How we chose the best moving companies for your WV to IA move
After studying pricing from 10 West Virginia movers, the moveBuddha team identified the highest-rated options by weighing customer feedback, reviews, and affordability.
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Customer satisfaction (40%): Consistent punctuality, clear updates, and costs that align with the estimate.
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Dispute resolution (20%): Admits faults and prioritizes fair, practical fixes for customers.
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Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.
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Online reputation (15%): Keeps an accurate site and responds promptly and professionally to inquiries.
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Service options (10%): Covers everything from full packing to storage, special handling, and rush delivery.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
How much does it cost to move from West Virginia to Iowa?
Check out the table below for average
moving cost estimates from West Virginia to Iowa.
You’ll find prices organized by home size and type of moving service, making it easy to compare your options.
| Move size |
Moving company |
Moving container |
Rental truck |
| Studio / 1 bedroom |
$1,136 – $4,393 |
$766 – $1,879 |
$578 – $1,113 |
| 2-3 bedrooms |
$2,245 – $5,897 |
$1,294 – $2,610 |
$631 – $1,208 |
| 4+ bedrooms |
$4,141 – $8,255 |
$1,905 – $3,696 |
$736 – $1,575 |
*Estimated costs for a 868-mile move from WV to
IA are shown here, calculated from moveBuddha’s
dataset as of Dec 11, 2025. We compile thousands of verified price points from movers nationwide
and update them monthly to reflect seasonal variability and market dynamics. Actual charges can vary
with shipment size, extra services, parking/access limitations, fuel prices, and scheduling.
For the most accurate pricing, compare quotes from several moving companies.
Cost to hire movers from West Virginia to Iowa
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from West Virginia to Iowa will cost between
$1,136 and
$4,393.
The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from WV to IA will
range from $2,245 to
$5,897, and a large move from West Virginia
to Iowa will cost from $4,141
to $8,255.
Cost of moving containers from West Virginia to Iowa
If you’re moving from West Virginia to Iowa,
expect to pay between $766
and $1,879 for a small load.
For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from
$1,294 up to
$2,610.
Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $1,905 and
$3,696. Check out our guide on
PODS cost for more details.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies
for your move from West Virginia.
Cost of moving truck rentals from West Virginia 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, expect to spend between
$578 and
$1,113.
For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $631
and $1,208. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home?
You’re likely looking at anywhere from $736 up to
$1,575 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Factors affecting the cost of moving from WV to IA
A few key things can affect how much it costs to move from West Virginia to Iowa. Here’s what might influence your total price:
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Everything you’re taking with you: More stuff to transport means a bigger bill compared to a lighter load.
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Time of year: The peak moving season in West Virginia is in the summer, so moving companies will likely charge more.
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DIY or full-service help: Handling the move yourself costs less, but hiring pros saves you the heavy lifting.
What to know before moving from WV to IA
A relocation from West Virginia to Iowa comes with changes worth comparing, from lifestyle shifts to daily routines.
Cost of living: West Virginia vs. Iowa
Comparing expenses in West Virginia and Iowa shows how much everyday living can vary. This side-by-side view of income, unemployment, taxes, and housing sheds light on where your money may go further:
|
West Virginia |
Iowa |
| Average rent |
$899 |
$914 |
| Average home cost |
$168,172 |
$220,277 |
| Average income (per capita) |
$55,217 |
$70,571 |
| Cost of living index |
90 |
89 |
| Unemployment rate |
4.2% |
3.0% |
| Average sales tax |
6.0% |
6.94% |
| State income tax |
6.5% |
4.4% |
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You don’t have to stress about your housing budget. Rental rates will be about the same if you’re moving from West Virginia to Iowa.
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Be sure to budget for a higher monthly mortgage payment, as home prices are about 31% higher in Iowa than in West Virginia.
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Here’s some great news: average incomes are about 28% higher in Iowa compared to West Virginia. That means you’ll likely have more to save or invest each month.
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Since the cost of living is about the same in Iowa and West Virginia, you don’t have to stress about your budget. Just focus on choosing the lifestyle and environment that suit you best.
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With an unemployment rate about 29% lower than West Virginia, Iowa boasts a stronger job market and a vibrant economy, which is encouraging if you’re thinking about making a move.
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Sales taxes are 16% higher in Iowa than in West Virginia, so you’ll pay extra for everyday purchases like clothes, electronics, dining out, and household items.
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Income taxes are 32% lower in Iowa than in West Virginia. Lower income tax rates mean less money withheld from your paycheck, giving you more flexibility to save, invest, or cover everyday expenses.
How life is different in Iowa vs. West Virginia
Relocating to a new state is about more than finding a job or a place to live.
It’s about how your day-to-day life will feel. Things like weather, safety, local culture,
and the size of your community will all play a part in your overall experience. Here’s a side-by-side look
at how life in Iowa stacks up against West Virginia across important lifestyle factors:
|
Iowa |
West Virginia |
| Population |
3,207,004 |
1,782,959 |
| Political leaning |
Republican 53-45 |
Republican 69-30 |
| Summer high |
84ºF |
83ºF |
| Winter low |
10ºF |
21ºF |
| Annual rain |
35″ |
45″ |
| Annual snow |
30″ |
33″ |
| Crime index |
16.18 |
17.47 |
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Iowa is about 80% more populous than West Virginia.
