How we chose the best moving companies for your UT to IA move
moveBuddha experts compared rates across 33 Utah moving services, showcasing the companies that stood out for strong reviews, reliable service, and fair pricing.
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Customer satisfaction (40%): On-schedule service, proactive communication, and no surprises on price.
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Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.
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Industry reputation (15%): Respected by peers and active in associations and trade events.
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Online reputation (15%): Maintains a trustworthy web presence and answers customers with speed and courtesy.
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Service options (10%): Comprehensive offerings including packing, secure storage, delicate-item care, and faster shipping.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
How much does it cost to move from Utah to Iowa?
Take a look at the table below for average
moving cost estimates from Utah to Iowa.
We’ve broken down prices by home size and type of moving service, so you can easily compare your choices.
| Move size |
Moving company |
Moving container |
Rental truck |
| Studio / 1 bedroom |
$1,132 – $4,819 |
$837 – $2,084 |
$659 – $1,371 |
| 2-3 bedrooms |
$2,568 – $6,329 |
$1,559 – $3,116 |
$742 – $1,630 |
| 4+ bedrooms |
$4,160 – $8,189 |
$2,087 – $4,153 |
$904 – $1,814 |
*These cost ranges are approximate estimates based on a 1,107-mile move from UT to
IA using pricing data compiled by moveBuddha as of Dec 11, 2025.
moveBuddha collects thousands of verified price points from moving companies nationwide and
updates this data monthly to reflect seasonal fluctuations and market trends.
Your final price may vary depending on move size, added services, parking or access challenges,
fuel rates, and scheduling. We always recommend comparing quotes from multiple movers
to get an accurate idea of pricing.
Cost to hire movers from Utah to Iowa
Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Utah to Iowa typically costs between
$1,132 and
$4,819.
For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between
$2,568
and $6,329
when moving from UT to IA.
If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from Utah to Iowa,
you’re looking at costs ranging from $4,160
up to $8,189.
Cost of moving containers from Utah to Iowa
If you’re relocating from Utah to Iowa,
you’ll typically spend between $837
and $2,084 for a small move.
Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from
$1,559 up to
$3,116.
If you’re moving a larger home—four bedrooms or more—expect to pay anywhere between
$2,087 and
$4,153. For a full breakdown,
check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore our top budget-friendly moving container companies
for your move from Utah.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Utah 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, expect to pay between
$659 and
$1,371.
For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from
$742 to
$1,630.
If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move,
your rental truck will likely run between $904 and
$1,814.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Factors affecting the cost of moving from UT to IA
Several factors can influence your moving costs from Utah to Iowa. Here’s what could impact your final bill:
-
Move size: Moving a large home costs more than moving a studio apartment.
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Seasonal timing: Summer is peak moving season in Utah, which usually means higher prices.
-
Pros vs. DIY: Doing it yourself can save money, but hiring movers saves effort and stress.
What to know before moving from UT to IA
Transitioning from Utah to Iowa gives you a chance to look at how life in your new state will differ from what you know now.
Cost of living: Utah vs. Iowa
Relocating comes with financial tradeoffs, and the contrasts between Utah and Iowa are worth noting. Here’s how the two states stack up in key areas like job opportunities, taxes, housing, and income:
|
Utah |
Iowa |
| Average rent |
$1,302 |
$914 |
| Average home cost |
$517,020 |
$220,277 |
| Average income (per capita) |
$86,833 |
$70,571 |
| Cost of living index |
105 |
89 |
| Unemployment rate |
3.5% |
3.0% |
| Average sales tax |
7.19% |
6.94% |
| State income tax |
4.95% |
4.4% |
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Rent is about 30% less expensive in Iowa than in Utah, so you will have more cash on hand each month.
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Home prices in Iowa are about 57% lower than in Utah, making your monthly mortgage much more manageable.
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Make sure to review your budget before your move. Average incomes in Iowa are roughly 19% lower than in Utah.
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Moving to Iowa costs about 15% less than living in Utah. You’ll save a lot, but smart planning is still key for a smooth move.
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With an unemployment rate roughly 14% lower than Utah, Iowa offers a thriving job market and a lively economy.
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Sales tax rates are similar in Iowa and Utah, so this won’t affect your cost of living when you relocate.
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Income taxes are 11% lower in Iowa compared to Utah. With these lower rates, you’ll keep more of each paycheck, leaving you extra cash to save, invest, or spend on daily needs.
How life is different in Iowa vs. Utah
A move to another state brings shifts that go beyond housing and work. Things like weather, community safety, political leanings, and population size all help define what daily life looks like. This snapshot shows how Iowa and Utah compare.
|
Iowa |
Utah |
| Population |
3,207,004 |
3,417,734 |
| Political leaning |
Republican 53-45 |
Republican 60-40 |
| Summer high |
84ºF |
90ºF |
| Winter low |
10ºF |
17ºF |
| Annual rain |
35″ |
15″ |
| Annual snow |
30″ |
43″ |
| Crime index |
16.18 |
21.37 |
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With a population roughly 6% smaller than Utah, Iowa gives you more space, a more relaxed vibe, and lower living expenses.
