How Much Does It Cost to Move in Iowa?
Iowa is one of the most affordable states to move in. Local moves average $790 with mover hourly rates among the lowest in the US at $38/hr. Des Moines is the highest-cost market at $850–950. Iowa's central location keeps long-distance costs moderate.
Average Moving Costs in Iowa — 2026
| Move Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Local move — professional movers | $790 |
| Long-distance move — professional movers | $3,500 |
| Mover hourly rate (per mover) | $38/hr |
| Moving truck rental (per day) | $92/day |
Averages based on a 2-bedroom local move. Long-distance averages assume 500+ miles.
What Affects Moving Costs in Iowa
Distance: Local moves are priced hourly ($38/mover/hr). Long-distance moves switch to a weight-plus-mileage model, which is why the jump from local to long-distance is so large.
Timing: Peak season (May–September) adds 15–30% to any quote. The last 3 days of a month are the most expensive — most leases expire on the 1st, so demand spikes.
Home size: Every additional bedroom adds roughly $100–200 to a local move (more movers or more hours). Long-distance moves price by weight — a 3-bedroom house weighs 3× a studio.
Access: Stairs, long carry distances, and tight elevator access trigger surcharges. Expect $50–100 per flight of stairs. Parking permits in dense Iowa cities can add $50–150.
Iowa Moving Cost by City
Metro areas with high demand and traffic typically run 15–25% above the state averages listed above.
- Des Moines
- Cedar Rapids
- Davenport
- Sioux City
- Iowa City
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How much does it cost to move locally in Iowa?
Local moves in Iowa average $790 for a 2-bedroom home. Mover hourly rates run $38/hr per mover. Most local moves take 4–8 hours with a 2–3 mover crew.
How much does a long-distance move to or from Iowa cost?
Long-distance moves to or from Iowa average $3,500 with professional movers. DIY truck rentals typically run $1,200–2,500 depending on distance and truck size.
What is the cheapest way to move in Iowa?
Renting a moving truck yourself is the cheapest option — expect $92/day plus fuel. Booking movers for a weekday in the off-season (October–April) can save 20–30% vs. weekend peak rates.
When is the cheapest time to move in Iowa?
October through April is the cheapest time to move in Iowa. Avoid May–September (peak season), the last three days of any month, and weekends — all carry 15–30% premiums.
Which cities in Iowa are most expensive for moving?
Des Moines and Cedar Rapids typically run 15–25% above the state average due to higher demand, traffic congestion, and longer drive times between pickup and delivery.
Is Iowa gaining or losing residents?
Iowa is currently roughly flat on net migration.