Best Iowa to Montana Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from Iowa to Montana and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 1,115 mile IA to MT move go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 40 Iowa to Montana moving companies and more than 20,000 movers nationwide to provide up-to-date and data-driven information about: which moving company to hire (our top recommendation is Adamantine Spine Moving), how much the move costs (approximately $2,000 - $6,500 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Iowa compared to Montana. With a move this big, you want big data on your side and Great Guys Moving is your trusted ally to help you sift through the noise to make informed moving decisions.

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Best Iowa to Montana Moving Companies

Company
Score Question
Affordability IndexLicense
1Adamantine Spine Moving9.549.4Authorized For Property, HHG
2Adamantine Spine Moving9.449.28Authorized For Property, HHG
3Best Move Inc9.269.19Authorized For Property
4Hemmen Moving9.129.47Authorized For Property, HHG
5Moving On Up8.818.05Authorized For Property
6On The Move LLC8.558.16Active
Phone (800) 787-5428

How Much Does it Cost to Move from Iowa to Montana?

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 1,115 miles from Iowa to Montana will cost on average $2,729 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom IA to MT move is roughly $6,562. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by type of move and home size. Pricing will vary based upon the exact locations of pickup in Iowa and dropoff in Montana as well as several other factors. The most important pricing component that is often overlooked is how far away the move date is. The earlier you can reserve Iowa to Montana movers, the better your pricing and options will be.

Home SizeMoving CostVolume of Packed Items (ft³)$/ft³
Studio$1,835300 ft³$6.12
1 Bedroom$2,729450 ft³$6.07
2 Bedrooms$4,512750 ft³$6.02
3 Bedrooms$6,5621100 ft³$5.97
4 Bedrooms$9,4651600 ft³$5.92
5+ Bedrooms$10,5581800 ft³$5.87
*Please note: These Iowa to Montana moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from Iowa & Montana. The volume listed here represents the estimated cubic footage of your household items when packed and loaded into a moving truck. To determine the exact costs associated with your move, get a quote from a licensed IA to MT mover.
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Montana to Iowa guide.

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Most Popular Iowa to Montana Moving Routes

    Compare the 6 Best IA to MT Movers

    These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)

    Adamantine Spine Moving Logo

    Adamantine Spine Moving

    Exceptional9.54/10
    based on 898+ data points

    2815 36th St

    Des Moines, IA, 50310

    About Adamantine Spine Moving

    With multiple locations in Iowa, Adamantine Spine Moving has excellent coverage of the entire state with its reliable and convenient moving...

    Services

    • Local Moving
    • Long Distance Moving
    • Apartment/Condo Moving

    Interstate Moving License

    Circle Check
    Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

    USDOT / MC

    Status

    Entity Type

    1471037 / 556716

    Authorized For Property, HHG

    Carrier

    Registered Trucks/Vans37
    Registered Drivers40
    Total Annual Miles Moved393,823 (2022)
    View Full Review
    1
    Adamantine Spine Moving Logo

    Adamantine Spine Moving

    Exceptional9.44/10
    based on 1,160+ data points

    656 S Governor St

    Iowa City, IA, 52240

    About Adamantine Spine Moving

    Adamantine Spine Moving is an accomplished entity amongst the professional movers in Cedar Rapids, IA. This company can conveniently transport your...

    Services

    • Local Moving
    • Long Distance Moving
    • Apartment/Condo Moving

    Interstate Moving License

    Circle Check
    Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

    USDOT / MC

    Status

    Entity Type

    1471037 / 556716

    Authorized For Property, HHG

    Carrier

    Registered Trucks/Vans37
    Registered Drivers40
    Total Annual Miles Moved393,823 (2022)
    View Full Review
    2
    Best Move Inc Logo

    Best Move Inc

    Exceptional9.26/10
    based on 471+ data points

    Burlington, IA, 52601

    About Best Move Inc

    Best Move, Inc. prides itself on being one of the most preferred and recommended moving companies in Fort Madison, IA. Its...

