How we chose the best moving companies for your VT to IA move
Using rate data from 6 Vermont movers, our team spotlighted the top companies that deliver on customer satisfaction, reviews, and cost-effectiveness.
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Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.
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Dispute resolution (20%): Owns mistakes and works quickly to make things right when issues pop up.
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Industry reputation (15%): Well regarded in the moving community and engaged in professional groups.
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Online reputation (15%): Accurate website info plus timely, professional replies to messages and reviews.
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Service options (10%): Full-service capabilities—packing, storage, specialty handling, and expedited options.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
How much does it cost to move from Vermont to Iowa?
The table below lays out average cost ranges to move from Vermont
to Iowa with different moving services depending on the size of your home.
| Move size |
Moving company |
Moving container |
Rental truck |
| Studio / 1 bedroom |
$1,292 – $5,551 |
$892 – $2,250 |
$796 – $1,403 |
| 2-3 bedrooms |
$3,131 – $6,740 |
$1,613 – $3,337 |
$852 – $1,634 |
| 4+ bedrooms |
$4,849 – $9,278 |
$2,035 – $4,217 |
$1,061 – $2,078 |
*These ranges are rough estimates for a 1,255-mile move from VT to
IA, based on pricing data
compiled by moveBuddha as of Dec 11, 2025. We gather thousands of verified prices from
movers nationwide and refresh the dataset each month to reflect seasonal shifts and market changes.
Your actual cost can vary with factors like shipment size, add-on services, parking or access
constraints, fuel costs, and timing. To get the most accurate number, compare quotes from
several moving companies.
Cost to hire movers from Vermont to Iowa
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Vermont to Iowa,
you can expect to spend between $1,292
and $5,551.
For a two- or three-bedroom place,
prices usually range from $3,131 to
$6,740 on the same route
(VT to IA). Got a larger household? Moving a
four- or five-bedroom home from Vermont to Iowa typically runs between
$4,849 and
$9,278.
Cost of moving containers from Vermont to Iowa
Moving from Vermont to Iowa? For a small load,
you’ll likely pay between $892 and
$2,250. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home,
costs usually range from $1,613 to
$3,337. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house?
Expect prices ranging anywhere from $2,035 up to
$4,217. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our
complete PODS cost guide.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies
to help with your move from Vermont.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Vermont to Iowa
Looking to save money? Renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest option.
Just keep in mind that you’ll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving out of a studio or one-bedroom and renting a truck, plan to spend between
$796 and
$1,403.
For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between
$852 and
$1,634.
Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be
somewhere between $1,061 and
$2,078.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Factors affecting the cost of moving from VT to IA
There are many factors that influence Vermont moving costs. The cost to move from Vermont to Iowa will depend on these factors:
-
How much you’re bringing: A bigger load, like a full house, will always cost more than moving a small apartment.
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When you move: Summer moves in Vermont fall during peak demand, so expect higher rates.
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Professional movers or DIY: Going the DIY route is cheaper, but full-service movers handle the heavy lifting and logistics for you.
What to know before moving from VT to IA
Moving between Vermont and Iowa involves more than distance — it’s about understanding how your everyday life will change.
Cost of living: Vermont vs. Iowa
Before making your move, it’s helpful to understand how living expenses stack up between
Vermont and Iowa. From housing and income to taxes and unemployment rates,
this side-by-side comparison gives you a clearer picture of the financial differences that may impact your budget and lifestyle.
Take a look at how the two states compare across key cost-of-living factors:
|
Vermont |
Iowa |
| Average rent |
$1,149 |
$914 |
| Average home cost |
$390,132 |
$220,277 |
| Average income (per capita) |
$74,014 |
$70,571 |
| Cost of living index |
114 |
89 |
| Unemployment rate |
2.3% |
3.0% |
| Average sales tax |
6.0% |
6.94% |
| State income tax |
8.75% |
4.4% |
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Rent in Iowa is about 20% cheaper than in Vermont, leaving you with more money in your pocket each month.
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Home prices in Iowa are roughly 44% less than in Vermont, so you’ll enjoy lower monthly mortgage payments.
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You don’t have to stress about your budget, since average incomes are similar in both Vermont and Iowa.
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Moving to Iowa is about 22% cheaper than living in Vermont. You’ll save big, but planning ahead is still essential for an easy move.
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Iowa has a higher unemployment rate than Vermont by about 30%. This means that more people are out of work, so employers may have a larger pool of candidates to choose from, which can lead to a more competitive hiring process.
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Shoppers in Iowa pay about 16% more in sales tax than those in Vermont, adding extra cost to everyday buys like clothes, electronics, and dining out.
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Income taxes in Iowa are 50% lower than in Vermont. That means you get to hang onto more of your paycheck, giving you more money to save, invest, or use for everyday expenses.
