How we chose the best moving companies for your MT to IA move
moveBuddha’s expert team analyzed moving rates from 12 Montana movers and listed the top movers based on customer satisfaction, reviews, and cost.
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Customer satisfaction (40%): Shows up on time, communicates clearly, and delivers within the estimate.
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Dispute resolution (20%): Takes responsibility and follows through with fair solutions when problems occur.
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Industry reputation (15%): Earns respect across the industry and participates in conferences and organizations.
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Online reputation (15%): Up-to-date site content and prompt, professional engagement online.
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Service options (10%): We look for companies with a deep breadth of services including full packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
How much does it cost to move from Montana to Iowa?
Check out the table below for average moving cost estimates from Montana
to Iowa, broken down by home size and type of moving service.
| Move size |
Moving company |
Moving container |
Rental truck |
| Studio / 1 bedroom |
$1,305 – $5,284 |
$812 – $1,961 |
$693 – $1,319 |
| 2-3 bedrooms |
$2,843 – $7,374 |
$1,514 – $2,906 |
$727 – $1,614 |
| 4+ bedrooms |
$4,797 – $9,166 |
$2,087 – $3,797 |
$970 – $1,852 |
*The figures shown are approximate for a 1,115-mile relocation from MT to
IA, derived from moveBuddha
pricing data current as of Dec 11, 2025. moveBuddha aggregates thousands of verified
quotes from movers across the country and updates them monthly to capture seasonal and market
fluctuations. Final pricing will depend on move size, optional services, parking/access issues,
fuel rates, and schedule. We suggest requesting estimates from multiple movers for the best accuracy.
Cost to hire movers from Montana to Iowa
When moving a studio or one-bedroom from Montana to Iowa, you’ll likely pay between
$1,305
and $5,284.
If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between
$2,843 and $7,374
for the same journey (MT to IA).
Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $4,797
to $9,166.
Cost of moving containers from Montana to Iowa
When you’re heading from Montana to Iowa, and you’re only moving a few items,
you can expect to spend between $812 and
$1,961. For a two- or three-bedroom place,
prices usually fall between $1,514 and
$2,906. If you’re packing up a large home with four or
more bedrooms, the cost can range from $2,087
to $3,797. Want more details? Check out our
complete PODS cost guide.
Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies
to make your move from Montana easier and more affordable.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Montana 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
$693
to $1,319.
A two to three-bedroom move will cost $727
to $1,614, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms
from Montana to Iowa costs around
$970 to
$1,852.
These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.
Factors affecting the cost of moving from MT to IA
Lots of things can impact how much it costs to move from Montana to Iowa. Here’s what ultimately affects your final price:
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How big your haul is: More rooms and belongings mean higher costs compared to moving light with only a few items.
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The season you move: Costs spike during the busy summer season in Montana when demand for movers is highest.
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DIY vs. calling in the experts: A DIY move is easier on the wallet, but professionals make the process far less stressful.
What to know before moving from MT to IA
If you’re moving to Iowa from Montana, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.
Cost of living: Montana vs. Iowa
Understanding how costs compare between Montana and Iowa can make planning easier. Taxes, housing, job markets, and income all shape your budget, and this breakdown highlights the biggest differences:
|
Montana |
Iowa |
| Average rent |
$974 |
$914 |
| Average home cost |
$462,631 |
$220,277 |
| Average income (per capita) |
$66,341 |
$70,571 |
| Cost of living index |
100 |
89 |
| Unemployment rate |
3.3% |
3.0% |
| Average sales tax |
0.0% |
6.94% |
| State income tax |
6.75% |
4.4% |
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Rent in Iowa is around 6% less than in Montana, so you’ll have extra cash left over each month.
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Here’s some good news for your wallet — home prices in Iowa are about 52% lower than in Montana. That means you can look forward to more affordable monthly mortgage payments.
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You’re likely to earn about 6% more in Iowa than in Montana. That extra income could mean more savings or new investment opportunities once you move.
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The cost of living in Iowa is about 11% lower than in Montana. With a lower cost of living, it can be a great financial opportunity, but it’s still important to plan thoughtfully.
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Iowa boasts an unemployment rate about 9% lower than Montana. That means you’ll find a stronger job market and a more robust local economy, a great sign if you’re planning a move.
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Iowa has a sales tax, while Montana does not. Expect to spend more on everyday purchases like groceries, dining, and household goods.
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Income taxes in Iowa are 35% lower than in Montana. That means you’ll keep more of each paycheck, leaving you with extra cash to save, invest, or spend however you want.
How life is different in Iowa vs. Montana
The impact of moving goes far beyond finding a job or home. Everyday life is shaped by factors like climate, safety, politics, and community size. Take a look at how Iowa and Montana line up on these lifestyle indicators.
|
Iowa |
Montana |
| Population |
3,207,004 |
1,132,812 |
| Political leaning |
Republican 53-45 |
Republican 58.4-38.5 |
| Summer high |
84ºF |
84ºF |
| Winter low |
10ºF |
12ºF |
| Annual rain |
35″ |
15″ |
| Annual snow |
30″ |
49″ |
| Crime index |
16.18 |
23.37 |
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The population of Iowa is approximately 183% greater than the population of Montana.