    Services

    • Material Packing
    • Local Moving
    • Long-Distance Moving

    Interstate Moving License

    Circle Check
    Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/18/2024)

    USDOT / MC

    Status

    Entity Type

    749231 / 376435

    Authorized For Property

    Carrier

    Registered Trucks/Vans2
    Registered Drivers2
    Total Annual Miles Moved20,976 (2022)
    View Full Review
    3
    Hemmen Moving Logo

    Hemmen Moving

    Exceptional9.12/10
    based on 594+ data points

    1293 W Ave

    Ames, IA, 50014

    About Hemmen Moving

    For over 25 years, Hemmen Moving has served the Ames area with full-service moving solutions. It provides services for residential and...

    Services

    • Local moving
    • Long distance moving
    • Small moving

    Interstate Moving License

    Circle Check
    Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

    USDOT / MC

    Status

    Entity Type

    608245 / 292343

    Authorized For Property, HHG

    Carrier

    Registered Trucks/Vans6
    Registered Drivers6
    Total Annual Miles Moved604,536 (2023)
    View Full Review
    4
    M

    Moving On Up

    Superb8.81/10
    based on 193+ data points

    Deer Lodge, MT

    About Moving On Up

    Moving On Up is a Montana-based moving company that specializes in providing reliable, honest, and efficient moving services to its customers....

    Services

    • Local Moves
    • Long Distance Moves
    • Commercial Moves

    Interstate Moving License

    Circle Check
    Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 9/14/2023)

    USDOT / MC

    Status

    Entity Type

    3890213 / 1487675

    Authorized For Property

    Carrier

    Registered Trucks/Vans2
    Registered Drivers2
    Total Annual Miles Moved12,000 (2021)
    View Full Review
    5
    On The Move LLC Logo

    On The Move LLC

    Fabulous8.55/10
    based on 253+ data points

    Bozeman, MT, 59715

    About On The Move LLC

    On The Move LLC provides excellent moving services throughout Southwest Montana, including Belgrade, Big Sky, Livingston, Paradise Valley, Three Forks, and...

    Services

    • Residential Moving
    • Commercial Moving
    • Packing Help

    Interstate Moving License

    Circle Check
    Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 9/16/2021)

    USDOT / MC

    Status

    Entity Type

    2399161 / -

    Active

    Carrier

    Registered Trucks/Vans1
    Registered Drivers1
    Total Annual Miles Moved-
    View Full Review
    6
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    Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!

    Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:

    • No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
    • Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.

    Pros and Cons of Moving from Iowa to Montana

    Making the decision to relocate involves weighing the pros and cons of living in one state versus another. This comparison between {state_fr} and {state_to} offers an honest reflection of what you might gain or lose in the process. By emphasizing the unique characteristics of each location, you can better understand if the advantages of {state_to} outweigh the inconveniences of leaving {state_fr}.

    CONs
    PROs
    Iowa iconIowa
    • High cost of living
    • Heavy traffic congestion
    • Limited job opportunities
    • Extreme weather
    Montana iconMontana
    • More affordable housing
    • Less congested roads
    • Growing job market
    • Mild climate
    Montana iconMontana
    • Fewer cultural events
    • Limited dining options
    • Landlocked
    • Less community-oriented
    Iowa iconIowa
    • Rich cultural scene
    • Renowned eateries
    • Proximity to coast
    • Strong community vibe

    Relocating from {state_fr} to {state_to} might introduce you to a more affordable housing market and a climate that's more temperate, distinguishing it from the often extreme weather you may be accustomed to. Despite the excitement of new surroundings, you might find yourself reminiscing about the vibrant cultural scene and renowned eateries of {state_fr}, like the famous {State_fr}'s eateries, or culturally rich hubs like {City_in_state_fr}. Nevertheless, {state_to} can offer its charms with sights like {Landmark_in_state_to} and neighborhoods known for their natural beauty, such as {Neighborhood_in_state_to}. Weigh these aspects carefully as you plan your move to make sure it aligns with what matters most in your life.

    Iowa vs. Montana Food Guide

    This is a comparison of the local cuisine between Iowa & Montana, highlighting the integral role food plays in understanding what it's like to live in an area. By examining each state's food scene, you can gain valuable insights into the local culture and culinary delights awaiting you in your new home.

