Best Iowa to North Carolina Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from Iowa to North Carolina and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 1,066 mile IA to NC move go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 150 Iowa to North Carolina 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 North Carolina. 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 North Carolina Moving Companies

Company
Score Question
Affordability IndexLicense
1Adamantine Spine Moving9.549.4Authorized For Property, HHG
2Just Move It, LLC9.519.43Authorized For HHG
3Illuminated Moving & Packing9.499.5Authorized For Property, HHG
4Adamantine Spine Moving9.449.28Authorized For Property, HHG
5Best Move Inc9.269.19Authorized For Property
6Hemmen Moving9.129.47Authorized For Property, HHG
Phone (800) 787-5428

How Much Does it Cost to Move from Iowa to North Carolina?

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 1,066 miles from Iowa to North Carolina will cost on average $2,688 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom IA to NC move is roughly $6,460. 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 North Carolina 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 North Carolina movers, the better your pricing and options will be.

Home SizeMoving CostVolume of Packed Items (ft³)$/ft³
Studio$1,807300 ft³$6.02
1 Bedroom$2,688450 ft³$5.97
2 Bedrooms$4,442750 ft³$5.92
3 Bedrooms$6,4601100 ft³$5.87
4 Bedrooms$9,3161600 ft³$5.82
5+ Bedrooms$10,3911800 ft³$5.77
*Please note: These Iowa to North Carolina moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from Iowa & North Carolina. 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 NC mover.
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from North Carolina to Iowa guide.

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Compare the 6 Best IA to NC 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
Just Move It, LLC Logo

Just Move It, LLC

Exceptional9.51/10
based on 1,611+ data points

PO Box 13774

Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709

About Just Move It, LLC

Just Move It offers some of the best local and long-distance moving rates. But that’s not all that makes it great....

Services

  • Local & Long-Distance Moving
  • Packing Services
  • Commercial & Office Moves

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3250986 / 1148366

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans10
Registered Drivers10
Total Annual Miles Moved180,000 (2023)
View Full Review
2
Illuminated Moving & Packing Logo

Illuminated Moving & Packing

Exceptional9.49/10
based on 769+ data points

Hendersonville, NC, 28739

About Illuminated Moving & Packing

Illuminated Moving & Packing is a locally owned and operated moving company based in Asheville, NC, serving surrounding areas such as...

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Long Distance Moving
  • Commercial Moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 9/17/2021)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3605341 / 1226097

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers1
Total Annual Miles Moved1 (2021)
View Full Review
3
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
4
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
5
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
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 North Carolina

Making the move from Iowa to North Carolina can be a significant transition, and understanding the differences is crucial for a smooth relocation. Our comparison shines an honest reflection on the pros and cons of moving from Iowa to North Carolina , providing you with essential insights for your journey ahead.

CONs
PROs
Iowa iconIowa
  • Harsh Winters
  • Few Entertainment Options
  • Fewer Job Opportunities
  • Limited Beach Access
North Carolina iconNorth Carolina
  • Mild Climate
  • Thriving Cultural Scene
  • Robust Job Market
  • Beautiful Beaches
North Carolina iconNorth Carolina
  • Higher Living Costs
  • Busier Environment
  • Hurricane Risk
  • Urban Sprawl
Iowa iconIowa
  • Low Cost of Living
  • Quiet Lifestyle
  • Strong Agricultural Industry
  • Community Focus

While moving to North Carolina, you'll trade Iowa's harsh winters for a more temperate climate, suitable for year-round outdoor activities. North Carolina's beaches, like those at Wrightsville Beach and the Outer Banks, provide scenic spots to unwind, a stark contrast to Iowa's limited coastal exposure. In bustling cities like Raleigh and Charlotte, you'll find a vibrant cultural scene with numerous restaurants, theaters, and museums. However, be prepared for a busier environment and the higher living costs associated with urban life. Popular neighborhoods such as NODA and the Research Triangle Park encapsulate North Carolina's thriving job market while offering a hub for innovative industries, but this growth can sometimes mean dealing with urban sprawl and the associated traffic concerns.