With more people often comes better-developed infrastructure, including healthcare, education, public transportation, and entertainment opportunities.
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In the most recent presidential race, both Montana and Iowa leaned Republican.
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In Iowa, summer highs are around 84°F, close to 84°F in Montana.
With such little difference, your summer experience won’t change much.
-
Winter temperatures usually fall to 10°F in Iowa and 12°F in Montana.
With such similar lows, you won’t face much adjustment beyond local weather quirks.
-
Get ready for about 35 inches of rain each year in Iowa, which is quite a change from the 15 inches you’re used to in Montana.
The rain can make for some lovely lush greens, but it also means more soggy days. Pack your rain gear and get ready to settle in comfortably, no matter the weather.
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In Iowa, you’ll only get about 30 inches of snow each year, much less than Montana.
That means moving to Iowa brings milder winters, less time shoveling, and lower maintenance.
-
Iowa is a safer choice than Montana, boasting a lower crime index of 16.18 compared to 23.37.
You can look forward to safer neighborhoods, a stronger sense of community, and greater peace of mind.
Comparing the pros of Montana vs. Iowa
New beginnings can be really exciting.
Here’s a quick comparison between life in Iowa and Montana:
| Pros of living in Montana |
Pros of living in Iowa |
| Unmatched natural beauty |
Low cost of living |
| Bountiful outdoor opportunities |
Ample economic opportunity |
| Ample economic opportunity |
High quality of education |
| Delicious unique cuisine |
No traffic |
| No traffic |
Beautiful outdoors |
Comparing the cons of living in Montana vs. Iowa
Everything can’t be sunshine and rainbows all the time, no matter where you live.
Here are some things to be aware of when leaving Montana for Iowa:
| Cons of living in Montana |
Cons of living in Iowa |
| Dangerous wildlife |
Severe weather conditions |
| Remote lifestyle |
Limited recreational opportunities |
| Touristy |
High taxes |
| Lacking in urban amenities |
High emphasis on politics |
| Challenging weather |
Rustic food |
Other things to consider for your Montana to Iowa move
-
HOA rules:
Before moving day, make sure to review any rules your neighborhood or community might have so your move goes off without a hitch.
-
Elevator reservation:
Make sure to reserve your building’s elevator as soon as possible and review any moving day rules well in advance.
-
Parking permits:
Some cities expect you to have a parking permit for moving trucks, so double-check your new area’s rules before moving day to prevent any last-minute headaches.
-
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 your moving company is fully licensed before you book.
-
State regulator:
You can verify a Iowa moving license and its status on the state regulator’s official website.
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Moving permits:
You don’t need a moving permit in Iowa, but it’s a good idea to look into local parking rules before your move.
-
Change of address:
Make sure to submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before moving. Once you set your move date, your mail will start forwarding to Iowa right on schedule. Get started here.
-
Mover’s insurance:
By law, interstate movers have to give you basic insurance known as “released value protection” at no extra cost. Choose cost-free Released Value Protection from movers for basic coverage at 60 cents per pound.
-
Moving checklist:
Make moving day a breeze with our straightforward moving checklist, which can help you stay on track and make sure you don’t miss any steps.
Things to do in Iowa
While you’re in Iowa, you won’t be bored. These are some of the coolest places to visit in your new home 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 Montana to Iowa?
Do movers transport your car from Montana to Iowa?
A lot of full-service movers will handle auto transport for you, usually for an added cost. Or,
if you prefer, you can arrange
vehicle transport from Montana to Iowa on your own through a top car shipping company.
What are the benefits of moving from Montana to Iowa?
An increasing number of people are relocating from Montana to Iowa to enjoy all the great benefits Iowa provides, such as low cost of living and ample economic opportunity.
Is it cheaper to live in Montana or Iowa?
Living in Iowa usually costs less than in Montana.
Housing
is more affordable in Iowa,
with average rent about 6% less and home prices 52% lower than in Montana.
Taxes are also
lower in Iowa, most notably income taxes, which are more than 30% less than those paid by Montana residents.
How much should you make a year to live comfortably in Iowa?
Thinking of moving to Iowa on your own? You’ll want to earn around $63,616 to cover your expenses comfortably.
If you’re living solo, expect to spend about $2,436 per month, or around $5,230 if you have a family of four.
Where you choose to live makes a big difference, too. Bigger cities like Des Moines and Cedar Rapids tend to have higher housing costs compared to smaller towns.
Which discounts can you find from movers in Montana?
Plenty of moving companies offer ways to help you save, from seasonal promotions to ongoing deals.
In Montana, 1 movers provide AAA member discounts.
Discount types, amounts, and availability can differ, so it’s worth confirming the details with each mover before you book.
Helpful moving resources
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When moving from Montana to Iowa, you’ll likely pay between $2,843–$7,374 with professional movers, roughly
$2,210 for a moving container, and about
$1,170
for a rental truck.
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