Moving from North Dakota to Iowa ($1,390-$6,380)
The cost to move from North Dakota to Iowa ranges from $1,390 to $6,380 with full-service movers, based on 1,033 real quotes from moveBuddha users. Our moving cost calculator weighs your exact distance, home size, and move date together, so your estimate reflects this specific North Dakota to Iowa route rather than a flat average.
How much does it cost to move from North Dakota to Iowa?
The average cost of moving from North Dakota to Iowa with full-service movers typically ranges between $1,390 to $6,380 for a studio to 3-bedroom home. We calculated this average by reviewing 1,033 real-time quotes provided to moveBuddha users over the past 90 days. The average moving distance quoted was 715 miles.
The final price of your North Dakota to Iowa move will be dependent on the type of mover you choose, how much you're moving, time of year, distance, access, and add-on services. Get a free and accurate estimate using our moving cost calculator.
The rates below are for full-service movers, meaning the crew loads, transports, and unloads your belongings for you:
| Move Size | Full-Service Mover Cost |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,390 - $4,690 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,660 - $6,380 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,390 - $9,390 |
How much do moving containers cost from North Dakota to Iowa?
A moving container from North Dakota to Iowa costs between $720 and $3,480, depending on how much you're moving. For a 2-3 bedroom home, expect $1,330 to $2,600, roughly 60% less than full-service movers on this route. You pack and load the container yourself; the container company handles the 715-mile drive.
| Move Size | Moving Container Cost |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $720 - $1,820 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,330 - $2,600 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,830 - $3,480 |
10% of movers in North Dakota offer climate-controlled storage, worth asking about if your container needs to sit before delivery.
How much does a rental truck cost from North Dakota to Iowa?
A rental truck from North Dakota to Iowa costs between $510 and $1,460. For a 2-3 bedroom home, budget $580 to $1,100, about 80% less than hiring full-service movers. That figure covers the truck itself; with gas in North Dakota averaging $2.83 per gallon, fuel for the 715-mile drive, plus insurance, equipment rental, and lodging, all land on top of the base rate.
| Move Size | Rental Truck Cost |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $510 - $1,000 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $580 - $1,100 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $710 - $1,460 |
Add-on costs for a North Dakota to Iowa move
Add-on services are where a North Dakota to Iowa quote quietly grows. The $1,390-$6,380 range above covers loading, 715 miles of transport, and unloading. Nothing else is included.
At 715 miles, a North Dakota to Iowa move is typically a one-to-two-day haul. That's the range where storage-in-transit and shuttle fees start appearing on quotes, since your shipment may sit briefly before a delivery window opens in Iowa. Guaranteed-delivery upgrades are available but uncommon at this distance.
Iowa's cost of living sits roughly 7% below North Dakota's, which pulls destination-side fees like shuttle service and storage near Des Moines down. Origin-side labor in North Dakota stays the expensive half of this route, so packing services and stair carries at pickup deserve the closest scrutiny on your quote.
| Add-On Service | Typical Cost (North Dakota to Iowa) |
|---|---|
| Full packing service | $500 - $1,290 |
| Packing materials only | $140 - $410 |
| Specialty item (piano, safe, pool table) | $300 - $830 |
| Appliance disconnect & reconnect | $100 - $260 |
| Stair or elevator carry | $70 - $220 |
| Storage-in-transit (per month) | $160 - $380 |
| Shuttle service at delivery | $180 - $510 |
| Auto transport (1 vehicle) | $390 - $590 |
| Full-value protection | 1% - 2% of declared shipment value |
Released-value protection at 60¢ per pound is included at no charge on every interstate move, but it pays out almost nothing on a damaged item. A 40-pound TV settles at $24. Full-value protection is the line item most worth the money on a 715-mile haul. Our moving cost calculator prices these accessorials into your North Dakota to Iowa estimate up front instead of leaving them to surface on moving day.
38% of movers in North Dakota handle piano moves, 14% handle pool tables, and 24% handle safes — confirm your mover covers whichever specialty item you're moving before booking. 10% of North Dakota movers require a deposit to book, and 10% offer full-value protection as an add-on rather than folding it into every quote.
Our recommended North Dakota to Iowa Movers
These movers average a 92% positive review rate among North Dakota movers we track.
Compare movers for your North Dakota to Iowa move
Before you request quotes, take a look at the North Dakota long-distance movers our team has reviewed and rated for routes like this one to Iowa:
0% of North Dakota movers we track offer instant online quotes, so you can compare several before picking up the phone.
633 13th St NE, Unit A, West Fargo, ND 58078
1400 Burlington Dr #2D, Bismarck, ND 58504
1605 Park Ave C, Bismarck, ND 58504
541 16th St NE, West Fargo, ND 58078
3709 Grandwood Dr, North Fargo, ND 58102
Don't see your company listed?
Reach customers actively searching for trusted movers in your area. Tell us about your company and services to get your business listed on moveBuddha.
Alternate North Dakota to Iowa moving options
DIY moving options offer real cost savings on a North Dakota to Iowa move, with the right choice depending on how hands-on you want to be. Moving containers run about 60% less than full-service interstate movers, and rental trucks come in around 80% less.
