($958) Moving From Iowa to Wisconsin

Quick answer: The average cost to move from Iowa to Wisconsin ranges from $339 to $4,726 and takes one-four 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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  • Family owned
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  • Certified crews
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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 Wisconsin separately through one of the top car shipping companies.

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

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The best Iowa to Wisconsin movers

Hiring an interstate moving company from Iowa to Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin:

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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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
(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
Claeys Brothers Moving & Storage Inc Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.72 overall rating
5600 Harbor Dr, Sioux City, IA, 51111
(712) 252-1335
Action Moving & Storage, Inc. Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.52 overall rating
514 Clark St, Sioux City, IA, 51101
(712) 252-1938

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 Wisconsin?

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

Move size Moving company Moving container Rental truck
Studio / 1 Bedroom $958 - $3,084 $570 - $1,434 $296 - $589
2 - 3 bedrooms $1,547 - $4,726 $1,143 - $2,132 $339 - $684
4+ bedrooms $2,389 - $5,916 $1,395 - $2,573 $431 - $785

*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 324 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 WI

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

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Iowa to Wisconsin will cost between $958 and $3,084. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from IA to WI will range from $1,547 to $4,726, and a large move from Iowa to Wisconsin will cost from $2,389 to $5,916.

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

Moving containers from Iowa to Wisconsin will cost you $570 to $1,434 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,143 to $2,132. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $1,395 to $2,573. 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 Wisconsin?

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 $296 to $589. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $339 to $684, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms or from Iowa to Wisconsin costs from $431 to $785.
These estimates include the estimated fuel cost.

Is moving from Iowa to Wisconsin a good idea?

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

Cost of living: Iowa vs. Wisconsin

Iowa Wisconsin
Average rent cost $914 $1,100
Average home cost $220,277 $306,566
Average income (per capita) $70,571 $72,458
Cost of Living Index 89 99
Unemployment rate 3.0% 2.9%
Average Sales Tax 6.94% 5.43%
State Income Tax 4.4% 7.65%
  • Rent is about 20% more expensive in Wisconsin than in Iowa.
  • Home prices are about 39% higher in Wisconsin than in Iowa.
  • The average income is about 3% higher in Wisconsin than in Iowa.
  • Cost of living is 11% lower in Wisconsin than in Iowa.
  • Wisconsin has a lower unemployment rate than Iowa by about 3%.
  • Sales taxes are 22% lower in Wisconsin than in Iowa.
  • Income taxes are 74% higher in Wisconsin than in Iowa.

How does life in Wisconsin differ from Iowa?

Wisconsin Iowa
Population 5,910,955 3,207,004
Political leaning Republican 51-49 Republican 53-45
Summer high 81ºF 84ºF
Winter low 7ºF 10ºF
Annual rain 34" 35"
Annual snow 48" 30"
Crime index 16.82 16.18
  • The population of Wisconsin is approximately 84% greater than the population of Iowa.
  • In the last presidential election, Wisconsin voted Republican and Iowa voted Republican.
  • The average high in the summertime in Wisconsin is 81ºF and in Iowa, it’s 84ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, Wisconsin reaches the temperature of 7ºF and Iowa gets down to 10ºF.
  • You can expect about thirty-four inches of annual rainfall in Wisconsin versus thirty-five inches of rainfall in Iowa.
  • In Wisconsin, it snows about forty-eight inches annually versus thirty inches of snow in Iowa.
  • Wisconsin has a higher crime rate than Iowa with a crime index of 16.82 vs 16.18.

Comparing the pros of Iowa vs. Wisconsin

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

Pros of living in Iowa Pros of living in Wisconsin
Low cost of living Low cost of living
Ample economic opportunity High quality of life
High quality of education Abundant outdoor recreational activities
No traffic Unique tasty food
Beautiful outdoors Borders great lakes

Comparing the cons of living in Iowa vs. Wisconsin

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 Wisconsin.

Cons of living in Iowa Cons of living in Wisconsin
Severe weather conditions High tax burden
Limited recreational opportunities Extreme seasonal weather
High taxes Lack of diversity
High emphasis on politics Poor roads
Rustic food High rate of alcoholism

What to know before your move to Wisconsin

  • Weather: Wisconsin has warm-summers humid continental climate while the southern and southwestern portions are classified as hot-summer humid continental climate. Wisconsin also receives a large amount of regular snowfall averaging around 40 inches. Be sure to check your local weather station if you are planning your move for the summer.
  • 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 providing in-state relocation services in the Badger State must register with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT), but strictly speaking, it’s not a regulated state. However, movers must comply with individual insurance, licensing, and other state laws and regulations. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State Regulator: You can verify a Wisconsin moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
  • Moving Permits: Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin. 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. For a secure move in Wisconsin, explore movers' insurance options to safeguard your belongings. Many moving companies offer Released Value Protection at no extra cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. Elevate your protection with discussions on Full Value Protection or explore customized plans from third-party insurance providers. Understand coverage limits, potential extra costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision on your Wisconsin state moving insurance. Ensure a smooth and protected relocation experience with the right insurance coverage.
  • Moving Checklist: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.

Things to do in Wisconsin

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

  • Waterparks, Wisconsin Dells
  • Harley-Davidson Museum, Milwaukee
  • Door County
  • Olbrich Botanical Gardens, Madison
  • The Green Bay Packers: Lambeau Field And The Walk Of Legends
  • Circus World Museum, Baraboo
  • Geneva Lake Shore Path, Lake Geneva
  • Wisconsin State Capitol
  • EAA AirVenture Show And Museum, Oshkosh
  • Cave of the Mounds, Blue Mounds
  • Taliesin Preservation
  • House on the Rock
  • Devil’s Lake State Park
  • National Railroad Museum
  • Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory
  • Pattison State Park
  • Lake Minocqua
  • Wisconsin Great River Road
  • Bay Beach Amusement Park
  • Wisconsin Ice Age Trail

FAQs

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

The cheapest way to move from Iowa to Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin?

The main reasons people are moving from Iowa to Wisconsin are the amazing upsides of living in Wisconsin such as low cost of living and high quality of life.

Is it cheaper to live in Iowa or Wisconsin?

It is generally cheaper to live in Iowa than in Wisconsin. Housing is much more affordable in Iowa, with average rent about 17% less and home prices 28% lower than in Wisconsin. Taxes are also lower in Iowa, most notably income taxes, which are more than 40% less than those paid by Wisconsin residents.

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

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 Wisconsin you live For example, larger cities like Allouez and Appleton will have higher housing costs than those in smaller towns.

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