$1,248 Movers From Virginia to Iowa

The cost to move from Virginia to Iowa averages from $804 to $6,480 depending on how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself.

Hiring a full-service Virginia moving company will be on the more expensive side, while a rental 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 Virginia guide.

Moving from Virginia to Iowa resources

Moving 1,015 miles is no joke. Here's what you need to know.

The best Virginia to Iowa movers

Hiring an interstate moving company from Virginia 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 Virginia to Iowa.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
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(855) 650-0657

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 20 yrs experience
  • Flat rate pricing
  • Family owned
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(866) 835-2392

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.45 / 5
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
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(980) 217-6841

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 74 years in biz
  • 1,800 trucks
  • Storage available
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(844) 950-2963

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • White glove
  • Expensive items
  • Guaranteed delivery
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(703) 972-1772

% of users select this mover

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 Virginia to Iowa?

The table below lays out average cost ranges when moving from Virginia to Iowa for different moving services depending on the size of your home.

Move size Moving company Moving container Rental truck
Studio / 1 Bedroom $1,248 - $5,025 $1,007 - $2,266 $806 - $1,530
2 - 3 bedrooms $2,644 - $6,480 $1,824 - $3,561 $804 - $1,749
4+ bedrooms $4,514 - $8,491 $2,391 - $4,321 $1,052 - $2,191
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*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 1,015 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.

There are many factors that influence Virginia moving costs. The cost to move from Virginia to Iowa will depend on these factors:

  • Move size: Moving a large home costs more than moving a studio apartment.
  • Time of year: The peak moving season in Virginia is in the summer, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • DIY vs. professional mover: DIY moving services are cheaper but you do all the heavy lifting compared to letting the pros handle your move.

How much does it cost to hire movers from Virginia to Iowa?

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Virginia to Iowa will cost between $1,248 to $5,025. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from VA to IA will range from $2,644 to $6,480, and a large move from Virginia to Iowa will cost from $4,514 to $8,491.

How much are moving containers like PODS from Virginia to Iowa?

Moving containers from Virginia to Iowa will cost you $1,007 to $2,266 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,824 to $3,561. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $2,391 to $4,321. Learn more about PODS cost.

Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of Virginia.

How much is a moving truck from Virginia to Iowa?

A moving rental truck is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor; these estimates include the estimated fuel cost:

Moving a studio or 1-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $806 to $1,530. A larger move will cost $804 to $1,749, and a 4+ bedroom move from Virginia to Iowa costs from $1,052 to $2,191.

Is moving from Virginia to Iowa a good idea?

If you’re moving to Iowa from Virginia, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.

Cost of Living: Virginia vs Iowa

Virginia Iowa
Average rent cost $1,257 $806
Average home cost $372,801 $207,215
Average income (per capita) $87,249 $70,571
Cost of Living Index 0 89
Unemployment rate 3.3% 3.2%
Average Sales Tax 5.73% 6.94%
State Income Tax 5.75% 4.4%
  • Rent is about 36% less expensive in Iowa than in Virginia.
  • Home prices are about 44.4% lower in Iowa than in Virginia.
  • The average income is about 19.1% lower in Iowa than in Virginia.
  • Cost of living is inf% lower in Iowa than in Virginia.
  • Iowa has a lower unemployment rate than Virginia by about 3.0%.
  • Sales taxes are 21.12% higher in Iowa than in Virginia.
  • Income taxes are 23.48% lower in Iowa than in Virginia.

How is life different in Iowa from Virginia?

Iowa Virginia
Population 3,200,517 8,683,619
Political leaning Republican 53-45 Democratic 54-44
Summer High 84ºF 87ºF
Winter Low 10ºF 25ºF
Annual Rain 35" 44"
Annual Snow 30" 14"
Crime Index 18.7 17.05
  • The population of Iowa is approximately 63% lower than the population of Virginia.
  • In the last presidential election, Iowa voted Republican and Virginia voted Democratic.
  • The average high in the summertime in Iowa is 84ºF and in Virginia, it’s 87ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, Iowa reaches the temperature of 10ºF and Virginia gets down to 25ºF.
  • You can expect about 35 inches of annual rainfall in Iowa vs 44 inches of rainfall in Virginia.
  • In Iowa, it snows about 30 inches annually vs 14 inches of snow in Virginia.
  • Iowa has a higher crime rate than Virginia with a crime index of 18.7 vs 17.05.

Comparing the pros of Virginia vs. Iowa:

There are always a lot of reasons to get excited about living somewhere new. These are the best parts of living in Virginia vs Iowa side-by-side.

Pros of living in Virginia Pros of living in Iowa
Strong economy Low cost of living
Beautiful scenery Ample economic opportunity
Abundance of outdoor activities High quality of education
Enjoyable four season weather No traffic
Strong military presence Beautiful outdoors

Comparing the cons of living in Virginia vs. Iowa:

Not everything is sunshine and rainbows, these are the things to be aware of when leaving Virginia for Iowa.

Cons of living in Virginia Cons of living in Iowa
High cost of living Severe weather conditions
Unpredictable weather Limited recreational opportunities
Bad traffic congestion High taxes
Lack of public transportation High emphasis on politics
Air noise pollution Rustic food

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: One common and important example of something that should be handled ahead of time is reserving the building's elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
  • Parking Permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles, find out ahead of time with your new local rules.
  • 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 Virginia movers?

Company Quote Rating Contact
My Pro Movers Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.96 overall rating
8370 Greensboro Dr Apt 817, McLean, VA, 22102
(703) 310-7333
Hilldrup Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.8 overall rating
44050 Mercure Circle Suite 1, Dulles, VA, 20166
(202) 831-9872

Visit our Best Movers in Virginia page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

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.

  • Iowa State Capitol
  • Amana Colonies
  • Blank Park Zoo
  • Greater Des Moines Botanical Center
  • Lost Island Waterpark
  • National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium
  • Pikes Peak State Park
  • Visit Okoboji
  • Field of Dreams
  • Grotto of the Redemption
  • National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library
  • Buffalo Bill Museum
  • Herbert Hoover National Historic Site
  • Adventureland Park
  • Maquoketa Caves State Park
  • Pappajohn Sculpture Park
  • Ledges State Park
  • American Gothic House & Center
  • Brucemore
  • Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad

FAQs about moving from Virginia to Iowa

What is the cheapest way to move from Virginia to Iowa?

The cheapest way to move from Virginia to Iowa is with a DIY move. Here’s our guide for the cheapest way to move out of state.

What are the benefits of moving from Virginia to Iowa?

The main reasons people are moving from Virginia to Iowa are the amazing upsides of living in Iowa such as low cost of living and ample economic opportunity.

Related articles to your move

Learn more about Iowa