With a rental truck (ex: U-Haul), you handle all the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus added costs like fuel, insurance, and equipment rentals on top of the base rate. If you'd rather skip the heavy lifting, local labor-only crews in North Dakota run $60 - $80 per hour to load the truck for you, while you still drive and unload on the Iowa end. 14% of movers in North Dakota offer labor-only service, so finding one shouldn't take long.
With a moving container (ex: PODS), you handle the packing and loading in North Dakota on your own timeline, and the container company will drop it off in Iowa for you to unload. A standard 16-foot container (the size most 2-3 bedroom interstate moves need) typically runs $322 - $830 to rent in North Dakota, before the long-distance haul fee shown above is added.
Why book a moveBuddha Certified mover for your North Dakota to Iowa move:
Every moveBuddha Certified mover passes our vetting for safety, licensing, reputation, transparency, and pricing, and agrees to ongoing monitoring. That adds a layer of protection most interstate moves don't come with.
- Up to $1,000 in coverage: Get up to $1,000 in added move coverage on eligible moves.
- Dispute mediation: If something goes wrong, we work with your Certified mover to resolve it.
- Dedicated support: Enjoy ongoing support from moveBuddha throughout your move.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Iowa to North Dakota guide.
North Dakota to Iowa cost of living comparison
Before you commit to a North Dakota to Iowa move, it helps to know how the two states actually compare. Based on the moving trends moveBuddha tracks nationwide, cost of living, job markets, housing, and lifestyle are the factors that most often make or break a relocation decision:
| Factor | North Dakota | Iowa |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 96 | 89 |
| Average household income | $73,959 | $70,571 |
| Median home value | $263,410 | $220,277 |
| Unemployment rate | 2.4% | 3.0% |
| State income tax | 2.9% | 4.4% |
| Average monthly rent | $912 | $914 |
| Average sales tax | 6.96% | 6.94% |
| Crime index | 22.74 | 16.18 |
| College graduation rate | 31.74% | 30.54% |
| Population | 783,926 | 3,207,004 |
Iowa's cost of living index of 89 is lower than North Dakota's 96, making affordability a common driver of this move. Lower housing costs and everyday expenses can offset the upfront cost of a long-distance move within the first 1 - 2 years.
Iowa's largest industries are Manufacturing ($33.6 billion), Finance and insurance ($25.9 billion), and Real estate and rental and leasing ($19.5 billion), worth a look if a job change is part of this move.
FAQs: Moving from North Dakota to Iowa
How does the cost of living in Iowa compare to North Dakota?
Iowa's cost of living index of 89 is lower than North Dakota's 96 (100 is the national average), so day-to-day costs should feel cheaper. Average rent runs $912 in North Dakota versus $914 in Iowa. Crime index is 22.74 in North Dakota vs 16.18 in Iowa. 30.54% of Iowa adults hold a college degree, versus 31.74% in North Dakota.
What's the cheapest way to move from North Dakota to Iowa?
A rental truck is cheapest: $580 - $1,100 for a 2-3 bedroom move, about 80% less than full-service. At 715 miles, that's 2 days behind the wheel, plus around $224 in fuel. Moving containers ($1,330 - $2,600, about 60% less than full-service) skip the drive entirely. Use our moving cost calculator to compare all 3 for your move size.
Who regulates interstate moves?
Interstate moves are regulated federally by the FMCSA. Verify your mover's USDOT number for free at FMCSA's carrier lookup tool. Report violations at 1-888-368-7238. You can also look up licensed movers in North Dakota at North Dakota's official regulatorandin Iowa at Iowa's official regulator.
Are full-service movers worth it for a North Dakota to Iowa move?
People making this move are often chasing low cost of living in Iowa.Full-service makes sense for a large home (3+ bedrooms), a tight timeline, or high-value items. DIY fits a smaller home (1-2 bedrooms) when cost matters most and you have time to spare. Moving containers, about 60% less than full-service, split the difference by skipping the drive.
What are the best ways to lower my full-service moving bill?
Decluttering before the move saves about $160 - $700 for every 500 pounds cut. Moving off-season saves 20% - 30%, and a Tuesday - Thursday, mid-month pickup saves another 10% - 30%. Among North Dakota movers, 23.81% offer a military discount. Get at least 3 quotes and ask if any will price-match a lower one.
Popular North Dakota to Iowa moving routes
These are the most common city-to-city moves on the North Dakota to Iowa corridor. Each guide covers local mover recommendations, cost estimates specific to those metro areas, and neighborhood information to help you plan your destination.
Moving from North Dakota to Iowa: the bottom line
The cost to move from North Dakota to Iowa ranges from $1,390 - $6,380 for a studio to 3-bedroom home with full-service movers. Moving containers and rental trucks cost 60% - 80% less for the same move. For most people making this 715-mile relocation, hiring a full-service mover is the most reliable option, especially for larger homes, time-sensitive moves, or relocations involving high-value items.
To get the best price, collect at least 3 quotes, book 4 - 12 weeks in advance depending on your season, and schedule a mid-week, mid-month pickup date when possible. Use our moving cost calculator to compare costs across all service types for your specific home size.