Iowa vs. North Carolina Food Guide

When relocating, understanding the local culture is crucial, and food plays a significant role in this transition. Thus, we're here to help by providing a comparison of the local cuisine between Iowa & North Carolina so you can savor the flavors awaiting in your new home.

Iowa
North Carolina
Most iconic local food item
Pork Tenderloin Sandwich
Pulled Pork BBQ
Most popular meat dish
Corn-fed Beef Steak
Eastern Style BBQ
Most popular street food item
Fried Sweet Corn
NC BBQ Tacos
Most popular vegan food
Vegan Corn Dogs
BBQ Jackfruit
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Amana Colonies' Ronneburg Restaurant
  • Hessen Haus
  • Zombie Burger
  • Skylight Inn BBQ
  • Lexington Barbecue
  • Biscuitville
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness
💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks
🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene
🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly
🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱
🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

In both Iowa and North Carolina, the food scene offers a unique perspective on the local identity and culture. In Iowa, the Amana Colonies' Ronneburg Restaurant is noted for traditional German fare while Zombie Burger in Des Moines offers a modern, creative twist on American classics. North Carolina's proud barbecue tradition is showcased at iconic spots like Skylight Inn BBQ, where the pulled pork has a legacy. For those moving to North Carolina, neighborhoods like Raleigh and Charlotte are bustling with food trucks serving everything from Southern BBQ tacos to gourmet vegan options. These cities are essential for food enthusiasts seeking to explore a diverse and vibrant culinary scene.

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Iowa vs. North Carolina Real Estate & Living Facts

When planning a move, comparing real estate aspects between Iowa and North Carolina highlights key differences and similarities that can shape your decision. Understanding housing cost, architecture, and lifestyle amenities can vastly improve your relocation experience.

Iowa
North Carolina
Typical Architecture Style
Prairie School, Craftsman
Colonial Revival, Cape Cod
Walkability
👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability
🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle
🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing
Spacious yards, energy efficiency
Close to amenities, hardwood floors

In delving deeper into the real estate landscape, Iowa's emphasis on spacious yards and energy-efficient homes suits those looking for a sustainable and more relaxed lifestyle. On the other hand, North Carolina, with its slight edge in walkability and urban lifestyle, offers homes often featuring hardwood floors and proximity to amenities, reflecting a preference for convenience and a faster pace of life. The architectural styles in both states deeply reflect their historical and cultural backgrounds, from the Prairie School and Craftsman homes in Iowa to the Colonial Revival and Cape Cod styles prevalent in North Carolina.

Iowa vs. North Carolina Weather Considerations

Moving from one state to another means adapting to new weather patterns. Understanding how the climate in Iowa compares to North Carolina can help you better prepare for your relocation. The charts below outline key weather differences to ease your transition.

Iowa
North Carolina
Days of Sunshine per Year
☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. Annual Humidity
💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦
💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦
Avg. UV Index
🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Natural Disasters
Tornadoes, Blizzards
Hurricanes, Tornadoes
Air Quality
Good
Varies based on locality
Summer icon

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

85/65
89/67
Winter icon

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

31/14
50/30


Rainfall icon

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

36
50
Snowfall icon

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

33
5


When moving from Iowa to North Carolina, you'll experience milder winters characterized by higher average temperatures and significantly less snowfall. While both states enjoy a similar number of sunny days, North Carolina has a higher average UV index, meaning sun protection is even more crucial. Additionally, the higher annual rainfall in North Carolina could mean adjusting your outdoor plans or home maintenance routines to accommodate more frequent showers. This contrast in weather conditions can affect various aspects of daily life, from wardrobe choices to outdoor activities.

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

When planning a move from one state to another, it's crucial to understand how costs and economic factors compare. This guide aims to highlight the financial considerations of moving from Iowa to North Carolina , offering insights into income, taxes, and living expenses to help you make an informed decision.

