Local moving companies in Madison
Out of 5 Madison movers that can handle state-to-state moves, here are the top 5 that can handle your move to Iowa.
- Above Average Moving LLC: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- The Armstrong Company: 4.44 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.44 out of 5 stars
- Top Notch Moving and Storage: 4.3 out of 5 stars
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.28 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 26753
Years in Business: 9
DOT #: 2595339
Alternate Names: Above Average Moving LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 39
DOT #: 1170867
Alternate Names: Armstrong Transfer & Storage Co., Inc. , Armstrong Relocation & Commercial Services , The Armstrong Company
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 31
DOT #: 2527384
Alternate Names: Lightner & Lightner, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 5
DOT #: 3322160
Alternate Names: TopNotchMovers LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
DOT #: 2378173
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Local moving services in Madison, WI
Quick breakdown of Madison movers that offer specialty add-on services:
Cost to move from Madison, WI to Iowa
The table below breaks down average costs for moves from Madison to Iowa, varying by home size and service option.
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $875 – $3,073 | $596 – $1,435 | $293 – $502 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $1,463 – $4,684 | $1,093 – $1,927 | $311 – $626 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,141 – $5,816 | $1,357 – $2,586 | $377 – $722 |
*These cost ranges are approximate estimates based on a 250-mile move from Madison, WI, to Iowa using pricing data compiled by moveBuddha as of Nov 17, 2025. moveBuddha aggregates thousands of verified prices from movers nationwide, updating the data monthly to track seasonal patterns and market trends. Your final quote may differ due to move size, optional services, access or parking challenges, fuel costs, and timing. Always compare estimates from several movers for an accurate picture.
Cost to hire movers from Madison to Iowa
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Madison to Iowa will cost between $875 and $3,073. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $1,463 to $4,684, and a large move will cost from $2,141 to $5,816.
Cost of moving containers from Madison to Iowa
If you’re moving from Madison to Iowa, expect to pay between $596 and $1,435 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $1,093 up to $1,927. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $1,357 and $2,586. Check out our guide on PODS cost for more details.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies for your move from Madison.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Madison to Iowa
Renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest option, but keep in mind you’ll be handling all the loading, unloading, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck from Madison to Iowa, expect to spend between $293 and $502. For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $311 and $626. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home? You’re likely looking at anywhere from $377 up to $722 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Factors influencing moving costs from Madison to IA
When calculating the price of Madison movers, consider:
- Move size: The bigger your home and the more stuff you have, the more expensive your move will be.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Madison, so moving companies will likely charge more.
- DIY vs. professional mover: Going the DIY route can be less expensive but demands more effort compared to hiring experts.
What you should know before moving from Madison to IA
Leaving Madison for Iowa means embracing a new lifestyle — and likely saving some cash. Living in Madison typically comes with a higher price tag, so your move could open the door to more affordable living.
Check out the cost of living comparison below to understand how Madison and Iowa measure up, helping you to prepare for the future.
Compare cost of living: Madison vs. Iowa
| Madison, WI | Iowa | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,600 | $914 |
| Average home cost | $367,934 | $220,277 |
| Average income (per capita) | $62,919 | $70,571 |
| Cost of living index | 103 | 89 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.3% | 3.0% |
| State income tax | 7.65% | 4.4% |
Iowa sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
- Rent is about 43% less expensive in Iowa compared to Madison, leaving you more flexibility with your income.
- You’ll pay roughly 40% less for housing in Iowa compared to Madison, saving you money each month.
- Expect incomes in Iowa to be about 12% higher than in Madison, offering more opportunities to save or spend.
- You’ll spend roughly 14% less on the cost of living in Iowa compared to Madison, a boost for your budget.
- In Iowa, the unemployment rate is about 9% below Madison’s, a positive sign of healthier job opportunities.
- Iowa has income taxes about 42% lower than Wisconsin, giving you more breathing room in your budget.
