$987 Movers From Wisconsin to Iowa

The cost to move from Wisconsin to Iowa averages from $352 to $4,769 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 Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin guide.

Moving from Wisconsin to Iowa resources

Moving 324 miles is no joke. Here's what you need to know.

The best Wisconsin to Iowa movers

Hiring an interstate moving company from Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin to Iowa.

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

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
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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
Licensedcheckmark
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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
Licensedcheckmark
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • White glove
  • Expensive items
  • Guaranteed delivery
Get A Quote
(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 Wisconsin to Iowa?

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

Move size Moving company Moving container Rental truck
Studio / 1 Bedroom $987 - $3,302 $662 - $1,491 $317 - $618
2 - 3 bedrooms $1,676 - $4,769 $1,132 - $2,153 $352 - $740
4+ bedrooms $2,484 - $6,670 $1,450 - $2,647 $422 - $808
get a quote

*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 324 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 Wisconsin moving costs. The cost to move from Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin to Iowa?

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Wisconsin to Iowa will cost between $987 to $3,302. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from WI to IA will range from $1,676 to $4,769, and a large move from Wisconsin to Iowa will cost from $2,484 to $6,670.

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

Moving containers from Wisconsin to Iowa will cost you $662 to $1,491 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,132 to $2,153. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $1,450 to $2,647. Learn more about PODS cost.

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

How much is a moving truck from Wisconsin 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 $317 to $618. A larger move will cost $352 to $740, and a 4+ bedroom move from Wisconsin to Iowa costs from $422 to $808.

Is moving from Wisconsin to Iowa a good idea?

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

Cost of Living: Wisconsin vs Iowa

Wisconsin Iowa
Average rent cost $856 $806
Average home cost $250,257 $207,215
Average income (per capita) $63,293 $70,571
Cost of Living Index 97 89
Unemployment rate 4.1% 3.2%
Average Sales Tax 5.43% 6.94%
State Income Tax 7.65% 4.4%
  • Rent is about 6% less expensive in Iowa than in Wisconsin.
  • Home prices are about 17.2% lower in Iowa than in Wisconsin.
  • The average income is about 11.5% higher in Iowa than in Wisconsin.
  • Cost of living is 8.2% lower in Iowa than in Wisconsin.
  • Iowa has a lower unemployment rate than Wisconsin by about 22.0%.
  • Sales taxes are 27.81% higher in Iowa than in Wisconsin.
  • Income taxes are 42.48% lower in Iowa than in Wisconsin.

How is life different in Iowa from Wisconsin?

Iowa Wisconsin
Population 3,200,517 5,895,908
Political leaning Republican 53-45 Democratic 50-49
Summer High 84ºF 81ºF
Winter Low 10ºF 7ºF
Annual Rain 35" 34"
Annual Snow 30" 48"
Crime Index 18.7 17.9
  • The population of Iowa is approximately 46% lower than the population of Wisconsin.
  • In the last presidential election, Iowa voted Republican and Wisconsin voted Democratic.
  • The average high in the summertime in Iowa is 84ºF and in Wisconsin, it’s 81ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, Iowa reaches the temperature of 10ºF and Wisconsin gets down to 7ºF.
  • You can expect about 35 inches of annual rainfall in Iowa vs 34 inches of rainfall in Wisconsin.
  • In Iowa, it snows about 30 inches annually vs 48 inches of snow in Wisconsin.
  • Iowa has a higher crime rate than Wisconsin with a crime index of 18.7 vs 17.9.

Comparing the pros of Wisconsin vs. Iowa:

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

Pros of living in Wisconsin Pros of living in Iowa
Low cost of living Low cost of living
High quality of life Ample economic opportunity
Abundant outdoor recreational activities High quality of education
Unique tasty food No traffic
Borders great lakes Beautiful outdoors

Comparing the cons of living in Wisconsin vs. Iowa:

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

Cons of living in Wisconsin Cons of living in Iowa
High tax burden Severe weather conditions
Extreme seasonal weather Limited recreational opportunities
Lack of diversity High taxes
Poor roads High emphasis on politics
High rate of alcoholism 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 Wisconsin movers?

Company Quote Rating Contact
Above Average Moving LLC Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.9 overall rating
1416 Parkside Drive, Madison, WI, 53704
(608) 556-7980
Bluemound Express Co. Inc. Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.72 overall rating
1101 Marlin Court, Waukesha, WI, 53186
(262) 650-1870

Visit our Best Movers in Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin to Iowa

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

The cheapest way to move from Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin to Iowa?

The main reasons people are moving from Wisconsin 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