$1,316 Movers From San Diego, CA to Iowa

Quick answer: The cost to move from San Diego, CA, to Iowa averages from $1,196 to $7,201, and can take anywhere from five-sixteen days, depending on the size, date, and distance of your move and whether you hire professional movers or handle it yourself.

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Moving 1,790 miles is no joke. Hiring a professional San Diego moving company will be on the more expensive side, while renting a 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 San Diego, CA guide.

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The best San Diego to Iowa moving companies

Hiring the right interstate moving company from San Diego to Iowa is no small task. Luckily, we’re here to make your decision a little easier. We have analyzed 4,400 moving companies across the U.S. — including 40 local movers in San Diego and 267 throughout the Hawkeye State — and narrowed them down to the best of the best based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services.

Here are the best long-distance moving companies serving San Diego to Iowa.

Use our >moving cost calculator to get a more accurate estimate for your moving needs.

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 San Diego, CA, to Iowa?

Here are the average price ranges for hiring a professional moving company, renting a moving container, or using a moving truck to move from San Diego to Iowa:

Move size Moving company Moving container Rental truck
Studio / 1 Bedroom $1,316 - $5,023 $1,158 - $2,832 $1,062 - $2,043
2 - 3 bedrooms $3,449 - $7,201 $1,946 - $4,265 $1,196 - $2,505
4+ bedrooms $6,138 - $10,385 $2,605 - $5,677 $1,449 - $3,096

*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 1,790 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.

The cost to move from San Diego, CA, to Iowa will depend on:

  • Move size: The amount of items you have — as well as your home size and layout — will impact the total cost of your relocation.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in San Diego, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • DIY vs. professional mover: DIY moving services are usually cheaper but involve more work and stress compared to hiring the pros.

How much does it cost to hire movers from San Diego, CA, to Iowa?

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from San Diego to Iowa will cost between $1,316 to $5,023. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from San Diego to IA will range from $3,449 to $7,201. A large move from San Diego to Iowa will cost anywhere from $6,138 to $10,385.

How much are moving containers like PODS from San Diego, CA, to Iowa?

Moving pods from San Diego to Iowa will cost you $1,158 to $2,832. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,946 to $4,265. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $2,605 to $5,677. Learn more about PODS cost.

Here are the cheapest moving containers for your move from San Diego to Iowa.

How much is a moving truck from San Diego, CA, 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 $1,062 to $2,043. A larger move will cost $1,196 to $2,505, and a four-bedroom or bigger move from San Diego to Iowa costs from $1,449 to $3,096.

Is moving from San Diego, CA, to Iowa a good idea?

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

Cost of living: San Diego, CA, vs Iowa

San Diego, CA Iowa
Average rent cost $2,895 $806
Average home cost $961,892 $207,215
Average income (per capita) $71,251 $70,571
Unemployment rate 6.6% 3.2%
State income tax 13.3% 4.4%
  • Rent is about 132% less expensive in Iowa than in San Diego.
  • Home prices are about 101.2% lower in Iowa than in San Diego.
  • The average income is about the same in Iowa and San Diego.
  • Iowa has a lower unemployment rate than San Diego by about 70.8%.
  • Income taxes are 66.92% lower in Iowa than in San Diego.

How is life different in San Diego, CA, from Iowa?

San Diego, CA Iowa
Population 1,386,932 3,200,517
Political leaning Democratic 60-37 Republican 53-45
Summer high 79ºF 84ºF
Winter low 46ºF 10ºF
Annual rain 12" 35"
Annual snow 0" 30"
Crime index 23.28 18.7
  • The population of Iowa is approximately 131% greater than the population of San Diego.
  • In the last presidential election, Iowa voted Republican and San Diego voted Democratic.
  • The average high in the summertime in Iowa is 84º F and in San Diego, it’s 79º F.
  • During the coldest part of the year, Iowa reaches the temperature of 10º F and San Diego gets down to 46º F.
  • You can expect about 35 inches of annual rainfall in Iowa vs. 12 inches of rainfall in San Diego.
  • In Iowa, it snows about 30 inches annually vs. 0 inches of snow in San Diego.

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: If your building has an elevator, you’ll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
  • Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
  • 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 forwarded to Iowa. Get started here.
  • Moving 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 San Diego movers?

Company Quote Rating Contact
24/7 Moving and Storage Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.62 overall rating
2622 Piantino Cir, San Diego, CA, 92108
(888) 296-0078
Stella Moving & Delivery Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.62 overall rating
2291 Dunlop St Business Unit #20, San Diego, CA, 92111
(619) 393-6426

Visit our best movers in San Diego page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

What to do in Iowa

Whether you’re looking for parks, museums, sports, or even universities, you’ll be happy to find a plethora of these in Iowa.

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
  • Union Pacific Railroad Museum
  • Buffalo Bill Museum
  • John Deere Tractor & Engine Museum
  • Old Capitol Museum
  • Okoboji Classic Cars
  • Des Moines Art Center
  • Iowa Great Lakes Maritime Museum
  • Pottawattamie County Squirrel Cage Jail and Museum
  • Sioux City Public Museum
  • State Historical Museum

Parks in Iowa

  • Vander Veer Botanical Park
  • Gray's Lake Park
  • Pappajohn Sculpture Park
  • Eagle Point Park
  • Terry Trueblood Recreational Area
  • Clear Lake State Park
  • Mines of Spain Recreation Area
  • Eagle Point Park
  • Raccoon River Park
  • Big Woods Lake Recreation Area
  • West Lake Park
  • Centennial Park
  • Effigy Mounds National Monument
  • Rand Park
  • Bayliss Park

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
  • Drake University
  • Luther College
  • Cornell College
  • Wartburg College
  • St. Ambrose University
  • Dordt University
  • Central College
  • Coe College
  • Simpson College
  • Buena Vista University

FAQs: Moving from San Diego to Iowa

What is the best way to get a car from San Diego to Iowa?

Need to get your car from San Diego to Iowa? Use a company that prioritizes professionalism, cares for your vehicle, and is experienced. Here is our list of the best San Diego to Iowa car shippers.

Why are people moving from San Diego to Iowa?

Many people are moving to Iowa because of its low cost of living and ample economic opportunity.

Where can I find a list of long-distance moving companies in San Diego?

Here are our top picks for the best long-distance movers in San Diego.

Related articles to your move

Learn more about Iowa