($1,181) Moving From Arizona to Iowa

Quick answer: The average cost to move from Arizona to Iowa ranges from $901 to $6,705 and takes three-eight days. The top cost factors are how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned & operated
  • Affordable pricing
  • Same-day estimates
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Unlimited storage
  • 3 container sizes
  • 10% discount
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Certified crews
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Family-owned

Hiring a full-service Arizona moving company will be on the more expensive side, while a rental truck or a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.

You may also want to consider the potential added cost of getting your vehicle or boat to your new home as part of your move. Some full-service movers can coordinate auto transport for you as part of your relocation package for an additional fee. But you can also handle vehicle transport from Arizona to Iowa separately through one of the top car shipping companies.

Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our moving from Iowa to Arizona guide.

Our track record

Recommended by Time Magazine
Recommended by The New York Times
Recommended by Forbes
Recommended by Money.com
Recommended by Consumer Reports
Recommended by Time Magazine
Recommended by The New York Times
Recommended by Forbes
Recommended by Money.com
Recommended by Consumer Reports

Each year, 400,000+ people trust our car shipping recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:

  • Founded in 2015
  • 2,500+ moving companies analyzed
  • $50,000 in moving & auto transport grants delivered
  • Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
  • Fact-checked for accuracy

The best Arizona to Iowa movers

Hiring an interstate moving company from Arizona 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 Arizona to Iowa:

Best Overall Value
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
(855) 650-0657
At A Glance
  • GPS tracking en route
  • Veteran-owned
  • Dedicated move coordinator
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Donates a portion of moves to charity
read our full review
(855) 650-0657
Best for personalized service
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
(980) 217-6841
At A Glance
  • Family-owned, with locations covering the East Coast
  • Full refund if you cancel within 7 days of your move
  • Hands-on customer service
  • 24/7 support
  • Price-matching policy
read our full review
(980) 217-6841
Best for Quick Quotes
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
(844) 794-6004
At A Glance
  • Family owned & operated
  • Affordable pricing
  • Binding estimates
read our full review
(844) 794-6004
Best Nationwide Coverage
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
At A Glance
  • 30 days storage included
  • Local and long distance moving options
  • Unlimited loading/unloading time
  • Store on property or at a facility
read our full review
Check prices
Most Experienced Mover
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
(866) 835-2392
At A Glance
  • Experienced & fully trained moving crews
  • Specializes in moving art & antiques
  • Competitive pricing
  • Can handle last-minute moves
  • Climate-controlled storage
read our full review
(866) 835-2392

If you’re just trying to ship a few items, here’s a list of our recommended services for small moves.

Looking for local Arizona movers?

Company Quote Rating Contact
Gilbert Moving & Storage Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
5 overall rating
6056 E Baseline Rd Suite 149, Mesa, AZ, 85206
(480) 825-8648
NorthStar Moving Company Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.9 overall rating
10000 N. 31st Ave. Suite C100-127, Phoenix, AZ, 85051
(800) 275-7767

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

How much does it cost to move from Arizona to Iowa?

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

Move size Moving company Moving container Rental truck
Studio / 1 Bedroom $1,181 - $4,666 $900 - $2,368 $801 - $1,642
2 - 3 bedrooms $2,908 - $6,705 $1,709 - $3,417 $901 - $1,802
4+ bedrooms $4,908 - $9,178 $2,366 - $4,499 $1,157 - $2,315

*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 1,365 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect your final costs.

Factors affecting the cost of moving from AZ to IA

There are many factors that influence Arizona moving costs. The cost to move from Arizona 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 Arizona 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 Arizona to Iowa?

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Arizona to Iowa will cost between $1,181 and $4,666. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from AZ to IA will range from $2,908 to $6,705, and a large move from Arizona to Iowa will cost from $4,908 to $9,178.

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

Moving containers from Arizona to Iowa will cost you $900 to $2,368 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,709 to $3,417. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $2,366 to $4,499. Learn more about PODS cost.

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

How much is a moving truck from Arizona to Iowa?

A moving rental truck is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.

Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $801 to $1,642. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $901 to $1,802, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms or from Arizona to Iowa costs from $1,157 to $2,315.
These estimates include the estimated fuel cost.

Is moving from Arizona to Iowa a good idea?

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

Cost of living: Arizona vs. Iowa

Arizona Iowa
Average rent cost $1,308 $914
Average home cost $428,711 $220,277
Average income (per capita) $72,581 $70,571
Cost of Living Index 107 89
Unemployment rate 3.6% 3.0%
Average Sales Tax 8.4% 6.94%
State Income Tax 2.5% 4.4%
  • Rent is about 30% less expensive in Iowa than in Arizona.
  • Home prices are about 49% lower in Iowa than in Arizona.
  • The average income is about 3% lower in Iowa than in Arizona.
  • Cost of living is 17% lower in Iowa than in Arizona.
  • Iowa has a lower unemployment rate than Arizona by about 17%.
  • Sales taxes are 17% lower in Iowa than in Arizona.
  • Income taxes are 76% higher in Iowa than in Arizona.

How does life in Iowa differ from Arizona?

Iowa Arizona
Population 3,207,004 7,431,344
Political leaning Republican 53-45 Democrat 56-44
Summer high 84ºF 99ºF
Winter low 10ºF 34ºF
Annual rain 35" 12"
Annual snow 30" 6"
Crime index 16.18 24.89
  • The population of Iowa is approximately 57% lower than the population of Arizona.
  • In the last presidential election, Iowa voted Republican and Arizona voted Democrat.
  • The average high in the summertime in Iowa is 84ºF and in Arizona, it’s 99ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, Iowa reaches the temperature of 10ºF and Arizona gets down to 34ºF.
  • You can expect about thirty-five inches of annual rainfall in Iowa versus twelve inches of rainfall in Arizona.
  • In Iowa, it snows about thirty inches annually versus six inches of snow in Arizona.
  • Iowa has a lower crime rate than Arizona with a crime index of 24.89 vs 16.18.

Comparing the pros of Arizona vs. Iowa

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

Pros of living in Arizona Pros of living in Iowa
Ample economic opportunity Low cost of living
Pleasant weather Ample economic opportunity
Abundant recreational opportunities High quality of education
Cultural diversity No traffic
No traffic Beautiful outdoors

Comparing the cons of living in Arizona vs. Iowa

Not everything is sunshine and rainbows all the time, no matter where you live. Here are some things to be aware of when leaving Arizona for Iowa.

Cons of living in Arizona Cons of living in Iowa
Extreme weather Severe weather conditions
Barren desert land Limited recreational opportunities
Health hazards High taxes
Limited public transportation High emphasis on politics
No winter Rustic food

What to know before your move 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 so that all your mail will get properly forwarded to Iowa. Get started here.
  • 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.
  • Moving Checklist: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.

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

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

The cheapest way to move from Arizona 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 Arizona to Iowa?

The main reasons people are moving from Arizona 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 Arizona or Iowa?

It is generally cheaper to live in Iowa than in Arizona. Housing is much more affordable in Iowa, with average rent about 30% less and home prices 48.6% lower than in Arizona. However, taxes are lower in Arizona, most notably income taxes, which are more than 40% less than those paid by Iowa residents.

How much should you make a year to live comfortably in Iowa?

You should make approximately $0 as a single adult with no children to live comfortably in Arizona. The cost of living in Arizona is approximately $0 per month for an individual and $0 for a family of four. The exact amount you’ll need to live comfortably may be more or less depending on where in Iowa you live For example, larger cities like Altoona and Ames will have higher housing costs than those in smaller towns.

Helpful moving resources