($1,336) Cost of Moving From North Dakota to Iowa

Quick answer: The average cost to move from North Dakota to Iowa ranges from $560 to $6,924 and takes one–six 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
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
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  • Certified crews
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  • Specialty packing services
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  • 80+ years' experience
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  • 1,800 trucks
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Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our moving from Iowa to North Dakota guide.

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The best North Dakota to Iowa full-service movers

Moving from North Dakota to Iowa? 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 North Dakota for your Iowa relocation:

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
Most Experienced Mover
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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
Best for Contents Coverage
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.75 / 5
(866) 935-3437
At A Glance
  • Fragile packing
  • Storage options
  • 24/7 shipment tracking
  • Quick & efficient
  • Accurate quotes
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(866) 935-3437
Best customized Plans
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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
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(844) 950-2963

The best North Dakota to Iowa 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 North Dakota and drop it off at your new home in Iowa.

Check out these highly rated moving container companies:

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  • Unlimited storage
  • 3 container sizes
  • 10% discount
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  • Fast delivery
  • Nationwide
  • 100+ miles moves
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Affordable pricing
  • Offers car shipping
  • No hidden fees

The best North Dakota to Iowa moving truck rentals

Moving truck rentals are the most cost-effective way to move from North Dakota to Iowa, 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:

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.3 / 5
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  • Affordable pricing
  • Online pricing
  • Several discounts
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4 / 5
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  • Most expensive
  • 4 truck sizes
  • Unlimited mileage
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.15 / 5
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  • Greatest coverage
  • 7 truck sizes
  • One way rentals

The best North Dakota to Iowa 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 North Dakota to Iowa:

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  • Hire moving labor
  • Online quotes
  • Nationwide
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.3 / 5
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  • Online booking
  • Move Concierge
  • Affordable

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

moveBuddha’s expert team analyzed moving rates from 9 North Dakota 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 North Dakota to Iowa?

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

Move size Moving company Moving container Rental truck
Studio / 1 Bedroom $1,336 - $4,562 $709 - $1,879 $493 - $946
2 - 3 bedrooms $2,743 - $6,924 $1,371 - $2,659 $560 - $1,169
4+ bedrooms $4,629 - $9,879 $1,871 - $3,454 $729 - $1,445

*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 713 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 North Dakota to Iowatoggle

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from North Dakota to Iowa will cost between $1,336 and $4,562. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from ND to IA will range from $2,743 to $6,924, and a large move from North Dakota to Iowa will cost from $4,629 to $9,879.

Cost of moving containers from North Dakota to Iowatoggle

Moving containers from North Dakota to Iowa will cost you $709 to $1,879 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,371 to $2,659. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $1,871 to $3,454. Learn more about PODS cost.

Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of North Dakota.

Cost of moving truck rentals from North Dakota to Iowatoggle

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 $493 to $946. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $560 to $1,169, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms or from North Dakota to Iowa costs from $729 to $1,445.
These estimates include the estimated fuel cost.

Factors affecting the cost of moving from ND to IA

There are many factors that influence North Dakota moving costs. The cost to move from North Dakota 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 North Dakota 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 ND to IA

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

Cost of living: North Dakota vs. Iowa

North Dakota Iowa
Average rent cost $912 $914
Average home cost $263,410 $220,277
Average income (per capita) $73,959 $70,571
Cost of Living Index 96 89
Unemployment rate 2.4% 3.0%
Average Sales Tax 6.96% 6.94%
State Income Tax 2.9% 4.4%
  • Rent is about the same cost in Iowa and North Dakota.
  • Home prices are about 16% lower in Iowa than in North Dakota.
  • The average income is about 5% lower in Iowa than in North Dakota.
  • Cost of living is 7% lower in Iowa than in North Dakota.
  • Iowa has a higher unemployment rate than North Dakota by about 25%.
  • Sales taxes are the same in Iowa and North Dakota.
  • Income taxes are 52% higher in Iowa than in North Dakota.

How life is different in Iowa vs. North Dakota

Iowa North Dakota
Population 3,207,004 783,926
Political leaning Republican 53-45 Republican 68-32
Summer high 84ºF 82ºF
Winter low 10ºF 0ºF
Annual rain 35" 19"
Annual snow 30" 39"
Crime index 16.18 22.74
  • The population of Iowa is approximately 309% greater than the population of North Dakota.
  • In the last presidential election, Iowa voted Republican and North Dakota voted Republican.
  • The average high in the summertime in Iowa is 84ºF and in North Dakota, it’s 82ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, Iowa reaches the temperature of 10ºF and North Dakota gets down to 0ºF.
  • You can expect about 35 inches of annual rainfall in Iowa versus 19 inches of rainfall in North Dakota.
  • In Iowa, it snows about 30 inches annually versus 39 inches of snow in North Dakota.
  • Iowa has a lower crime rate than North Dakota with a crime index of 16.18 vs. 22.74.

Comparing the pros of North Dakota vs. Iowa

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

Pros of living in North Dakota Pros of living in Iowa
Ample economic opportunity Low cost of living
Peaceful rural life Ample economic opportunity
Affordable living costs High quality of education
High-quality education opportunities No traffic
Open rural spaces Beautiful outdoors

Comparing the cons of living in North Dakota vs. Iowa

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 North Dakota for Iowa.

Cons of living in North Dakota Cons of living in Iowa
Long and cold winters Severe weather conditions
Lack of diversity Limited recreational opportunities
Housing shortages High taxes
Small populations High emphasis on politics
Relaxed lifestyle Rustic food

Other things to consider for your North Dakota to Iowa movetoggle

  • 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 Iowatoggle

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 North Dakota to Iowa?toggle

Hiring a full-service North Dakota 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 North Dakota to Iowa?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 North Dakota to Iowa separately through one of the top car shipping companies.

What are the benefits of moving from North Dakota to Iowa?toggle

The main reasons people are moving from North Dakota 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 North Dakota or Iowa?toggle

It is generally cheaper to live in Iowa than in North Dakota. Housing is more affordable in Iowa, with average rent about 0% less and home prices 16.4% lower than in North Dakota. However, taxes are lower in North Dakota, most notably income taxes, which are more than 30% less than those paid by Iowa residents.

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

You should make approximately $29,246 as a single adult with no children to live comfortably in Iowa. The cost of living in Iowa is approximately $946 per month for an individual and $2,190 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 Des Moines and Cedar Rapids will have higher housing costs than those in smaller towns.

Helpful moving resources