    Iowa
    Montana
    Most iconic local food item
    Corn
    Huckleberries
    Most popular meat dish
    Pork tenderloin sandwich
    Buffalo steak
    Most popular street food item
    Taco trucks
    Elk burgers
    Most popular vegan food
    Grain bowls
    Wild mushroom dishes
    Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
    • Restaurant 1, Iowa
    • Restaurant 2, Iowa
    • Restaurant 3, Iowa
    • Restaurant 1, Montana
    • Restaurant 2, Montana
    • Restaurant 3, Montana
    Fitness/Health Conscientiousness
    💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
    💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
    Abundance of Food Trucks
    🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
    🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
    Foodie Scene
    🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
    🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
    Vegan Friendly
    🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱
    🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

    When moving from Iowa to Montana, you'll find that both states offer distinct culinary landscapes reflective of their local cultures and available natural resources. In Iowa, the staple corn, celebrated in dishes like the pork tenderloin sandwich, symbolizes the state's agricultural roots. Contrastingly, Montana's cuisine pays homage to the wild, with huckleberries and buffalo steak highlighting the state's rich forest and plains ecosystems. Food enthusiasts will relish exploring Montana's expanding food scene, especially in cities like Missoula and Bozeman, known for their wild mushroom dishes and innovative vegan cuisine. The presence of food trucks and restaurants emphasizing locally sourced ingredients suggests a vibrant community that values not only taste but also the health and sustainability of their food choices.

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    Iowa vs. Montana Real Estate & Living Facts

    Real estate significantly influences the journey of moving from one state to another. Understanding how the market, lifestyle, and accessibilities in Iowa vs. Montana stack up against each other is crucial for making an informed decision. Here's a comparison to assist in your transition.

    Iowa
    Montana
    Typical Architecture Style
    Colonial, Ranch
    Mountain Rustic, Modern
    Walkability
    👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
    👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
    Bikeability
    🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
    🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
    Urban Lifestyle
    🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
    🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
    Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing
    Spacious backyards, Quiet neighborhoods
    Mountain views, Proximity to nature

    Moving from Iowa to Montana, you should be prepared for a significant change in housing styles and costs. Montana's median home price is much higher due to its picturesque landscapes and proximity to natural beauty, such as mountain views mentioned in many listings. However, you might find these homes less walkable and bikeable compared to what you're accustomed to in Iowa. On the flip side, if you enjoy a rural ambiance over urban hustle, Montana's offerings of mountain rustic and modern architecture nestled within nature could be more appealing to you than Iowa's traditional colonial or ranch-style homes.

    Iowa vs. Montana Weather Considerations

    If you're contemplating a move, comparing the climates between your current and future homes is essential. This guide aims to provide a clear picture of how the weather in Iowa and Montana contrasts, helping you to understand what changes to expect. Weather variations can significantly impact your lifestyle, making it pivotal to analyze and prepare for your new environment .

    Iowa
    Montana
    Days of Sunshine per Year
    ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
    ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
    Avg. Annual Humidity
    💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦
    💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦
    Avg. UV Index
    🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
    🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
    Natural Disasters
    Tornadoes, Floods
    Wildfires, Earthquakes
    Air Quality
    Good
    Variable
    Summer icon

    Average Summer High/Low (°F)

    82°F/63°F
    81°F/50°F
    Winter icon

    Average Winter High/Low (°F)

    31°F/14°F
    34°F/16°F


    Rainfall icon

    Annual Rainfall (Inches)

    34"
    15"
    Snowfall icon

    Annual Snowfall (Inches)

    36"
    90"


    When moving from Iowa to Montana, you'll notice a significant change in the climate, chiefly marked by Montana's cooler nights during summer and much higher annual snowfall. This calls for a wardrobe adjustment and possibly a new set of tires for winter driving. While both states enjoy a similar amount of sunshine annually, Montana's lower humidity and slightly higher UV index mean you'll experience a dryer climate with a bit more solar intensity. Understanding these differences will help you adapt more swiftly to Montana's unique weather patterns, providing a smoother transition to your new home.

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    Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Iowa to Montana

    When moving from one state to another, understanding the financial landscape is crucial for a smooth transition. This comparison aims to shed light on the monetary aspects of relocating from Iowa to Montana . Cost of Living , Income , and Taxes are among the key factors that will impact your financial health in your new home.

