Best Iowa to Pennsylvania Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from Iowa to Pennsylvania and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 907 mile IA to PA move go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 149 Iowa to Pennsylvania 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 Pittsburgh Moving), how much the move costs (approximately $1,500 - $6,000 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Iowa compared to Pennsylvania. 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 Pennsylvania Moving Companies

Company
Score Question
Affordability IndexLicense
1Pittsburgh Moving9.649.51Authorized For HHG
2Adamantine Spine Moving9.549.4Authorized For Property, HHG
3Keystone Moving & Junk Removal, LLC9.519.53Authorized 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 Pennsylvania?

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 907 miles from Iowa to Pennsylvania will cost on average $2,553 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom IA to PA move is roughly $6,130. 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 Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania movers, the better your pricing and options will be.

Home SizeMoving CostVolume of Packed Items (ft³)$/ft³
Studio$1,717300 ft³$5.72
1 Bedroom$2,553450 ft³$5.67
2 Bedrooms$4,217750 ft³$5.62
3 Bedrooms$6,1301100 ft³$5.57
4 Bedrooms$8,8361600 ft³$5.52
5+ Bedrooms$9,8501800 ft³$5.47
*Please note: These Iowa to Pennsylvania moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from Iowa & Pennsylvania. 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 PA mover.
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Compare the 6 Best IA to PA Movers

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

Pittsburgh Moving Logo

Pittsburgh Moving

Exceptional9.64/10
based on 1,121+ data points

5746 Pierce St

Pittsburgh, PA, 15232

About Pittsburgh Moving

Located in the City of Bridges, Pittsburgh Moving is a full-service moving company dedicated to making your local and intrastate relocations...

Services

  • Local move in Pittsburgh
  • Long distance moving in or out of Pittsburgh
  • Residential move

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/9/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3901080 / 1437162

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans3
Registered Drivers6
Total Annual Miles Moved100,000 (2023)
View Full Review
1
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
2
Keystone Moving & Junk Removal, LLC Logo

Keystone Moving & Junk Removal, LLC

Exceptional9.51/10
based on 664+ data points

Harrisburg, PA, 17120

About Keystone Moving & Junk Removal, LLC

Keystone Moving & Junk Removal is a BBB-accredited moving company in Mechanicsburg that services Harrisburg, Camp Hill, and all surrounding areas...

Services

  • Local & long-distance moving
  • Commercial moving
  • Labor-only moving

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3011826 / 59310

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans3
Registered Drivers3
Total Annual Miles Moved30,000 (2023)
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 Pennsylvania

In planning your move from {state_fr} to {state_to} , it's important to present an honest reflection of the journey. This guide offers a balanced view of the differences you may encounter, highlighting both the benefits and challenges of relocating to help you make an informed decision.

CONs
PROs
Iowa iconIowa
  • High humidity
  • Traffic jams
  • Costly housing
  • Limited outdoor activities
Pennsylvania iconPennsylvania
  • Drier climate
  • Efficient public transport
  • Affordable homes
  • Ample outdoor recreation
Pennsylvania iconPennsylvania
  • Fewer cultural events
  • Job market fluctuations
  • Average education system
  • Limited dining options
Iowa iconIowa
  • Cultural richness
  • Strong economy
  • Excellent schools
  • Nourished culinary scene

Transitioning from {state_fr} to {state_to} offers a refreshing change, especially with the promise of a drier climate which many find more comfortable. While you may be accustomed to the bustling cultural scene and excellent schools in {state_fr}, {state_to} compensates with affordable housing and abundant outdoor pursuits, perfect for nature enthusiasts. Neighborhoods like Parkside or Riverside offer a mix of beautiful landscapes and efficient public transport, enhancing your daily commute experience. Keep in mind, areas such as Downtown and Capitol Quarter might offer fewer cultural events, but they provide unique experiences and tight-knit communities to explore.

Iowa vs. Pennsylvania Food Guide

Comparing the local cuisine between Iowa & Pennsylvania is crucial for anyone making the move. Understanding the food culture can greatly enhance your relocation experience by familiarizing you with what culinary delights await you in your new home.

