($1,480) Cost of Moving From Oregon to Iowa

Quick answer: The average cost to move from Oregon to Iowa ranges from $1,024 to $7,664 and takes four–15 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.

Professional
$1,480 – $3,448
Safeway Moving
star star star star star 4.85 / 5
read our full review
Best overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran owned
Container
$1,101 – $1,815
Pods
star star star star star 4.8 / 5
read our full review
Unlimited storage
3 container sizes
10% discount
Freight
$923 – $1,617
MovingYourself
star star star star star 4.5 / 5
read our full review
Fast delivery
Nationwide
100+ miles moves
Rental Truck
$1,026 – $1,857
Budget Truck Rental
star star star star star 4.3 / 5
read our full review
Affordable pricing
Online pricing
Several discounts

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

Our track recordtoggle

Recommended by Time Magazine
Recommended by The New York Times
Recommended by Forbes
Recommended by Money.com
Recommended by Consumer Reports
Recommended by Time Magazine
Recommended by The New York Times
Recommended by Forbes
Recommended by Money.com
Recommended by Consumer Reports

Each year, 400,000+ people trust our car shipping recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:

  • Founded in 2015
  • 2,500+ car shipping companies analyzed
  • $50,000 in moving & auto transport grants delivered
  • Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
  • Fact-checked for accuracy

The best Oregon to Iowa full-service movers

Moving from Oregon 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 Oregon for your Iowa relocation:

Best Overall Value
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
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
read our full review
(855) 650-0657
Best for personalized service
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
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
read our full review
(980) 217-6841
Most Experienced Mover
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
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
read our full review
(866) 835-2392
Best Nationwide Coverage
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
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
read our full review
Check prices
Best customized Plans
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
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
read our full review
(844) 950-2963

The best Oregon 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 Oregon and drop it off at your new home in Iowa.

Check out these highly rated moving container companies:

Best Nationwide Coverage
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
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
read our full review
Check prices
Best value container
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 5 / 5
Check prices Visit Website
At A Glance
  • Long distance moves only
  • Only pay for the space you use
  • No deposit or initial fees
  • Fast delivery time frames
read our full review
Check prices Check prices
best for large moves
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Check prices (352) 322-2920
At A Glance
  • Combines affordability of DIY moving with convenience of a truck and driver
  • Only pay for the truck space you use
  • Offers vehicle shipping
read our full review
Check prices (352) 322-2920

The best Oregon to Iowa moving truck rentals

Moving truck rentals are the most cost-effective way to move from Oregon 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:

Best Value Rental
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.3 / 5
Check prices Visit Website
At A Glance
  • Competitive base prices with specialized discounts
  • Round-trip and one-way moves available
  • User-friendly website makes it easy to book the right truck
read our full review
Check prices Check prices
Best Availability
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.15 / 5
Check prices (800) 468-4285
At A Glance
  • More than 20,000 locations with prominent pricing
  • Rental options include everything from pick-up trucks to 26-foot moving trucks
  • Gentle-Ride Suspension add protection to avoid damaging your items during transit
  • U-Box moving containers available if you don't want to drive
read our full review
Check prices (800) 468-4285

The best Oregon 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 Oregon to Iowa:

Best Labor Only
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Check prices Visit Website
At A Glance
  • First call quoting, get a quote in just a couple of minutes
  • Rates are typically 20-40% lower than the industry averages
  • $1,000 money-back service guarantee
  • Fast and accurate delivery times
  • Free damage coverage with additional coverage options
read our full review
Check prices Check prices
Best customer experience
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.3 / 5
(866) 774-5063
At A Glance
  • Quick and easy booking process
  • National 4.75/5 star rating (these guys are good at what they do)
  • Dedicated move concierge specialist
  • Pay as you go service. 2-hour minimum and then prorated down to the minute
  • The time clock starts when the movers arrive and ends when you tell them
read our full review
(866) 774-5063

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

moveBuddha’s expert team analyzed moving rates from 22 Oregon 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 Oregon to Iowa?