How life is different in Madison, WI from Iowa
When relocating from Madison to Iowa, get ready for some changes. From weather and population to politics, here’s how living in Iowa stacks up against life in the Madison.
| Madison, WI | Iowa | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 269,840 | 3,207,004 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 76-23 | Republican 53-45 |
| Summer high | 82ºF | 84ºF |
| Winter low | 10ºF | 10ºF |
| Annual rain | 36″ | 35″ |
| Annual snow | 42″ | 30″ |
| Crime index | 34.57 | 16.18 |
Iowa Sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- In the last presidential election, Iowa leaned Republican, while Madison supported Democratic.
- Comparable summer highs of about 84ºF in Iowa match those of 82ºF in Madison. With similarly warm temperatures, adjusting to your new climate might prove easy. Consider examining humidity, climate patterns, and energy demands for a full representation of how summers will unfold in your new home.
- Winter lows in Iowa average about 10ºF, while Madison usually dips to 10ºF. Since the temperatures are similar, you can expect steady seasonal routines and costs without big surprises.
- In Iowa, you’ll see about 35 inches of rain each year, almost the same as the 36 inches you’re familiar with in Madison. Even with similar totals, don’t overlook differences in how and when that rain falls.
- In Iowa, you can expect about 30 inches of snow each year, much less than the 42 inches you’d deal with in Madison. So, if you’re moving to Iowa, get ready for milder winters, less shoveling, and fewer extreme winter weather events.
- Iowa has a lower crime rate than Madison, with indexes at 16.18 vs 34.57. A lower crime rate usually means safer neighborhoods and extra peace of mind.
Other considerations when moving to Iowa
If you’re moving from Madison to Iowa, there’s more to do than just booking a moving crew and transporting your stuff. Be sure you’re on top of local regulations, permits, and any logistics that might affect your move.
- HOA rules: Confirm whether your HOA has any moving restrictions or requirements before scheduling your movers.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, you’ll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- Truck parking permits: Certain cities ask you to get parking permits for moving trucks or large vehicles. Check in advance to see if you’ll need one for your move.
- 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 is fully licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can check a Iowa moving license anytime on the state’s official regulatory website.
- Moving permits: You won’t need a moving permit in Iowa, but make 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 and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Iowa. Get started here.
- Moving insurance: Insurance requirements vary from state to state. Choose cost-free Released Value Protection from movers for basic coverage at 60 cents per pound.
- Moving checklist: Use a checklist to move with confidence. Our moving checklist keeps you organized and ensures everything’s covered, so you can relax and focus on the move.
Things to do in Iowa
No matter what you’re into, from parks and museums to sports or college-town vibes—Iowa is packed with things for you to explore and enjoy.
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
FAQ
How long does a move from Madison to Iowa take?
Curious about how long it’ll take to move from Madison, WI to Iowa? Typically, the process takes about one to four days, but the service you choose can affect the timeline. Keep in mind that if you’re planning a summer move, things might take a bit longer due to higher demand.
Keep your move on track by confirming delivery timelines with your movers ahead of time. That way, you won’t get stuck with any surprise delays.
How many Madison movers provide custom crating for art or antiques?
There are two movers in Madison that offer custom-built crates for delicate or unusual items like artwork, antique pieces, and electronics. If you need special crating, confirm with a Madison moving company that they can accommodate your specific items.
What is the best way to get a car from Madison to Iowa?
Looking to move your car from Madison to Iowa? Choose a service that puts professionalism and vehicle care first, backed by real experience. Check out our top picks for car shippers from Wisconsin to Iowa.
Why are people moving from Madison to Iowa?
Many people are moving to Iowa because of its low cost of living and ample economic opportunity.
Read more about the Pros & cons of moving to Iowa.
Where can I find a list of long-distance moving companies in Madison?
Here are our top picks for the best long-distance movers in Madison.
Do movers in Madison, WI, accept cash?
At this time, no movers in Madison take cash payments. Because cash is hard to track, most moving companies rely on cards, ACH, or certified checks. Expect to pay a deposit upfront to reserve your date and crew. Your remaining balance is then paid at pickup or after delivery according to the company’s policy—ask about the exact timing and options.
Helpful moving resources
Wisconsin moving services
Popular Wisconsin routes
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