($1,251) Moving From Iowa to New Mexico

Quick answer: The average cost to move from Iowa to New Mexico ranges from $713 to $6,214 and takes two-seven 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.

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Hiring a full-service Iowa 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 Iowa to New Mexico separately through one of the top car shipping companies.

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

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The best Iowa to New Mexico movers

Hiring an interstate moving company from Iowa to New Mexico 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 Iowa to New Mexico:

Best Overall Value
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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
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(855) 650-0657
Best for personalized service
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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
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(980) 217-6841
Best for Quick Quotes
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(844) 794-6004
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  • Family owned & operated
  • Affordable pricing
  • Binding estimates
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(844) 794-6004
Best Nationwide Coverage
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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
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(866) 835-2392
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  • Experienced & fully trained moving crews
  • Specializes in moving art & antiques
  • Competitive pricing
  • Can handle last-minute moves
  • Climate-controlled storage
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(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 Iowa movers?

Company Quote Rating Contact
Adamantine Spine Moving Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.66 overall rating
4701 NW Urbandale Dr., Des Moines, IA, 50322
(319) 519-0154
White Glove Movers Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.66 overall rating
4600 Commercial Ave, Marion, IA, 52302
(319) 393-3000

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

How much does it cost to move from Iowa to New Mexico?

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

Move size Moving company Moving container Rental truck
Studio / 1 Bedroom $1,251 - $4,613 $848 - $1,942 $673 - $1,152
2 - 3 bedrooms $2,539 - $6,214 $1,478 - $2,989 $713 - $1,428
4+ bedrooms $4,177 - $7,964 $2,030 - $4,077 $825 - $1,787

*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 930 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 IA to NM

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

How much does it cost to hire movers from Iowa to New Mexico?

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Iowa to New Mexico will cost between $1,251 and $4,613. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from IA to NM will range from $2,539 to $6,214, and a large move from Iowa to New Mexico will cost from $4,177 to $7,964.

How much are moving containers like PODS from Iowa to New Mexico?

Moving containers from Iowa to New Mexico will cost you $848 to $1,942 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,478 to $2,989. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $2,030 to $4,077. Learn more about PODS cost.

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

How much is a moving truck from Iowa to New Mexico?

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 $673 to $1,152. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $713 to $1,428, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms or from Iowa to New Mexico costs from $825 to $1,787.
These estimates include the estimated fuel cost.

Is moving from Iowa to New Mexico a good idea?

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

Cost of living: Iowa vs. New Mexico

Iowa New Mexico
Average rent cost $806 $857
Average home cost $207,215 $291,722
Average income (per capita) $70,571 $58,722
Cost of Living Index 89 94
Unemployment rate 3.2% 3.8%
Average Sales Tax 6.94% 7.83%
State Income Tax 4.4% 5.9%
  • Rent is about 6% more expensive in New Mexico than in Iowa.
  • Home prices are about 41% higher in New Mexico than in Iowa.
  • The average income is about 17% lower in New Mexico than in Iowa.
  • Cost of living is 6% lower in New Mexico than in Iowa.
  • New Mexico has a higher unemployment rate than Iowa by about 19%.
  • Sales taxes are 13% higher in New Mexico than in Iowa.
  • Income taxes are 34% higher in New Mexico than in Iowa.

How does life in New Mexico differ from Iowa?

New Mexico Iowa
Population 2,113,344 3,200,517
Political leaning Democratic 54-43 Republican 53-45
Summer high 88ºF 84ºF
Winter low 20ºF 10ºF
Annual rain 15" 35"
Annual snow 24" 30"
Crime index 38.81 18.7
  • The population of New Mexico is approximately 34% lower than the population of Iowa.
  • In the last presidential election, New Mexico voted Democratic and Iowa voted Republican.
  • The average high in the summertime in New Mexico is 88ºF and in Iowa, it’s 84ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, New Mexico reaches the temperature of 20ºF and Iowa gets down to 10ºF.
  • You can expect about fifteen inches of annual rainfall in New Mexico versus thirty-five inches of rainfall in Iowa.
  • In New Mexico, it snows about twenty-four inches annually versus thirty inches of snow in Iowa.
  • New Mexico has a higher crime rate than Iowa with a crime index of 38.81 vs 18.7.

Comparing the pros of Iowa vs. New Mexico

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

Pros of living in Iowa Pros of living in New Mexico
Low cost of living Beautiful landscapes
Ample economic opportunity Rich culture
High quality of education Delicious food and wine
No traffic Low cost of living
Beautiful outdoors Abundant outdoor activities

Comparing the cons of living in Iowa vs. New Mexico

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

Cons of living in Iowa Cons of living in New Mexico
Severe weather conditions Bad roads
Limited recreational opportunities Lackluster economy
High taxes Scarce job opportunity
High emphasis on politics Slow life
Rustic food High crime rate

What to know before your move to New Mexico

  • Weather: New Mexico has long been reputable for its pleasant, temperate climate. The eastern third of the state receives the most rainfall while the western third receives the least amount. New Mexico's stable climate and sparse population provide for clearer skies and less light pollution.
  • 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: Movers that operate within the Land of Enchantment are licensed and regulated by the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State Regulator: You can verify a New Mexico moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
  • Moving Permits: New Mexico 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 New Mexico. 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. Opt for Released Value Protection, the cost-free, minimal coverage option from movers. They're responsible for a maximum of 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage, discuss alternatives with your moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
  • Moving Checklist: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.

Things to do in New Mexico

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

  • 1: White Sands National Park
  • 2: Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta
  • 3: Bandelier National Monument
  • 4: Georgia O'Keeffe Museum
  • 5: Carlsbad Caverns National Park
  • 6: Chaco Culture National Historical Park
  • 7: New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science
  • 8: Cumbres-Toltec Scenic Railway
  • 9: Loretto Chapel
  • 10: Sandia Peak Ski & Tramway
  • 11: Petroglyph National Monument
  • 12: Taos Pueblo
  • 13: Santa Rosa Blue Hole
  • 14: Pecos National Historical Park
  • 15: Very Large Array
  • 16: Billy the Kid Museum
  • 17: Wheeler Peak Wilderness
  • 18: International UFO Museum and Research Center
  • 19: ABQ BioPark Botanic Garden
  • 20: Four Corners Monument
  • 21: Cliff’s Amusement Park
  • 22: Ghost Ranch
  • 23: The National Museum of Nuclear Science & History
  • 24: Meow Wolf
  • 25: Wildlife West Nature Park

FAQs

What is the cheapest way to move from Iowa to New Mexico?

The cheapest way to move from Iowa to New Mexico 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 Iowa to New Mexico?

The main reasons people are moving from Iowa to New Mexico are the amazing upsides of living in New Mexico such as beautiful landscapes and rich culture.

Is it cheaper to live in Iowa or New Mexico?

It is generally cheaper to live in Iowa than in New Mexico. Housing is much more affordable in Iowa, with average rent about 6% less and home prices 29% lower than in New Mexico. Taxes are also lower in Iowa, most notably income taxes, which are more than 20% less than those paid by New Mexico residents.

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

You should make approximately $28,183 as a single adult with no children to live comfortably in Arizona. The cost of living in Arizona is approximately $409 per month for an individual and $1,455 for a family of four. The exact amount you’ll need to live comfortably may be more or less depending on where in New Mexico you live For example, larger cities like Alamogordo and Albuquerque will have higher housing costs than those in smaller towns.

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