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

Move size Moving company Moving container Rental truck
Studio / 1 Bedroom $1,480 - $5,633 $1,101 - $2,659 $1,026 - $1,874
2 - 3 bedrooms $3,529 - $7,664 $1,869 - $3,809 $1,024 - $2,275
4+ bedrooms $6,312 - $11,346 $2,626 - $5,362 $1,412 - $2,811

*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 1,673 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 Oregon to Iowatoggle

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Oregon to Iowa will cost between $1,480 and $5,633. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from OR to IA will range from $3,529 to $7,664, and a large move from Oregon to Iowa will cost from $6,312 to $11,346.

Cost of moving containers from Oregon to Iowatoggle

Moving containers from Oregon to Iowa will cost you $1,101 to $2,659 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,869 to $3,809. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $2,626 to $5,362. Learn more about PODS cost.

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

Cost of moving truck rentals from Oregon 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 $1,026 to $1,874. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $1,024 to $2,275, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms or from Oregon to Iowa costs from $1,412 to $2,811.
These estimates include the estimated fuel cost.

Factors affecting the cost of moving from OR to IA

There are many factors that influence Oregon moving costs. The cost to move from Oregon 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 Oregon 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 OR to IA

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

Cost of living: Oregon vs. Iowa

Oregon Iowa
Average rent cost $1,373 $914
Average home cost $492,683 $220,277
Average income (per capita) $76,632 $70,571
Cost of Living Index 100 89
Unemployment rate 4.0% 3.0%
Average Sales Tax 0.0% 6.94%
State Income Tax 9.9% 4.4%
  • Rent is about 33% less expensive in Iowa than in Oregon.
  • Home prices are about 55% lower in Iowa than in Oregon.
  • The average income is about 8% lower in Iowa than in Oregon.
  • Cost of living is 11% lower in Iowa than in Oregon.
  • Iowa has a lower unemployment rate than Oregon by about 25%.
  • Sales taxes are 7% higher in Iowa than in Oregon.
  • Income taxes are 56% lower in Iowa than in Oregon.

How life is different in Iowa vs. Oregon

Iowa Oregon
Population 3,207,004 4,233,358
Political leaning Republican 53-45 Democratic 56-44
Summer high 84ºF 82ºF
Winter low 10ºF 31ºF
Annual rain 35" 41"
Annual snow 30" 13"
Crime index 16.18 32.78
  • The population of Iowa is approximately 24% lower than the population of Oregon.
  • In the last presidential election, Iowa voted Republican and Oregon voted Democratic.
  • The average high in the summertime in Iowa is 84ºF and in Oregon, it’s 82ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, Iowa reaches the temperature of 10ºF and Oregon gets down to 31ºF.
  • You can expect about 35 inches of annual rainfall in Iowa versus 41 inches of rainfall in Oregon.
  • In Iowa, it snows about 30 inches annually versus 13 inches of snow in Oregon.
  • Iowa has a lower crime rate than Oregon with a crime index of 16.18 vs. 32.78.

Comparing the pros of Oregon 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 Oregon.

Pros of living in Oregon Pros of living in Iowa
Beautiful landscapes Low cost of living
Delicious and authentic wineries Ample economic opportunity
Beautiful summer weather High quality of education
No sales tax No traffic
Abundant outdoor recreational activities Beautiful outdoors

Comparing the cons of living in Oregon 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 Oregon for Iowa.

Cons of living in Oregon Cons of living in Iowa
Difficult housing market Severe weather conditions
High cost of living Limited recreational opportunities
Poor quality education High taxes
Low marks for personal safety High emphasis on politics
Heavy tax burden Rustic food

Other things to consider for your Oregon 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 Oregon to Iowa?toggle

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

What are the benefits of moving from Oregon to Iowa?toggle

The main reasons people are moving from Oregon 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 Oregon or Iowa?toggle

It is generally cheaper to live in Iowa than in Oregon. Housing is much more affordable in Iowa, with average rent about 33% less and home prices 55.3% lower than in Oregon. Taxes are also lower in Iowa, most notably income taxes, which are more than 50% less than those paid by Oregon 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