Just remember, you might notice fewer amenities around and a job market that’s not quite as fast-paced.
-
The last presidential election saw both Utah and Iowa siding with the Republican party.
-
The average summer high in Iowa is 84°F compared to 90°F in Utah.
A cooler summer climate means less extreme heat, lower energy costs, and more comfortable outdoor time — great for anyone who values comfort.
-
In the coldest months, Iowa dips to about 10°F, colder than 17°F in Utah.
Colder winters bring higher heating bills and harsher weather — but also beautiful snowy days and winter activities.
-
Get ready for about 35 inches of rain each year in Iowa.
That’s quite a change from the 15 inches you’re used to back in Utah. More rain means greener scenery but also some soggy days, so pack your rain gear and make a few adjustments to settle in quickly and comfortably.
-
In Iowa, it only snows about 30 inches annually while Utah gets 43 inches.
Moving to Iowa, with less snow, means easier winters, less maintenance, and fewer weather-related hassles.
-
Iowa boasts a lower crime rate than Utah, with a crime index of 16.18 compared to 21.37.
This makes for safer neighborhoods and a stronger sense of community. While crime rate isn’t everything, knowing you’re moving somewhere safe is definitely reassuring.
Comparing the pros of Utah vs. Iowa
Starting fresh in a new place can be thrilling.
Here’s a quick snapshot comparing life in Iowa to Utah:
| Pros of living in Utah |
Pros of living in Iowa |
| Robust economic growth |
Low cost of living |
| Abundant outdoor activities |
Ample economic opportunity |
| Growing population |
High quality of education |
| Outdoor paradise |
No traffic |
| Diverse |
Beautiful outdoors |
Comparing the cons of living in Utah vs. Iowa
No matter your location, life isn’t always perfect.
Keep these points in mind as you make the move from Utah to Iowa:
| Cons of living in Utah |
Cons of living in Iowa |
| Extreme weather |
Severe weather conditions |
| High cost of housing |
Limited recreational opportunities |
| Peculiar liquor laws |
High taxes |
| Dangerous drivers |
High emphasis on politics |
| Huge emphasis on religious identity |
Rustic food |
Other things to consider for your Utah to Iowa move
-
HOA rules:
Double-check your neighborhood or community guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises and keep everything running smoothly.
-
Elevator reservation:
One common issue you should handle ahead of your move is reserving the building’s elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
-
Parking permits:
Some cities require you to get a parking permit for moving trucks. Check your new local regulations before moving day so you’re not caught off guard.
-
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 has the right licenses before you book with them.
-
State regulator:
Quickly check the status of a Iowa moving license anytime on the official state regulator’s website, here.
-
Moving permits:
No moving permit is required in Iowa, but be sure to check local parking regulations before your move.
-
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 so that all your mail will get properly forwarded to Iowa. Get started here.
-
Mover’s insurance:
By law, interstate moving companies are required to provide basic insurance coverage, 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.
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Moving checklist:
Keep your move stress-free with our handy moving checklist. It’s the easiest way to make sure nothing gets overlooked.
Things to do in Iowa
Get excited to explore Iowa. Don’t miss these top spots 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 Utah to Iowa?
Do movers transport your car from Utah to Iowa?
Some full-service movers can coordinate auto transport for you as part of your relocation package for an
additional fee.
But you can also handle
vehicle transport from
Utah to
Iowa
separately through one of the top car shipping companies.
What are the benefits of moving from Utah to Iowa?
Many people are making the move from Utah to Iowa to take advantage of all the great benefits that life in Iowa has to offer, like low cost of living and ample economic opportunity.
Is it cheaper to live in Utah or Iowa?
Living in Iowa usually costs less than in Utah.
Housing
is more affordable in Iowa,
with average rent about 30% less and home prices 57% lower than in Utah.
Taxes are also
lower in Iowa, most notably income taxes, which are more than 10% less than those paid by Utah residents.
How much should you make a year to live comfortably in Iowa?
Planning to move to Iowa? A single adult should aim for an income of around $63,616 to live comfortably.
Monthly costs average $2,436 for an individual, or $5,230 for a family of four.
Your expenses depend a lot on location — bigger cities like Des Moines and Cedar Rapids usually have steeper housing costs than smaller towns.
Which discounts can you find from movers in Utah?
Here’s a breakdown of discount types currently available in Utah:
1 provide military discounts;
2 have senior-discount programs;
Availability can change, so always verify details before booking.
Helpful moving resources
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When relocating from Utah to Iowa, expect professional movers to cost around
$2,568 to
$6,329, roughly
$2,337 for a container move, and close to
$1,186
for a rental truck.
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