Moving from North Dakota to Iowa (2026 Best Movers and Costs)
Quick answer: If you hire movers, moving from North Dakota to Iowa, typically costs between $2,594 and $6,624 . The average cost of a moving container is $1,829 , while the cost of a rental truck is around $926 .
Featured Moving Companies
International Van Lines
International
Coverage
Storage
Included
Awarded
Excellence
Best Movers by Move Type
Local
Interstate
Container
Rental Truck
Mayzlin Relocation LLC
Company Based in : North Carolina
Allied Van Lines
Company Based in : Indiana
Colonial Van Lines
Company Based in : Florida
Bellhops
Company Based in : Tennessee
American Van Lines
Company Based in : Florida
United Van Lines
Company Based in : Missouri
Safeway Moving Inc
Company Based in : Florida
Allied Van Lines
Company Based in : Indiana
1-800-PACK-RAT
Company Based in : North Carolina
PODS Moving and Storage
Company Based in : Florida
Zippy Shell
Company Based in : Virginia
MovingYourself
Company Based in : Florida
U-Haul
Company Based in : Arizona
Budget Truck Rental
Company Based in : New Jersey
Penske Truck Rental
Company Based in : Pennsylvania
Home Depot
Company Based in : South Carolina
Average Moving Cost from North Dakota to Iowa
Studio / 1 bedroom
Moving Company: $1,839 – $4,851
Moving Container: $1,015 – $1,829
Rental Truck: $490 – $926
2 – 3 bedrooms
Moving Company: $2,594 – $6,624
Moving Container: $1,371 – $2,564
Rental Truck: $535 – $1,078
4+ bedrooms
Moving Company: $4,468 – $9,180
Moving Container: $1,697 – $3,332
Rental Truck: $650 – $1,294
Top-Rated Local Moving Companies in North Dakota
To make your decision easier, we located some of the best local movers in North Dakota who are renowned for their affordable prices, dependable service, and satisfied clients.
Best North Dakota to Iowa Moving Container Companies
You may move more easily and save money by using moving containers. You take care of packing and unloading, while the company takes care of driving. The container is picked up in North Dakota and delivered to your new residence.
Some reputable moving container companies are as follows:
PODS Moving and Storage
Convenient container-based moving
Secure weather-resistant storage
Reliable door-to-door delivery
Zippy Shell
Century-long trusted mover
Full packing & storage
Long and international moves
Best North Dakota to Iowa Moving Truck Rentals
Renting a truck can be a wise decision if you want to reduce the cost of your move. It allows you to maintain control over your move even though you will be responsible for packing, loading, and driving yourself.
Here are a few reputable truck rental businesses:
U-Haul
DIY moves
One-way rentals
Moving supplies
Budget Truck Rental
Wide range of truck sizes
Real-time online reservation system
Flexible one-way return options
Penske Truck Rental
Unlimited free miles on one-way rentals
24/7 roadside assistance
Over 2,500 convenient locations
How we picked the best movers for your North Dakota to Iowa move
We focus on finding moving companies that offer real value and reliable service for people relocating from North Dakota to Iowa. We look at real customer experiences and a few key factors that help separate the best movers from the rest:
Key Things to Know Before Moving from North Dakota to Iowa
Cost of living
It's a good idea to compare the cost of living in North Dakota and Iowa before relocating. This comparison highlights the key adjustments that may have an effect on your everyday life and budget.
| Metric | North Dakota | Iowa |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $910 | $910 |
| Average home cost | $263,407 | $220,272 |
| Average income (per capita) | $73,955 | $70,565 |
| 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% |
| Sources |
World Population Review, Zillow, U.S. Census Bureau, US BLS, Tax Foundation |
|
Life in North Dakota vs. Iowa
There is more to moving to a new state than simply packing and leaving. Here are some differences between everyday living in North Dakota and Iowa
| Metric | North Dakota | Iowa |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 783,926 | 3,207,004 |
| Political leaning | Republican 68-32 | Republican 53-45 |
| Summer high | 82°F | 84°F |
| Winter low | 0°F | 10°F |
| Annual rain | 19″ | 35″ |
| Annual snow | 39″ | 30″ |
| Crime index | 22.74 | 16.18 |
| Sources |
U.S. Census Bureau, 270TOWIN, Neighborhood Scout, Best Places, |
|
Pros and Cons: North Dakota vs. Iowa
| Pros of living in North Dakota | Pros of living in Iowa |
|---|---|
| Strong oil and gas sector with high-paying jobs | National leader in wind energy production |
| Well-funded state services from energy revenues | Strong college-town culture with active community events |
| Ideal destination for hunting and fishing lovers | Very low traffic congestion across most regions |
| Excellent conditions for snowmobiling and ice fishing | High levels of community volunteer participation |
| Minimal urban sprawl and organized town planning | Well-kept trail systems and greenways |
| Cons of living in North Dakota | Cons of living in Iowa |
|---|---|
| Boom-and-bust cycles linked to oil prices | Frequent tornado warnings in spring months |
| Heavy mosquito presence in warmer months | Ice storms that disrupt winter travel |
| Limited shopping and retail variety | Slow population growth affecting local economies |
| Short construction and farming season | Limited corporate headquarters presence |
| Difficulty attracting young professionals | Short construction season due to frost cycles |
Moving from North Dakota to Iowa Checklist
Moving to another state requires planning, but a simple checklist can make the process easier. Follow these steps to keep organized:
Start early:
Begin preparing one to two months before moving. Get quotations from movers and choose your moving date.
Create a budget:
Make a list of all expenses, including boxes, tape, gas, truck rental, and any short-term stays.
Sort your belongings:
Sort through your belongings and donate or sell whatever you don't need. It saves on space and money.
Gather packing supplies:
Buy boxes, tape, and labels. Pack by room and maintain a small bag for your basics.
Update your address:
Inform the post office, banks, insurance, and subscriptions of your new address.
Transfer Utilities:
Before you arrive, make arrangements with your utility company to cut off services in North Dakota and start them in Iowa.
