 114
DOT #: 511993
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 39
DOT #: 624288
Alternate Names: Whitestar Movers, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
- DOD certified
Company Info
Years in Business: 17
DOT #: 1673815
Alternate Names: Royal Movers
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 20587
Years in Business: 42
DOT #: 1660642
Alternate Names: O’Sullivan Moving & Storage
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
Local moving services in Detroit, MI
At a glance, the number of Detroit movers with specialty add-ons:
Cost to move from Detroit, MI to Iowa
The table below lays out average cost ranges to move from Detroit to Iowa with different moving services depending on the size of your home.
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,250 – $3,678 | $661 – $1,628 | $423 – $839 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $2,285 – $5,266 | $1,305 – $2,461 | $461 – $997 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,693 – $8,183 | $1,608 – $3,054 | $606 – $1,239 |
*These cost ranges are approximate estimates based on a 581-mile move from Detroit, MI, to Iowa using pricing data compiled by moveBuddha as of Nov 17, 2025. moveBuddha collects and verifies thousands of prices from movers nationwide, then updates the figures monthly to reflect seasonal changes and market dynamics. Your total may vary with load size, extra services, access or parking hurdles, fuel prices, and your move date. Get several mover quotes to better validate pricing.
Cost to hire movers from Detroit to Iowa
Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Detroit to Iowa typically costs between $1,250 and $3,678. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $2,285 and $5,266. If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) you’re looking at costs ranging from $3,693 up to $8,183.
Cost of moving containers from Detroit to Iowa
If you’re relocating from Detroit to Iowa, you’ll typically spend between $661 and $1,628 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $1,305 up to $2,461. If you’re moving a larger home—four bedrooms or more—expect to pay anywhere between $1,608 and $3,054. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from Detroit.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Detroit to Iowa
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 from Detroit to Iowa, expect to pay between $423 and $839. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $461 to $997. If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $606 and $1,239.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Factors influencing moving costs from Detroit to IA
The cost of a move in Detroit can change based 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: Peak summer months in Detroit often come with higher moving rates.
- DIY vs. professional mover: Handling the move yourself lowers costs but adds stress; pros cost more but save time and effort.
What you should know before moving from Detroit to IA
When you move to Iowa from Detroit, MI, expect living costs to be largely equivalent. Your financial planning may not require significant changes, yet it’s advisable to analyze the expenses to pinpoint any minor discrepancies.
Compare cost of living: Detroit vs. Iowa
| Detroit, MI | Iowa | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,250 | $914 |
| Average home cost | $73,156 | $220,277 |
| Average income (per capita) | $37,761 | $70,571 |
| Cost of living index | 92 | 89 |
| Unemployment rate | 9.06% | 3.0% |
| State income tax | 4.25% | 4.4% |
Iowa sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
- Rent is about 27% lower in Iowa than in Detroit, giving you extra breathing room in your budget.
- You’ll spend roughly 201% more on housing in Iowa compared to Detroit, so plan for a larger mortgage.
- Exciting news: the average income is about 87% higher in Iowa than in Detroit, so you’ll likely have more room to save or invest.
- Since cost of living levels are so similar in Iowa and Detroit, you won’t see much financial change after relocating.
- The unemployment rate in Iowa is around 67% lower than in Detroit, pointing to a more favorable employment outlook.
- Income taxes are comparable in Iowa and Michigan, so you can count on consistent deductions when you move.
How life is different in Detroit, MI from Iowa
When planning a move from Detroit to Iowa, you’ll be in for some changes, including new weather, a different community feel, and a unique political scene. Here’s what awaits when you leave the Detroit behind for life in Iowa.
| Detroit, MI | Iowa | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 639,111 | 3,207,004 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 51-46 | Republican 53-45 |
| Summer high | 84ºF | 84ºF |
| Winter low | 19ºF | 10ºF |
| Annual rain | 34″ | 35″ |
| Annual snow | 33″ | 30″ |
| Crime index | 72.92 | 16.18 |
Iowa Sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- In the last presidential election, Iowa leaned Republican, while Detroit supported Democratic.
- Summer highs typically reach about 84ºF in Iowa and 84ºF in Detroit. With similar temperatures, you shouldn’t have much trouble adjusting to the climate. Remember to also consider humidity, general weather patterns, and energy expenses to really understand what summer will feel like in your new home.
- Colder winters await in Iowa, where lows average 10ºF, compared to Detroit at 19ºF. This shift means more heating costs and brisker weather, but also unique seasonal charm and activities.
- In Iowa, expect around 35 inches of rainfall yearly, much like the 34 inches you’ve seen in Detroit. Your overall experience shouldn’t change much, though the seasonal rhythm of rain may differ.
- In Iowa, you can expect about 30 inches of snow each year. By comparison, Detroit typically gets around 33 inches annually. Since both places see similar snowfall, your move shouldn’t come with unexpected weather challenges.
- Iowa has a lower crime index of 16.18 versus Detroit at 72.92, suggesting safer neighborhoods and fewer safety concerns overall.
Other considerations when moving to Iowa
If you’re relocating from Detroit to Iowa, there’s more involved than simply packing up and hiring movers. Don’t forget to look into local regulations, permits, and any other logistics that could impact your move.
- 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, make sure you find out how to reserve it for your moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for moving trucks or oversized vehicles, so be sure to find out ahead of time if you’ll need one for your move.
- 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. Double-check that your moving company is fully licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can easily verify a Iowa moving license anytime on the state’s official regulatory site.
- 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: Submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can select your official move date to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Iowa without a hitch. Get started here.
- Moving insurance: Insurance rules aren’t the same everywhere. They change depending on the state. Choose cost-free Released Value Protection from movers for basic coverage at 60 cents per pound.
- Moving checklist: Move with confidence using our moving checklist. It keeps you organized and covers all the details, letting you stress less and focus on settling into your new place.
Things to do in Iowa
Whether you love parks, museums, sports, or college-town energy, Iowa has plenty for you to discover and enjoy.
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
FAQ
How long does a move from Detroit to Iowa take?
The time it takes to move from Detroit, MI, to Iowa ultimately depends on the moving method you choose. But on average it will take one to six days. Deliveries will likely take longer during the busy summer months.
For the fastest turnaround, ask your moving company for an estimated delivery window before booking.
Do movers in Detroit offer custom-built crate services?
20 movers in Detroit list custom crating, a useful option for fragile, oversized, or oddly shaped items. Before you book, ask a Detroit mover about crate specs and whether they can tailor the build to your needs.
What is the best way to get a car from Detroit to Iowa?
Need to ship your car from Detroit to Iowa? Go with a team that takes professionalism and car care seriously, with proven experience to match. See our top choices for car shipping from Michigan to Iowa.
Why are people moving from Detroit to Iowa?
Many people are moving to Iowa because of its low cost of living and ample economic opportunity.
Read more about the Pros & cons of moving to Iowa.
Where can I find a list of long-distance moving companies in Detroit?
Here are our top picks for the best long-distance movers in Detroit.
Is cash an option to pay for a move from Detroit, MI?
THere are currently, four movers in Detroit that allow customers to pay with cash. Keep in mind that cash remains the exception; most carriers want traceable payments and digital receipts. Standard process is to pay a deposit to secure the date and crew. You’ll pay the remainder at pickup or after delivery—verify the exact timing and acceptable methods before booking.
Helpful moving resources
Michigan moving services
Popular Michigan routes
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