($1,112) Moving From Indiana to Iowa

Quick answer: The average cost to move from Indiana to Iowa ranges from $415 to $4,884 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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Hiring a full-service Indiana 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 Indiana to Iowa separately through one of the top car shipping companies.

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

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The best Indiana to Iowa movers

Hiring an interstate moving company from Indiana to Iowa 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 Indiana to Iowa:

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
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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 Indiana movers?

Company Quote Rating Contact
Planes Moving & Storage Company Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.8 overall rating
2635 Planes Dr, Indianapolis, IN, 46219
(317) 895-1444
Two Guys And A Truck Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.8 overall rating
5702 Dr Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Anderson, IN, 46013
(317) 776-1447

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

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

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

Move size Moving company Moving container Rental truck
Studio / 1 Bedroom $1,112 - $2,890 $644 - $1,594 $417 - $735
2 - 3 bedrooms $1,931 - $4,884 $1,174 - $2,174 $415 - $845
4+ bedrooms $3,276 - $6,924 $1,515 - $2,849 $512 - $1,018

*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 477 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 IN to IA

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

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Indiana to Iowa will cost between $1,112 and $2,890. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from IN to IA will range from $1,931 to $4,884, and a large move from Indiana to Iowa will cost from $3,276 to $6,924.

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

Moving containers from Indiana to Iowa will cost you $644 to $1,594 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,174 to $2,174. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $1,515 to $2,849. Learn more about PODS cost.

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

How much is a moving truck from Indiana 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 $417 to $735. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $415 to $845, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms or from Indiana to Iowa costs from $512 to $1,018.
These estimates include the estimated fuel cost.

Is moving from Indiana to Iowa a good idea?

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

Cost of living: Indiana vs. Iowa

Indiana Iowa
Average rent cost $844 $914
Average home cost $228,879 $220,277
Average income (per capita) $67,173 $70,571
Cost of Living Index 91 89
Unemployment rate 3.6% 3.0%
Average Sales Tax 7.0% 6.94%
State Income Tax 3.15% 4.4%
  • Rent is about 8% more expensive in Iowa than in Indiana.
  • Home prices are about 4% lower in Iowa than in Indiana.
  • The average income is about 5% higher in Iowa than in Indiana.
  • Cost of living is 2% lower in Iowa than in Indiana.
  • Iowa has a lower unemployment rate than Indiana by about 17%.
  • Sales taxes are the same in Iowa and Indiana.
  • Income taxes are 40% higher in Iowa than in Indiana.

How does life in Iowa differ from Indiana?

Iowa Indiana
Population 3,207,004 6,833,037
Political leaning Republican 53-45 Republican 57-41
Summer high 84ºF 85ºF
Winter low 10ºF 19ºF
Annual rain 35" 43"
Annual snow 30" 22"
Crime index 16.18 19.72
  • The population of Iowa is approximately 53% lower than the population of Indiana.
  • In the last presidential election, Iowa voted Republican and Indiana voted Republican.
  • The average high in the summertime in Iowa is 84ºF and in Indiana, it’s 85ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, Iowa reaches the temperature of 10ºF and Indiana gets down to 19ºF.
  • You can expect about thirty-five inches of annual rainfall in Iowa versus forty-three inches of rainfall in Indiana.
  • In Iowa, it snows about thirty inches annually versus twenty-two inches of snow in Indiana.
  • Iowa has a lower crime rate than Indiana with a crime index of 19.72 vs 16.18.

Comparing the pros of Indiana vs. Iowa

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

Pros of living in Indiana Pros of living in Iowa
Low cost of living Low cost of living
Amiable people Ample economic opportunity
Excellent universities High quality of education
Diverse economies No traffic
Water recreation Beautiful outdoors

Comparing the cons of living in Indiana vs. Iowa

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

Cons of living in Indiana Cons of living in Iowa
Cold and snowy winters Severe weather conditions
Low diversity Limited recreational opportunities
Limited recreational activities High taxes
Limited public transportation High emphasis on politics
Air pollution Rustic food

What to know before your move 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: 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: 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 so that all your mail will get properly forwarded to Iowa. 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 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.

Things to do in Iowa

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

  • Iowa State Capitol
  • Amana Colonies
  • Blank Park Zoo
  • Greater Des Moines Botanical Center
  • Lost Island Waterpark
  • National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium
  • Pikes Peak State Park
  • Visit Okoboji
  • Field of Dreams
  • Grotto of the Redemption
  • National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library
  • Buffalo Bill Museum
  • Herbert Hoover National Historic Site
  • Adventureland Park
  • Maquoketa Caves State Park
  • Pappajohn Sculpture Park
  • Ledges State Park
  • American Gothic House & Center
  • Brucemore
  • Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad

FAQs

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

The cheapest way to move from Indiana to Iowa 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 Indiana to Iowa?

The main reasons people are moving from Indiana to Iowa are the amazing upsides of living in Iowa such as low cost of living and ample economic opportunity.

Is it cheaper to live in Indiana or Iowa?

It is generally cheaper to live in Iowa than in Indiana. While the overall cost of living is similar for both states, housing is more affordable in Iowa, with average rent about 8% less and home prices 3.8% lower than in Indiana. However, taxes are lower in Indiana, most notably income taxes, which are more than 20% less than those paid by Iowa residents.

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

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 Iowa you live For example, larger cities like Altoona and Ames will have higher housing costs than those in smaller towns.

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