($1,309) Cost of Moving From Iowa to Arizona

Quick answer: The average cost to move from Iowa to Arizona ranges from $950 to $6,400 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.

Professional
$1,309 – $2,969
Safeway Moving
star star star star star 4.85 / 5
read our full review
Best overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran owned
Container
$998 – $1,650
Pods
star star star star star 4.8 / 5
read our full review
Unlimited storage
3 container sizes
10% discount
Freight
$907 – $1,529
MovingYourself
star star star star star 4.5 / 5
read our full review
Fast delivery
Nationwide
100+ miles moves
Rental Truck
$854 – $1,569
Budget Truck Rental
star star star star star 4.3 / 5
read our full review
Affordable pricing
Online pricing
Several discounts

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

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

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  • Fact-checked for accuracy

The best Iowa to Arizona full-service movers

Moving from Iowa to Arizona? With thousands of moving companies in the U.S., hiring the right interstate moving company can be a challenge.

To simplify your search, we've selected the most reliable movers based on our detailed analysis of customer reviews, pricing, and service offerings.

Start with these top long-distance moving companies serving Iowa for your Arizona relocation:

Best Overall Value
Licensedcheckmark
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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
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
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
Best customized Plans
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
(844) 950-2963
At A Glance
  • Custom crates for electronics & art
  • Satellite shipment tracking
  • 1,500 local agents covering all 50 states
  • Self-packing option
  • No deposit required
read our full review
(844) 950-2963

The best Iowa to Arizona moving container companies

Moving containers allow you to save money without having to go the full DIY route. While you’ll have to handle loading and unloading, the container company has you covered on transportation — they’ll pick up your pod in Iowa and drop it off at your new home in Arizona.

Check out these highly rated moving container companies:

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
Best value container
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 5 / 5
Check prices Visit Website
At A Glance
  • Long distance moves only
  • Only pay for the space you use
  • No deposit or initial fees
  • Fast delivery time frames
read our full review
Check prices Check prices
best for large moves
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Check prices (352) 322-2920
At A Glance
  • Combines affordability of DIY moving with convenience of a truck and driver
  • Only pay for the truck space you use
  • Offers vehicle shipping
read our full review
Check prices (352) 322-2920

The best Iowa to Arizona moving truck rentals

Moving truck rentals are the most cost-effective way to move from Iowa to Arizona, although they’re also the most labor-intensive. You’ll save big by doing all the heavy lifting and driving.

We like these rental moving trucks:

Best Value Rental
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.3 / 5
Check prices Visit Website
At A Glance
  • Competitive base prices with specialized discounts
  • Round-trip and one-way moves available
  • User-friendly website makes it easy to book the right truck
read our full review
Check prices Check prices
Best Availability
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.15 / 5
Check prices (800) 468-4285
At A Glance
  • More than 20,000 locations with prominent pricing
  • Rental options include everything from pick-up trucks to 26-foot moving trucks
  • Gentle-Ride Suspension add protection to avoid damaging your items during transit
  • U-Box moving containers available if you don't want to drive
read our full review
Check prices (800) 468-4285

The best Iowa to Arizona labor-only movers

If you need help moving some or all of your items into a container or rental truck, you can hire labor-only movers. They’ll send over a professional crew the right size for your move and you’ll pay only for the amount of time they work.

Consider one of these top-notch moving labor companies for your move from Iowa to Arizona:

Best Labor Only
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Check prices Visit Website
At A Glance
  • First call quoting, get a quote in just a couple of minutes
  • Rates are typically 20-40% lower than the industry averages
  • $1,000 money-back service guarantee
  • Fast and accurate delivery times
  • Free damage coverage with additional coverage options
read our full review
Check prices Check prices
Best customer experience
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.3 / 5
(866) 774-5063
At A Glance
  • Quick and easy booking process
  • National 4.75/5 star rating (these guys are good at what they do)
  • Dedicated move concierge specialist
  • Pay as you go service. 2-hour minimum and then prorated down to the minute
  • The time clock starts when the movers arrive and ends when you tell them
read our full review
(866) 774-5063

How we chose the best moving companies for your IA to AZ movetoggle

moveBuddha’s expert team analyzed moving rates from 24 Iowa movers and listed the top movers based on customer satisfaction, reviews, and cost.

Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.

Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.

Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.

Online reputation (15%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information. The company promptly and professionally responds to online customer inquiries.

Service options (10%): We look for companies with a deep breadth of services including full packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery.

Here is our full moving company rating methodology.

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

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

Move size Moving company Moving container Rental truck
Studio / 1 Bedroom $1,309 - $4,726 $998 - $2,449 $854 - $1,552
2 - 3 bedrooms $2,863 - $6,400 $1,699 - $3,291 $950 - $1,865
4+ bedrooms $5,126 - $9,675 $2,330 - $4,516 $1,185 - $2,417

*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.

Cost to hire movers from Iowa to Arizonatoggle

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Iowa to Arizona will cost between $1,309 and $4,726. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from IA to AZ will range from $2,863 to $6,400, and a large move from Iowa to Arizona will cost from $5,126 to $9,675.