With a larger population, you can usually expect upgraded infrastructure — better hospitals, schools, public transit, and more entertainment options.
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During the last presidential election, both West Virginia and Iowa supported the Republican candidate.
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In Iowa, summer highs hover around 84°F, while West Virginia sits at 83°F.
Since they’re nearly the same, you shouldn’t notice a big difference, though seasonal patterns could still vary.
-
During the coldest part of the year, Iowa drops to about 10°F while West Virginia only reaches 21°F.
Moving to Iowa with its colder winters means preparing for higher heating costs and more intense weather — but it also brings unique seasonal beauty.
-
You’ll enjoy about 35 inches of rain each year in Iowa, compared to 45 inches in West Virginia.
With less rain, you can look forward to more sunshine, plenty of time outdoors, and fewer weather-related interruptions, making this a refreshing climate.
-
In Iowa, you’ll get about 30 inches of snow each year.
Meanwhile, West Virginia averages around 33 inches annually.
With similar snowfall in both places, your move should be pretty straightforward.
-
Iowa has a lower crime rate than West Virginia with a crime index of 16.18 vs. 17.47.
A lower crime rate is a great sign. It typically means safer streets, stronger communities, and fewer disruptions. While it’s not the only factor to consider, it adds valuable peace of mind to your move.
Comparing the pros of West Virginia vs. Iowa
Starting over somewhere new is always exciting.
Check out this quick comparison of what life’s like in Iowa versus West Virginia:
| Pros of living in West Virginia |
Pros of living in Iowa |
| Low cost of living |
Low cost of living |
| Abundant outdoor activities |
Ample economic opportunity |
| 4 distinct seasons of weather |
High quality of education |
| Immense natural beauty |
No traffic |
| Relaxed small cities and towns |
Beautiful outdoors |
Comparing the cons of living in West Virginia vs. Iowa
Moving from West Virginia to Iowa comes with its own set of challenges.
Keep these things in mind to make your move smoother:
| Cons of living in West Virginia |
Cons of living in Iowa |
| Dismal economy |
Severe weather conditions |
| High rates of crime |
Limited recreational opportunities |
| High rates of drug abuse |
High taxes |
| Shrinking population |
High emphasis on politics |
| Lack of diversity |
Rustic food |
Other things to consider for your West Virginia to Iowa move
-
HOA rules:
Take a moment to review your neighborhood or community guidelines before moving day to ensure everything goes off without a hitch and you don’t run into any unexpected issues.
-
Elevator reservation:
Reserve your building’s elevator in advance and review any moving day guidelines beforehand.
-
Parking permits:
Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles. Find out about your new local rules ahead of time.
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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. Verify that your moving company is properly licensed before booking their services.
-
State regulator:
Easily verify a Iowa moving license and its current status on the official state regulator’s website, here.
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Moving permits:
You won’t need a moving permit in Iowa, but it’s a good idea to review local parking rules ahead of your move.
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Change of address:
Submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. That way, once you’ve locked in your moving date, your mail will start forwarding to Iowa without a hitch. Get started here.
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Mover’s insurance:
Interstate moving companies are required under federal law to provide basic insurance, also called “released value protection,” free of charge to all moving customers. Choose cost-free Released Value Protection from movers for basic coverage at 60 cents per pound.
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Moving checklist:
Nothing beats peace of mind. Use our moving checklist to make sure you haven’t missed a thing.
Things to do in Iowa
Get ready to discover all that Iowa has to offer. Here are some must-see places to check out in your new 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 West Virginia to Iowa?
Do movers transport your car from West Virginia to Iowa?
What are the benefits of moving from West Virginia to Iowa?
The main reasons people are moving from West Virginia to Iowa are the amazing upsides of living in Iowa, such as low cost of living and ample economic opportunity.
Is it cheaper to live in West Virginia or Iowa?
Living in West Virginia usually costs less than in Iowa.
While the overall cost of living is similar for both states, housing
is much more affordable in West Virginia,
with average rent about 2% less and home prices 24% lower than in Iowa.
However, taxes are
lower in Iowa, most notably income taxes, which are more than 30% less than those paid by West Virginia residents.
How much should you make a year to live comfortably in Iowa?
You should make approximately $63,616 as a single adult with no children to live comfortably in Iowa.
The cost of living in Iowa is about $2,436 per month for an individual and $5,230 for a family of four.
Exact expenses will vary depending on your city. Larger cities like Des Moines and Cedar Rapids tend to be more expensive than smaller towns.
Helpful moving resources
West Virginia moving services
Popular West Virginia routes
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When moving from West Virginia to Iowa, expect to spend between
$2,245–$5,897 if using professional movers, about
$1,952 for a moving container, and around
$919
for a rental truck.
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