    Iowa
    Montana
    Avg. Household Income
    $69,588
    $67,631
    Cost of Living Index
    95.9
    99.4
    State Income Tax
    0.33 - 8.53
    1.0 - 6.9
    Avg. Property Tax
    1.53
    0.83
    Avg. Sales Tax
    6.82
    0
    Top 3 Industries
    Manufacturing, Agriculture, Financial Services
    Tourism, Agriculture, Mining
    Affluence
    Moderate
    Moderate
    Poverty
    Low
    Low
    Homelessness
    Low
    Low

    While both Iowa and Montana offer unique financial landscapes, key differences can significantly impact your lifestyle. For instance, Montana's higher cost of living index might make everyday expenses feel pricier compared to Iowa. However, Montana's absence of sales tax could offset some of these costs, especially for large purchases. The average household income in Iowa is slightly higher, which, coupled with a lower cost of living, may allow for a more comfortable living standard. Nevertheless, Montana's lower property tax rates present a favorable condition for homeowners. Considering these aspects can help you better prepare for the financial adjustments necessary in transitioning from Iowa to Montana.

    Iowa vs. Montana Political & Religious Comparison

    This guide provides a quick, at-a-glance snapshot to compare the political and religious makeup between Iowa & Montana, aiming to give you a sense of the communities you'll be joining or leaving behind.

    Iowa
    Montana
    Political Make-up
    Swing State, leans slightly Republican
    Leans Republican
    Local Politics
    Mix of urban liberal & rural conservative
    Conservative, with some liberal strongholds
    Religion
    Christian, Protestant majority
    Christian, with a Protestant majority

    In Iowa, the political landscape is marked by its swing state nature, with urban areas leaning more liberal and rural areas more conservative. This mix offers a diverse political environment. Montana, while also having its liberal strongholds, generally leans more towards conservative politics, especially in its rural areas. Both states share a Christian, primarily Protestant, background, yet the way this influences local politics and community engagements can vary. Understanding these nuances can help you adjust more smoothly to your new surroundings.

    Education Guide When Moving from Iowa to Montana

    When considering a move from Iowa to Montana, it's crucial to compare the educational landscape of both states. This comparison will help you better understand what the comparisons are between school options in Iowa and Montana, ensuring that you make the best decision for your family's educational needs.

    IowaMontana

    Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)

    University of Iowa
    Iowa State University
    University of Northern Iowa
    Montana State University
    University of Montana
    Montana Tech

    Top 3 Elementary Schools

    Wickham Elementary (Coralville)
    Lincoln Elementary (Mount Vernon)
    Roosevelt Elementary (Ames)
    Hawthorne Elementary (Bozeman)
    Chief Charlo Elementary (Missoula)
    Meadowlark Elementary (Great Falls)

    Top 3 Middle Schools

    Ames Middle School (Ames)
    North Central Junior High (Coralville)
    Southeast Junior High (Iowa City)
    Sacajawea Middle School (Bozeman)
    Washington Middle School (Missoula)
    East Middle School (Great Falls)

    Top 3 High Schools

    West High School (Iowa City)
    Ames High School (Ames)
    Decorah High School (Decorah)
    Bozeman High School (Bozeman)
    Sentinel High School (Missoula)
    Great Falls High School (Great Falls)

    Top 3 private high schools

    Xavier High School (Cedar Rapids)
    Dowling Catholic High School (West Des Moines)
    Wahlert Catholic High School (Dubuque)
    Missoula International School (Missoula)
    Great Falls Central Catholic High School (Great Falls)
    Billings Central Catholic High School (Billings)

    Top 3 private K-12 schools

    Maharishi School (Fairfield)
    Scattergood Friends School (West Branch)
    Quad Cities Christian School (Moline)
    Petra Academy (Bozeman)
    Foothills Community Christian School (Great Falls)
    Montana Christian Academy (Kalispell)

    Top 3 School Districts

    Iowa City Community School District
    Ames Community School District
    West Des Moines Community Schools
    Bozeman School District
    Missoula County Public Schools
    Great Falls Public Schools

    When moving from Iowa to Montana, it's essential to look beyond just the names and rankings of schools. For instance, the choice of college can significantly impact a student's future, and it's telling that top colleges in both states are well-regarded with strong programs in agriculture, engineering, and business. Furthermore, the schools listed here, such as Ames Middle School in Iowa and Sacajawea Middle School in Montana, not only offer excellent academic programs but also diverse extracurricular activities that can enrich your child's educational experience. This comparative insight into the educational opportunities in each state can help you make an informed decision tailored to your family's needs.

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