Iowa
North Carolina
Avg. Household Income
$69,588
$67,481
Cost of Living Index
95.9
95.85
State Income Tax
0.33 - 8.53
5.25
Avg. Property Tax
1.53
0.85
Avg. Sales Tax
6.82
6.98
Top 3 Industries
Manufacturing, Agriculture, Financial Services
Technology, Banking, Education
Affluence
Moderate
Moderately High
Poverty
Low
Medium
Homelessness
Minimal
Noticeable

When comparing these states, it's evident that while average household income is slightly higher in Iowa, North Carolina offers a tempting blend of slightly lower living costs and significantly lower property taxes. However, North Carolina's flat state income tax rate could potentially benefit higher earners more than Iowa's progressive tax system. Industry-wise, North Carolina's focus on technology and banking offers different career opportunities compared to Iowa's traditional manufacturing and agricultural base. Understanding these differences can help you better prepare financially for your move and align your employment prospects with the state's leading sectors.

Iowa vs. North Carolina Political & Religious Comparison

This brief comparison provides a quick glance at the comparison of the politics between Iowa & North Carolina , offering insight into the political, and religious landscapes of the two states. Understanding these aspects can offer clues about the overall community vibe you're moving into.

Iowa
North Carolina
Political Make-up
Swing State
Swing State
Local Politics
Moderate with rural conservative areas
Mixed, with urban areas leaning more progressive
Religion
Christianity predominates, diverse religious communities in urban areas
Christianity predominates, Baptist and Methodist strongholds with increasing religious diversity

While both Iowa and North Carolina are considered swing states, their local political landscapes reveal nuanced differences. For instance, Iowa's rural areas tend to have a conservative bent, whereas North Carolina's urban centers, such as Charlotte and Raleigh, show a progressive inclination. This could affect local policies and the overall atmosphere depending on where you settle. Religious composition is predominantly Christian in both states, but North Carolina has a notable presence of Baptist and Methodist communities, a reflection of its deeply rooted church traditions. As you make your move, these insights into the political and religious makeup of the populations can help prepare you for the cultural and community nuances you'll encounter.

Education Guide When Moving from Iowa to North Carolina

Moving states can be a big decision, especially if you're considering the educational opportunities for yourself or your family. To help you make an informed choice, we’ve compared the quality and options of schools in Iowa and North Carolina. This chart aims to better understand what the comparisons are between school options in Iowa and North Carolina.

IowaNorth Carolina

Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)

University of Iowa
Iowa State University
University of Northern Iowa
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
North Carolina State University
Duke University

Top 3 Elementary Schools

Wickham Elementary (Coralville)
Shimek Elementary (Iowa City)
Brookview Elementary (West Des Moines)
Endhaven Elementary (Charlotte)
Morrisville Elementary (Morrisville)
Glenwood Elementary (Chapel Hill)

Top 3 Middle Schools

Ames Middle School (Ames)
Northwest Junior High (Coralville)
North Central Junior High (North Liberty)
Smith Middle (Chapel Hill)
Jay M. Robinson Middle (Charlotte)
Ligon Middle (Raleigh)

Top 3 High School Schools

West High School (Iowa City)
Ames High School (Ames)
Decorah High School (Decorah)
North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics (Durham)
Raleigh Charter High School (Raleigh)
Myers Park High School (Charlotte)

Top 3 private high schools

Phillips Academy (Andover)
The Putney School (Putney)
Choate Rosemary Hall (Wallingford)
Charlotte Country Day School (Charlotte)
Durham Academy (Durham)
Providence Day School (Charlotte)

Top 3 private K-12 schools

Maharishi School (Fairfield)
Scattergood Friends School (West Branch)
Rivermont Collegiate (Bettendorf)
Cary Academy (Cary)
Carolina Friends School (Durham)
Greensboro Day School (Greensboro)

Top 3 School Districts

West Des Moines Community School District
Iowa City Community School District
Ames Community School District
Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools
Wake County Public School System

Moving from Iowa to North Carolina, you'll find distinctions in educational offerings that might sway your decision. For instance, North Carolina boasts esteemed universities highly ranked on a national level, including the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Duke University, appealing to seniors aiming for prestigious post-secondary education. Elementary and high schools in North Carolina, such as Glenwood Elementary in Chapel Hill and the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics in Durham, are highly regarded for their academic excellence and innovative programs. Whether you're considering public education or private schools, both states offer strong options, but North Carolina's diverse educational landscape, featured in its top-ranking school districts like Chapel Hill-Carrboro and Wake County Public School System, suggests a vibrant selection for students of all ages.

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