Local moving companies in St. Louis
Out of 13 St. Louis movers that can handle state-to-state moves, here are the top 5 that can handle your move to Iowa.
- Arch Moving: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.7 out of 5 stars
- Simple Moves: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- McGuire Moving and Storage: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- ABC Quality Moving & Storage: 4.56 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 2969512
Pricing: $150/hr
Years in Business: 22
DOT #: 2969512
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 714664
Years in Business: 31
DOT #: 2527384
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 1653733
Pricing: $145/hr
Years in Business: 24
DOT #: 1653733
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 2256609
Years in Business: 45
DOT #: 2256609
Alternate Names: McGuire Moving Co.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
Company Info
State license #: 987335
Years in Business: 36
DOT #: 987335
Alternate Names: ABC Quality Moving
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Local moving services in St. Louis, MO
At a glance, the number of St. Louis movers with specialty add-ons:
Cost to move from St. Louis, MO to Iowa
The table below lays out average cost ranges to move from St. Louis to Iowa with different moving services depending on the size of your home.
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $883 – $2,956 | $584 – $1,411 | $317 – $572 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $1,567 – $4,538 | $1,158 – $2,080 | $348 – $664 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,530 – $6,182 | $1,458 – $2,670 | $445 – $845 |
*These cost ranges are approximate estimates based on a 346-mile move from St. Louis, MO, 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 St. Louis to Iowa
Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from St. Louis to Iowa typically costs between $883 and $2,956. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $1,567 and $4,538. If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) you’re looking at costs ranging from $2,530 up to $6,182.
Cost of moving containers from St. Louis to Iowa
If you’re relocating from St. Louis to Iowa, you’ll typically spend between $584 and $1,411 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $1,158 up to $2,080. If you’re moving a larger home—four bedrooms or more—expect to pay anywhere between $1,458 and $2,670. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from St. Louis.
Cost of moving truck rentals from St. Louis 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 St. Louis to Iowa, expect to pay between $317 and $572. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $348 to $664. If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $445 and $845.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Factors influencing moving costs from St. Louis to IA
The cost of a move in St. Louis 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 St. Louis 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 St. Louis to IA
Journeying from St. Louis to Iowa opens up new possibilities, but be prepared for an increase in living expenses. As Iowa tends to be pricier than St. Louis, thorough budget planning is advised.
Take a look at how living in St. Louis stacks up against Iowa so you’re prepared before making the move:
Compare cost of living: St. Louis vs. Iowa
| St. Louis, MO | Iowa | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,250 | $914 |
| Average home cost | $171,463 | $220,277 |
| Average income (per capita) | $66,090 | $70,571 |
| Cost of living index | 84 | 89 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.3% | 3.0% |
| State income tax | 4.8% | 4.4% |
Iowa sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
- Rent is about 27% lower in Iowa than in St. Louis, giving you extra breathing room in your budget.
- You’ll spend roughly 28% more on housing in Iowa compared to St. Louis, so plan for a larger mortgage.
- Exciting news: the average income is about 7% higher in Iowa than in St. Louis, so you’ll likely have more room to save or invest.
- On average, the cost of living in Iowa is 6% above St. Louis, so prepare for higher monthly expenses.
- The unemployment rate in Iowa is around 52% lower than in St. Louis, pointing to a more favorable employment outlook.
- Iowa’s income tax rates are about 8% lower than Missouri’s, so you’ll keep more of what you earn.
How life is different in St. Louis, MO from Iowa
When planning a move from St. Louis 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 St. Louis behind for life in Iowa.
| St. Louis, MO | Iowa | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 293,310 | 3,207,004 |
| Political leaning | Republican 58-42 | Republican 53-45 |
| Summer high | 89ºF | 84ºF |
| Winter low | 23ºF | 10ºF |
| Annual rain | 42″ | 35″ |
| Annual snow | 16″ | 30″ |
| Crime index | 69.65 | 16.18 |
Iowa Sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- In the last presidential election, both St. Louis and Iowa voted Republican.
- Summer highs typically reach about 84ºF in Iowa and 89ºF in St. Louis. 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 St. Louis at 23ºF. This shift means more heating costs and brisker weather, but also unique seasonal charm and activities.
- In Iowa, rainfall totals about 35 inches a year, less than the 42 inches you’re used to in St. Louis. More sunshine and fewer rainy days make it easier to get outside and enjoy your new home.
- Each year, Iowa gets about 30 inches of snow, far more than the 16 inches you might be accustomed to in St. Louis. That means breathtaking winter landscapes and endless opportunities for outdoor fun, but it also calls for a little extra preparation and regular upkeep.
- Iowa has a lower crime index of 16.18 versus St. Louis at 69.65, suggesting safer neighborhoods and fewer safety concerns overall.
Comparing the pros of St. Louis, MO versus Iowa:
Relocating can open up a world of new experiences. Discover the unique charms of St. Louis when set against Iowa.
| Pros of living in St. Louis, MO | Pros of living in Iowa |
|---|---|
| Rich culture | Low cost of living |
| Bountiful arts and recreational activities | Ample economic opportunity |
| Quality public transportation | High quality of education |
| Low cost of living | No traffic |
| Friendly people | Beautiful outdoors |
Comparing the cons of St. Louis, MO versus Iowa:
While venturing from St. Louis to Iowa, be mindful of the potential hurdles you may encounter.
| Cons of living in St. Louis, MO | Cons of living in Iowa |
|---|---|
| Poor education | Severe weather conditions |
| High crime rate | Limited recreational opportunities |
| Urban sprawl | High taxes |
| Lack of economic opportunity | High emphasis on politics |
| Pervasive poverty | Rustic food |
Other considerations when moving to Iowa
If you’re relocating from St. Louis 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 St. Louis to Iowa take?
The time it takes to move from St. Louis, MO, to Iowa ultimately depends on the moving method you choose. But on average it will take one to four 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 St. Louis offer custom-built crate services?
Eight movers in St. Louis list custom crating, a useful option for fragile, oversized, or oddly shaped items. Before you book, ask a St. Louis mover about crate specs and whether they can tailor the build to your needs.
What is the best way to get a car from St. Louis to Iowa?
Need to ship your car from St. Louis 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 Missouri to Iowa.
Why are people moving from St. Louis to Iowa?
Many people are moving to Iowa because of its low cost of living and ample economic opportunity. On the other hand, people are moving away from St. Louis because of the poor education and high crime rate.
Read more about the Pros & cons of moving to Iowa.
Where can I find a list of long-distance moving companies in St. Louis?
Here are our top picks for the best long-distance movers in St. Louis.
Is cash an option to pay for a move from St. Louis, MO?
THere are currently, five movers in St. Louis 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
Missouri moving services
Popular Missouri routes
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