Cost of moving containers from Iowa to Arizonatoggle

Moving containers from Iowa to Arizona will cost you $998 to $2,449 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,699 to $3,291. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $2,330 to $4,516. Learn more about PODS cost.

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

Cost of moving truck rentals from Iowa to Arizonatoggle

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 $854 to $1,552. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $950 to $1,865, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms or from Iowa to Arizona costs from $1,185 to $2,417.
These estimates include the estimated fuel cost.

Factors affecting the cost of moving from IA to AZ

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

What to know before moving from IA to AZ

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

Cost of living: Iowa vs. Arizona

Iowa Arizona
Average rent cost $914 $1,308
Average home cost $220,277 $428,711
Average income (per capita) $70,571 $72,581
Cost of Living Index 89 107
Unemployment rate 3.0% 3.6%
Average Sales Tax 6.94% 8.4%
State Income Tax 4.4% 2.5%
  • Rent is about 43% more expensive in Arizona than in Iowa.
  • Home prices are about 95% higher in Arizona than in Iowa.
  • The average income is about 3% higher in Arizona than in Iowa.
  • Cost of living is 20% lower in Arizona than in Iowa.
  • Arizona has a higher unemployment rate than Iowa by about 20%.
  • Sales taxes are 21% higher in Arizona than in Iowa.
  • Income taxes are 43% lower in Arizona than in Iowa.

How life is different in Arizona vs. Iowa

Arizona Iowa
Population 7,431,344 3,207,004
Political leaning Democrat 56-44 Republican 53-45
Summer high 99ºF 84ºF
Winter low 34ºF 10ºF
Annual rain 12" 35"
Annual snow 6" 30"
Crime index 24.89 16.18
  • The population of Arizona is approximately 132% greater than the population of Iowa.
  • In the last presidential election, Arizona voted Democrat and Iowa voted Republican.
  • The average high in the summertime in Arizona is 99ºF and in Iowa, it’s 84ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, Arizona reaches the temperature of 34ºF and Iowa gets down to 10ºF.
  • You can expect about 12 inches of annual rainfall in Arizona versus 35 inches of rainfall in Iowa.
  • In Arizona, it snows about 6 inches annually versus 30 inches of snow in Iowa.
  • Arizona has a higher crime rate than Iowa with a crime index of 24.89 vs. 16.18.

Comparing the pros of Iowa vs. Arizona

Getting a fresh start in a new location is exciting. Here’s a side-by-side look at the perks of living in Arizona compared to Iowa.

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

Comparing the cons of living in Iowa vs. Arizona

Everything can’t be sunshine and rainbows all the time, no matter where you live. Here are some things to be aware of when leaving Iowa for Arizona.

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

Other things to consider for your Iowa to Arizona movetoggle

  • Weather: Arizona may be on of the top states where your move is least likely to be affected by climate due to the unlikelihood of extremely cold days and natural disasters.
  • 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: Though Arizona is largely an “unregulated” state, local moving companies are subject to some Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) and Department of Weights and Measures regulations intended to ensure that they operate safely and ethically. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Arizona moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
  • Moving permits: Arizona 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 Arizona. 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 Released Value Protection for its cost-effectiveness—offered by movers at no extra charge, although it provides minimal coverage. With a liability limit of 60 cents per pound per article, consider this option carefully. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement would only be $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). For comprehensive coverage of your items' full value, consult with your moving company for alternative options or consider third-party insurance providers.
  • Moving checklist: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.

Things to do in Arizonatoggle

While you’re in Arizona, you won’t be bored. These are some of the coolest places to visit in your new home state:

  • Grand Canyon
  • Sedona
  • Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park
  • Hoover Dam
  • Phoenix Zoo
  • Havasu Falls
  • Saguaro National Park
  • Canyon de Chelly National Monument
  • Arizona Science Center
  • Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum
  • Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
  • Meteor Crater Natural Landmark
  • Lake Mead National Recreation Area
  • Petrified Forest National Park
  • Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument
  • Tumacácori National Historical Park
  • London Bridge
  • Horseshoe Bend
  • Desert Botanical Garden
  • Heard Museum

FAQs

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

Hiring a full-service Iowa moving company will be on the more expensive side, while a rental truck or a moving container is usually the cheaper way to go, but requires more work. Here’s our guide for the cheapest way to move out of state.

Do movers transport your car from Iowa to Arizona?toggle

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 Iowa to Arizona separately through one of the top car shipping companies.

What are the benefits of moving from Iowa to Arizona?toggle

The main reasons people are moving from Iowa to Arizona are the amazing upsides of living in Arizona such as ample economic opportunity and pleasant weather.

Is it cheaper to live in Iowa or Arizona?toggle

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 49% 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 Arizona?toggle

You should make approximately $63,151 as a single adult with no children to live comfortably in Arizona. The cost of living in Arizona is approximately $1,747 per month for an individual and $4,546 for a family of four. The exact amount you’ll need to live comfortably may be more or less depending on where in Arizona you live For example, larger cities like Phoenix and Tucson will have higher housing costs than those in smaller towns.

Helpful moving resources