How life is different in Iowa vs. Vermont
Starting fresh in a new state means adjusting to more than just logistics. Weather trends, crime levels, political climate, and population density all play into the overall experience. Here’s a breakdown of how Iowa differs from Vermont in these areas.
|
Iowa |
Vermont |
| Population |
3,207,004 |
647,064 |
| Political leaning |
Republican 53-45 |
Democratic 64-32 |
| Summer high |
84ºF |
79ºF |
| Winter low |
10ºF |
6ºF |
| Annual rain |
35″ |
43″ |
| Annual snow |
30″ |
86″ |
| Crime index |
16.18 |
18.93 |
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If you’re relocating from Vermont to Iowa, you’ll notice that Iowa has about 396% more residents.
With a larger population comes improved infrastructure—think better hospitals, schools, public transportation, and more entertainment options.
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In the last presidential election, Iowa voted Republican and Vermont voted Democratic.
-
Summer highs in Iowa average 84°F, almost the same as 79°F in Vermont.
With such similar conditions, your adjustment should be smooth, though humidity and weather patterns may still play a role.
-
In Iowa, winter lows are about 10°F, while Vermont averages 6°F.
With such a small difference, your seasonal routine and expenses should stay about the same.
-
In Iowa, you’ll see about 35 inches of rain each year, less than the 43 inches you’re used to in Vermont.
Get ready for more sunshine, extra outdoor fun, and fewer weather-related worries.
-
In Iowa, you’ll see just 30 inches of snow each year, compared to Vermont, which gets 86 inches annually.
Moving to Iowa means enjoying gentler winters, less shoveling, and fewer weather headaches.
-
Iowa offers a safer environment than Vermont, with a crime index of 16.18 versus 18.93.
You’ll enjoy safer neighborhoods, a tighter-knit community, and fewer worries. While crime rates aren’t the whole story, it’s reassuring to know you’re headed somewhere more secure.
Comparing the pros of Vermont vs. Iowa
There’s something exciting about a fresh start.
Here’s a quick look at how life in Iowa stacks up against Vermont:
| Pros of living in Vermont |
Pros of living in Iowa |
| Great outdoor environment |
Low cost of living |
| Simple and traditional lifestyle |
Ample economic opportunity |
| Scenic |
High quality of education |
| Beautiful |
No traffic |
| Abundant winter activities |
Beautiful outdoors |
Comparing the cons of living in Vermont vs. Iowa
Life can be unpredictable, no matter where you are.
As you get ready to move from Vermont to Iowa, keep these tips in mind:
| Cons of living in Vermont |
Cons of living in Iowa |
| Extremely cold weather |
Severe weather conditions |
| Driving in the snow |
Limited recreational opportunities |
| Sloppy mud season |
High taxes |
| High cost of living |
High emphasis on politics |
| Small economy |
Rustic food |
Other things to consider for your Vermont to Iowa move
-
HOA rules:
Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
-
Elevator reservation:
A key task to tackle early is booking your building’s elevator and checking out the rules for using it on moving day.
-
Parking permits:
Some cities require a parking permit for moving trucks, so be sure to check your new local rules before moving day to avoid any surprises.
-
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. Before you book, double-check that your moving company is properly licensed.
-
State regulator:
Easily verify the status of a Iowa moving license anytime on the official state regulator’s website, here.
-
Moving permits:
Iowa does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
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Change of address:
Submit your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. Just set your official move date, and your mail will be forwarded to Iowa right on time. Get started here.
-
Mover’s insurance:
Federal law requires interstate moving companies to provide you with basic insurance, called “released value protection,” for free. Choose cost-free Released Value Protection from movers for basic coverage at 60 cents per pound.
-
Moving checklist:
Keep moving day simple with our easy-to-use moving checklist. Make this your go-to guide to ensure you don’t miss a thing.
Things to do in Iowa
Get ready to discover Iowa. Check out these must-visit places 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 Vermont to Iowa?
Do movers transport your car from Vermont to Iowa?
Many full-service moving companies can arrange auto transport for an extra fee as part of your moving
package. Alternatively, you can book
vehicle
transport from Vermont to Iowa
separately with a leading car shipping provider.
What are the benefits of moving from Vermont to Iowa?
More and more folks are relocating from Vermont to Iowa to enjoy all the perks that come with living there, such as low cost of living and ample economic opportunity.
Is it cheaper to live in Vermont or Iowa?
Living in Iowa usually costs less than in Vermont.
Housing
is more affordable in Iowa,
with average rent about 20% less and home prices 44% lower than in Vermont.
Taxes are also
lower in Iowa, most notably income taxes, which are more than 50% less than those paid by Vermont residents.
How much should you make a year to live comfortably in Iowa?
If you’re planning to live on your own in Iowa, aim for an income of around $63,616 to live comfortably.
Expect monthly expenses to be about $2,436 if you’re flying solo, or $5,230 for a family of four.
Your actual costs will vary depending on where you live. Bigger cities like Des Moines and Cedar Rapids usually come with higher housing prices than smaller towns.
Helpful moving resources
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When planning a move from Vermont to Iowa, professional movers typically run between
$3,131 and $6,740, a moving container averages about
$2,475, and a rental truck is around
$1,243.
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