$1,684 Movers From Portland, OR to Iowa
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: The cost to move from Portland, OR to Iowa averages from $1,411 to $9,737 depending on how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself.
Hiring a professional Portland moving company will be on the more expensive side, while renting a truck or a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.
Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Moving from Iowa to Portland, OR guide.
Moving from Portland, OR to Iowa resources
In this article, we’ll lay out everything you need to know for your upcoming move to Iowa. But first, here are a few resources if you need immediate answers:
- Best Portland, OR to Iowa movers: We’ve handpicked the best moving companies from Portland to Iowa.
- How much do movers cost?: Use our moving cost calculator to get a more accurate estimate on moving expenses.
- Consider moving containers: Need a more budget-friendly option? With these companies, you load and they drive! These are the best moving container companies.
- Portland, OR to Iowa car shippers: Moving your car? Use a company that prioritizes professionalism, cares for your vehicle, and is experienced.
Moving 1,829 miles is no joke. Here's what you need to know.
The best Portland to Iowa moving companies
Hiring an interstate moving company from Portland to Iowa is a big deal.
There are more than 8,000 moving companies in the U.S. But don’t worry, you won’t have to filter through all of them. We’ve done the research for you and narrowed the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services. Here are the best long-distance moving companies serving Portland to Iowa.
- Safeway Moving: Best overall value
- American Van Lines: Best industry reputation
- Mayzlin Relocation: Best upfront pricing
- North American Van Lines: Best for complex moves
- JK Moving Services: Best for high-end moves
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If you’re just trying to ship a few items, here’s a list of our recommended services for small moves.
How much does it cost to move from Portland, OR to Iowa?
Here are average prices of hire a moving company, rent a moving container, or rent a moving truck when moving from Portland to Iowa:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 Bedroom | $1,684 - $6,088 | $1,215 - $3,031 | $1,229 - $2,272 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $4,288 - $9,737 | $2,325 - $4,528 | $1,411 - $2,931 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $7,584 - $13,440 | $3,146 - $6,466 | $1,627 - $3,621 |
*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 1,829 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect the final cost of your move.
The cost to move from Portland, OR to Iowa will depend 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: Summer is peak moving season in Portland, so moving companies will likely charge more.
- DIY vs. professional mover: DIY moving services are usually cheaper but involve more work and stress compared to hiring the pros.
How much does it cost to hire movers from Portland, OR to Iowa?
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Portland to Iowa will cost between $1,684 to $6,088. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from Portland to IA will range from $4,288 to $9,737, and a large move from Portland to Iowa will cost from $7,584 to $13,440.
How much are moving containers like PODS from Portland, OR to Iowa?
Moving pods from Portland to Iowa will cost you $1,215 to $3,031. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $2,325 to $4,528. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $3,146 to $6,466. Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving containers for your move from Portland to Iowa.
How much is a moving truck from Portland, OR 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 $1,229 to $2,272. A larger move will cost $1,411 to $2,931, and a four-bedroom or bigger move from Portland to Iowa costs from $1,627 to $3,621.
Is moving from Portland, OR to Iowa a good idea?
If you’re moving to Iowa from Portland, OR, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.
Cost of living: Portland, OR vs Iowa
| Portland, OR | Iowa | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,595 | $806 |
| Average home cost | $519,746 | $207,215 |
| Average income (per capita) | $78,476 | $70,571 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.9% | 3.2% |
| State income tax | 9.9% | 4.4% |
Iowa sources: World Population Review, US Census Bureau, US BLS, Tax Foundation
- Rent is about 67% less expensive in Iowa than in Portland.
- Home prices are about 64.6% lower in Iowa than in Portland.
- The average income is about 10.3% lower in Iowa than in Portland.
- Iowa has a lower unemployment rate than Portland by about 102.8%.
- Income taxes are 55.56% lower in Iowa than in Portland.
How is life different in Portland, OR from Iowa?
| Portland, OR | Iowa | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 652,503 | 3,200,517 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 79-18 | Republican 53-45 |
| Summer high | 81ºF | 84ºF |
| Winter low | 36ºF | 10ºF |
| Annual rain | 43" | 35" |
| Annual snow | 3" | 30" |
| Crime index | 66.39 | 18.7 |
Iowa sources: US Census Bureau, 270TOWIN, BestPlaces
- The population of Iowa is approximately 390% greater than the population of Portland.
- In the last presidential election, Iowa voted Republican and Portland voted Democratic.
- The average high in the summertime in Iowa is 84ºF and in Portland, it’s 81ºF.
- During the coldest part of the year, Iowa reaches the temperature of 10ºF and Portland gets down to 36ºF.
- You can expect about 35 inches of annual rainfall in Iowa vs 43 inches of rainfall in Portland.
- In Iowa, it snows about 30 inches annually vs 3 inches of snow in Portland.
- Iowa has a lower crime rate than Portland with a crime index of 66.39 vs 18.7.
Considerations for moving to Iowa
- Weather: Iowa has a humid continental climate throughout the state. Snowfall is common in Iowa. Spring brings in severe weather season. Iowa has about 50 thunderstorm days per year and has a tornado season. Iowa is known for hot and humid summers. Be sure to check the weather before your move, especially during the springtime..
- 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 you’ll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can verify a Iowa moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
- 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: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forward to Iowa. Get started here.
- Mover's insurance: Every state has their own requirements when it comes to insurance. Choose cost-free Released Value Protection from movers for basic coverage at 60 cents per pound.
- Moving checklist: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.
Looking for local Portland movers?
| Company | Quote | Rating | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
most popular
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Get A Quote |
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19585 SW 118th Ave, Tualatin, OR, 97062 (503) 746-8795 |
| Elite Relocation Services | Get A Quote |
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3711 West 1st Avenue, Eugene, OR, 97402 (541) 246-5256 |
| Cross Town Moves | Get A Quote |
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1305 South Bertelsen Road, Eugene, OR, 97402 (541) 683-5211 |
Visit our best movers in Portland page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.
What to do in Iowa?
Whether you’re looking for parks, museums, sports, or even universities, you’ll be happy to find a plethora of these in Iowa.
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
- Union Pacific Railroad Museum
- Buffalo Bill Museum
- John Deere Tractor & Engine Museum
- Old Capitol Museum
- Okoboji Classic Cars
- Des Moines Art Center
- Iowa Great Lakes Maritime Museum
- Pottawattamie County Squirrel Cage Jail and Museum
- Sioux City Public Museum
- State Historical Museum
Parks in Iowa
- Vander Veer Botanical Park
- Gray's Lake Park
- Pappajohn Sculpture Park
- Eagle Point Park
- Terry Trueblood Recreational Area
- Clear Lake State Park
- Mines of Spain Recreation Area
- Eagle Point Park
- Raccoon River Park
- Big Woods Lake Recreation Area
- West Lake Park
- Centennial Park
- Effigy Mounds National Monument
- Rand Park
- Bayliss Park
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
- Drake University
- Luther College
- Cornell College
- Wartburg College
- St. Ambrose University
- Dordt University
- Central College
- Coe College
- Simpson College
- Buena Vista University
Moving from Portland to Iowa FAQs
Why are people moving from Portland to Iowa?
Many people are moving to Iowa because of low cost of living and ample economic opportunity.
Where can I find a list of long-distance moving companies from Portland?
Here are our top picks for the best long-distance movers in Portland.
