($1,106) Moving From Maryland to Iowa

Quick answer: The average cost to move from Maryland to Iowa ranges from $735 to $5,685 and takes two-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.

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  • Family owned
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  • Certified crews
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Hiring a full-service Maryland 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 Maryland 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 Maryland guide.

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The best Maryland to Iowa movers

Hiring an interstate moving company from Maryland 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 Maryland 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
Best for Quick Quotes
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
(844) 794-6004
At A Glance
  • 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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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
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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 Maryland movers?

Company Quote Rating Contact
Helix Transfer and Storage Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.96 overall rating
8425 Helgerman Ct, Gaithersburg, MD, 20877
(301) 637-3003

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

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

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

Move size Moving company Moving container Rental truck
Studio / 1 Bedroom $1,106 - $4,504 $825 - $1,911 $647 - $1,229
2 - 3 bedrooms $2,206 - $5,685 $1,406 - $2,915 $735 - $1,401
4+ bedrooms $3,919 - $7,158 $1,936 - $4,068 $861 - $1,759

*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 1,014 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 MD to IA

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

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Maryland to Iowa will cost between $1,106 and $4,504. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from MD to IA will range from $2,206 to $5,685, and a large move from Maryland to Iowa will cost from $3,919 to $7,158.

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

Moving containers from Maryland to Iowa will cost you $825 to $1,911 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,406 to $2,915. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $1,936 to $4,068. Learn more about PODS cost.

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

How much is a moving truck from Maryland 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 $647 to $1,229. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $735 to $1,401, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms or from Maryland to Iowa costs from $861 to $1,759.
These estimates include the estimated fuel cost.

Is moving from Maryland to Iowa a good idea?

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

Cost of living: Maryland vs. Iowa

Maryland Iowa
Average rent cost $1,598 $914
Average home cost $418,438 $220,277
Average income (per capita) $98,461 $70,571
Cost of Living Index 100 89
Unemployment rate 3.0% 3.0%
Average Sales Tax 6.0% 6.94%
State Income Tax 5.75% 4.4%
  • Rent is about 43% less expensive in Iowa than in Maryland.
  • Home prices are about 47% lower in Iowa than in Maryland.
  • The average income is about 28% lower in Iowa than in Maryland.
  • Cost of living is 11% lower in Iowa than in Maryland.
  • Iowa and Maryland have about the same unemployment rate.
  • Sales taxes are 16% higher in Iowa than in Maryland.
  • Income taxes are 23% lower in Iowa than in Maryland.

How does life in Iowa differ from Maryland?

Iowa Maryland
Population 3,207,004 6,180,253
Political leaning Republican 53-45 Democratic 63-34.4
Summer high 84ºF 87ºF
Winter low 10ºF 25ºF
Annual rain 35" 44"
Annual snow 30" 19"
Crime index 16.18 20.34
  • The population of Iowa is approximately 48% lower than the population of Maryland.
  • In the last presidential election, Iowa voted Republican and Maryland voted Democratic.
  • The average high in the summertime in Iowa is 84ºF and in Maryland, it’s 87ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, Iowa reaches the temperature of 10ºF and Maryland gets down to 25ºF.
  • You can expect about thirty-five inches of annual rainfall in Iowa versus forty-four inches of rainfall in Maryland.
  • In Iowa, it snows about thirty inches annually versus nineteen inches of snow in Maryland.
  • Iowa has a lower crime rate than Maryland with a crime index of 20.34 vs 16.18.

Comparing the pros of Maryland vs. Iowa

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

Pros of living in Maryland Pros of living in Iowa
Delicious food Low cost of living
Ample economic opportunity Ample economic opportunity
Diverse outdoor activities High quality of education
Beautiful coastline No traffic
Rich history Beautiful outdoors

Comparing the cons of living in Maryland 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 Maryland for Iowa.

Cons of living in Maryland Cons of living in Iowa
High cost of living Severe weather conditions
Bad traffic Limited recreational opportunities
High crime High taxes
High homelessness High emphasis on politics
Peculiar alcohol laws 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 Maryland to Iowa?

The cheapest way to move from Maryland 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 Maryland to Iowa?

The main reasons people are moving from Maryland 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 Maryland or Iowa?

It is generally cheaper to live in Iowa than in Maryland. Housing is much more affordable in Iowa, with average rent about 43% less and home prices 47.4% lower than in Maryland. Taxes are also lower in Iowa, most notably income taxes, which are more than 20% less than those paid by Maryland 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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