$1,284 Movers From San Francisco, CA to Iowa
Quick answer: The cost to move from San Francisco, CA, to Iowa averages from $1,145 to $6,720, 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 1,841 miles is no joke. Hiring a professional San Francisco 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 Francisco, CA guide.
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The best San Francisco to Iowa moving companies
Hiring the right interstate moving company from San Francisco 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 Francisco 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 Francisco to Iowa.
- Safeway Moving: Best overall value
- Mayzlin Relocation: Best for personalized service
- BLVD Moving: Best for quick quotes
- PODS: Best nationwide coverage
- American Van Lines: Most experienced mover
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 Francisco, 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 Francisco to Iowa:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 Bedroom | $1,284 - $4,600 | $1,133 - $2,744 | $1,005 - $1,976 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,336 - $6,720 | $1,941 - $3,977 | $1,145 - $2,496 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,203 - $10,465 | $2,733 - $5,348 | $1,415 - $2,906 |
*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 1,841 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 Francisco, 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 Francisco, 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 Francisco, CA, to Iowa?
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from San Francisco to Iowa will cost between $1,284 to $4,600. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from San Francisco to IA will range from $3,336 to $6,720. A large move from San Francisco to Iowa will cost anywhere from $6,203 to $10,465.
How much are moving containers like PODS from San Francisco, CA, to Iowa?
Moving pods from San Francisco to Iowa will cost you $1,133 to $2,744. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,941 to $3,977. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $2,733 to $5,348. Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving containers for your move from San Francisco to Iowa.
How much is a moving truck from San Francisco, 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 $1,005 to $1,976. A larger move will cost $1,145 to $2,496, and a four-bedroom or bigger move from San Francisco to Iowa costs from $1,415 to $2,906.
Is moving from San Francisco, CA, to Iowa a good idea?
If you’re moving to Iowa from San Francisco, CA, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.
Cost of living: San Francisco, CA, vs Iowa
| San Francisco, CA | Iowa | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $3,220 | $914 |
| Average home cost | $1,234,246 | $220,277 |
| Average income (per capita) | $126,187 | $70,571 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.4% | 3.0% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 4.4% |
Iowa sources: World Population Review, US Census Bureau, US BLS, Tax Foundation
- Rent is about 124% less expensive in Iowa than in San Francisco.
- Home prices are about 131.5% lower in Iowa than in San Francisco.
- The average income is about 60.5% lower in Iowa than in San Francisco.
- Iowa has a lower unemployment rate than San Francisco by about 44.4%.
- Income taxes are 66.92% lower in Iowa than in San Francisco.
How is life different in San Francisco, CA, from Iowa?
| San Francisco, CA | Iowa | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 808,437 | 3,207,004 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 85-13 | Republican 53-45 |
| Summer high | 67ºF | 84ºF |
| Winter low | 46ºF | 10ºF |
| Annual rain | 25" | 35" |
| Annual snow | 0" | 30" |
| Crime index | 54.33 | 16.18 |
Iowa sources: US Census Bureau, 270TOWIN, BestPlaces
- The population of Iowa is approximately 297% greater than the population of San Francisco.
- In the last presidential election, Iowa voted Republican and San Francisco voted Democratic.
- The average high in the summertime in Iowa is 84º F and in San Francisco, it’s 67º F.
- During the coldest part of the year, Iowa reaches the temperature of 10º F and San Francisco gets down to 46º F.
- You can expect about 35 inches of annual rainfall in Iowa vs. 25 inches of rainfall in San Francisco.
- In Iowa, it snows about 30 inches annually vs. 0 inches of snow in San Francisco.
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 Francisco movers?
| Company | Quote | Rating | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
most popular
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Get A Quote |
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1149 Montgomery Ave, San Bruno, CA, 94066 (415) 404-7400 |
| Luigy's Moving & Storage | Get A Quote |
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5550 Mission St, San Francisco, CA, 94112 (415) 413-4646 |
| NorthStar Moving Company | Get A Quote |
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One Bush Plaza Bush St Suite B-182, San Francisco, CA, 94104 (415) 635-3844 |
Visit our best movers in San Francisco 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 Francisco to Iowa
What is the best way to get a car from San Francisco to Iowa?
Need to get your car from San Francisco to Iowa? Use a company that prioritizes professionalism, cares for your vehicle, and is experienced. Here is our list of the best San Francisco to Iowa car shippers.
Why are people moving from San Francisco 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 Francisco?
Here are our top picks for the best long-distance movers in San Francisco.
