$917 Movers From Madison, WI to Iowa
Quick answer: The cost to move from Madison, WI, to Iowa averages from $314 to $4,815, and can take anywhere from one-two days, depending on the size, date, and distance of your move and whether you hire professional movers or handle it yourself.
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Moving 250 miles is no joke. Hiring a professional Madison moving company will be on the more expensive side, while renting a truck or a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.
Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Moving from Iowa to Madison, WI guide.
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The best Madison to Iowa moving companies
Hiring the right interstate moving company from Madison to Iowa is no small task. Luckily, we’re here to make your decision a little easier. We have analyzed 4,400 moving companies across the U.S. — including 40 local movers in Madison and 267 throughout the Hawkeye State — and narrowed them down to the best of the best based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services.
Here are the best long-distance moving companies serving Madison to Iowa.
- Safeway Moving: Best overall value
- Mayzlin Relocation: Best for personalized service
- BLVD Moving: Best for quick quotes
- PODS: Best nationwide coverage
- American Van Lines: Most experienced mover
Use our >moving cost calculator to get a more accurate estimate for your moving needs.
If you’re just trying to ship a few items, here’s a list of our recommended services for small moves.
How much does it cost to move from Madison, WI, to Iowa?
Here are the average price ranges for hiring a professional moving company, renting a moving container, or using a moving truck to move from Madison to Iowa:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 Bedroom | $917 - $3,190 | $625 - $1,461 | $295 - $511 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,535 - $4,815 | $1,101 - $2,000 | $314 - $618 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,093 - $6,220 | $1,466 - $2,763 | $408 - $720 |
*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 250 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect the final cost of your move.
The cost to move from Madison, WI, to Iowa will depend on:
- Move size: The amount of items you have — as well as your home size and layout — will impact the total cost of your relocation.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Madison, so moving companies will likely charge more.
- DIY vs. professional mover: DIY moving services are usually cheaper but involve more work and stress compared to hiring the pros.
How much does it cost to hire movers from Madison, WI, to Iowa?
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Madison to Iowa will cost between $917 to $3,190. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from Madison to IA will range from $1,535 to $4,815. A large move from Madison to Iowa will cost anywhere from $2,093 to $6,220.
How much are moving containers like PODS from Madison, WI, to Iowa?
Moving pods from Madison to Iowa will cost you $625 to $1,461. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,101 to $2,000. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $1,466 to $2,763. Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving containers for your move from Madison to Iowa.
How much is a moving truck from Madison, WI, 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 $295 to $511. A larger move will cost $314 to $618, and a four-bedroom or bigger move from Madison to Iowa costs from $408 to $720.
Is moving from Madison, WI, to Iowa a good idea?
If you’re moving to Iowa from Madison, WI, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.
Cost of living: Madison, WI, vs Iowa
| Madison, WI | Iowa | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,600 | $806 |
| Average home cost | $367,934 | $207,215 |
| Average income (per capita) | $62,919 | $70,571 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.3% | 3.2% |
| State income tax | 7.65% | 4.4% |
Iowa sources: World Population Review, US Census Bureau, US BLS, Tax Foundation
- Rent is about 93% less expensive in Iowa than in Madison.
- Home prices are about 64.2% lower in Iowa than in Madison.
- The average income is about 12.1% higher in Iowa than in Madison.
- Iowa has a lower unemployment rate than Madison by about 2.4%.
- Income taxes are 42.48% lower in Iowa than in Madison.
How is life different in Madison, WI, from Iowa?
| Madison, WI | Iowa | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 269,840 | 3,200,517 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 76-23 | Republican 53-45 |
| Summer high | 82ºF | 84ºF |
| Winter low | 10ºF | 10ºF |
| Annual rain | 36" | 35" |
| Annual snow | 42" | 30" |
| Crime index | 34.57 | 18.7 |
Iowa sources: US Census Bureau, 270TOWIN, BestPlaces
- The population of Iowa is approximately 1,086% greater than the population of Madison.
- In the last presidential election, Iowa voted Republican and Madison voted Democratic.
- The average high in the summertime in Iowa is 84º F and in Madison, it’s 82º F.
- During the coldest part of the year, Iowa reaches the temperature of 10º F and Madison gets down to 10º F.
- You can expect about 35 inches of annual rainfall in Iowa vs. 36 inches of rainfall in Madison.
- In Iowa, it snows about 30 inches annually vs. 42 inches of snow in Madison.
Considerations for moving 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: If your building has an elevator, you’ll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
- 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 and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Iowa. Get started here.
- Moving insurance: Every state has their own requirements when it comes to insurance. 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.
Looking for local Madison movers?
| Company | Quote | Rating | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
most popular
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Get A Quote |
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3817 Kipp Street, Madison, WI, 53718 (608) 340-1557 |
| Armstrong relocation | Get A Quote |
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4505 Helgesen Dr, Madison, WI, 53718 (608) 838-5940 |
| Top Notch Moving and Storage | Get A Quote |
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905 Dempsey Rd, Madison, WI, 53716 (608) 590-3710 |
Visit our best movers in Madison page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.
What to do in Iowa
Whether you’re looking for parks, museums, sports, or even universities, you’ll be happy to find a plethora of these in Iowa.
Museums in Iowa
- National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium
- Figge Art Museum
- National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library
- The Putnam Museum & Science Center
- Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center
- Union Pacific Railroad Museum
- Buffalo Bill Museum
- John Deere Tractor & Engine Museum
- Old Capitol Museum
- Okoboji Classic Cars
- Des Moines Art Center
- Iowa Great Lakes Maritime Museum
- Pottawattamie County Squirrel Cage Jail and Museum
- Sioux City Public Museum
- State Historical Museum
Parks in Iowa
- Vander Veer Botanical Park
- Gray's Lake Park
- Pappajohn Sculpture Park
- Eagle Point Park
- Terry Trueblood Recreational Area
- Clear Lake State Park
- Mines of Spain Recreation Area
- Eagle Point Park
- Raccoon River Park
- Big Woods Lake Recreation Area
- West Lake Park
- Centennial Park
- Effigy Mounds National Monument
- Rand Park
- Bayliss Park
Sports Teams in Iowa
- Iowa Wolves (NBA G League)
- Iowa Hawkeyes (NCAA)
- Northern Iowa Panthers (NCAA)
- Iowa State Cyclones (NCAA)
- Drake Bulldogs (NCAA)
Universities in Iowa
- Iowa State University
- University of Iowa
- University of Northern Iowa
- Maharishi International University
- Grinnell College
- Drake University
- Luther College
- Cornell College
- Wartburg College
- St. Ambrose University
- Dordt University
- Central College
- Coe College
- Simpson College
- Buena Vista University
FAQs: Moving from Madison to Iowa
What is the best way to get a car from Madison to Iowa?
Need to get your car from Madison to Iowa? Use a company that prioritizes professionalism, cares for your vehicle, and is experienced. Here is our list of the best Madison to Iowa car shippers.
Why are people moving from Madison to Iowa?
Many people are moving to Iowa because of its low cost of living and ample economic opportunity.
Where can I find a list of long-distance moving companies in Madison?
Here are our top picks for the best long-distance movers in Madison.