Iowa
Pennsylvania
Most iconic local food item
Pork Tenderloin Sandwich
Philly Cheesesteak
Most popular meat dish
Corn-fed Beef Steak
Pittsburgh-style Sandwich
Most popular street food item
Walking Taco
Soft Pretzel
Most popular vegan food
Grilled Corn
Mushroom Soup
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Restaurant A
  • Restaurant B
  • Restaurant C
  • Restaurant D
  • Restaurant E
  • Restaurant F
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness
💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks
🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene
🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly
🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱
🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

While Iowa is known for its hearty, meat-focused dishes like the Pork Tenderloin Sandwich and Corn-fed Beef Steak, Pennsylvania takes pride in its iconic Philly Cheesesteak and a wide array of traditionally made Soft Pretzels. Notably, Pennsylvania's food scene offers a greater variety for vegan and health-conscious individuals, evident from its higher ratings in vegan-friendliness and health conscientiousness. In particular, neighborhoods in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh are bustling epicenters where culinary enthusiasts can explore an assortment of eateries, from the legendary Restaurant D known for its cheesesteaks to Restaurant F, which might offer a modern take on the classic mushroom soup. Whether you're wandering the streets of Des Moines or exploring the historic alleys of Philadelphia, the local cuisine deeply reflects the diverse agricultural and cultural heritage of each state.

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Iowa vs. Pennsylvania Real Estate & Living Facts

Real estate is a pivotal factor in deciding where to relocate. Understanding the differences in housing aspects between Iowa and Pennsylvania can significantly impact your decision-making process. This comparison aims to highlight crucial areas such as cost, architecture, and lifestyle amenities to guide your move.

Iowa
Pennsylvania
Typical Architecture Style
Colonial and Ranch
Colonial and Victorian
Walkability
👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability
🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle
🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing
Spacious yards, Quiet neighborhoods
Historic homes, Near amenities

When considering a move from Iowa to Pennsylvania, the architecture and lifestyle amenities stand out. Pennsylvania boasts a rich history reflected in its architectural diversity, including stunning Victorian homes, which contrast with Iowa's preference for Colonial and Ranch-style homes. Pennsylvania's higher urban lifestyle rating is indicative of its bustling cities, offering more in terms of culture, entertainment, and dining. Moreover, the slightly higher walkability and bikeability scores in Pennsylvania suggest a more dynamic environment conducive to exploring urban areas on foot or by bike. Whether you're drawn to the historic charm of Pennsylvania or the spacious, tranquil neighborhoods of Iowa, these states offer distinct living experiences tailored to different preferences.

Iowa vs. Pennsylvania Weather Considerations

When planning a move from Iowa to Pennsylvania, it's crucial to understand how the weather patterns compare in both states. This knowledge will help you adjust more easily to your new environment and ensure that you're prepared for the different climatic conditions you'll experience.

Iowa
Pennsylvania
Days of Sunshine per Year
☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. Annual Humidity
💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦
💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦
Avg. UV Index
🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Natural Disasters
Tornadoes, Floods
Storms, Floods
Air Quality
Good
Moderate
Summer icon

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

85°F / 65°F
85°F / 62°F
Winter icon

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

31°F / 14°F
39°F / 23°F


Rainfall icon

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

36
42
Snowfall icon

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

36
38


While Iowa and Pennsylvania share similar summer temperatures, Pennsylvania experiences milder winters, with slightly higher low temperatures. You'll find fewer sunny days in Pennsylvania, which might affect your outdoor activities. Understanding the average humidity and UV index can help you prepare for comfort and skin protection, respectively. Notably, both states experience different types of natural disasters, with Iowa being more prone to tornadoes and Pennsylvania to storms, which could influence your insurance and preparedness plans. Air quality and allergy considerations are also pivotal, highlighting the need for potential adjustments in your daily life and health management. Awareness of these factors will ease your transition and help you adapt to your new home state.

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

When planning a move from Iowa to Pennsylvania, it's essential to grasp the financial implications. Understanding how the cost of living, taxes, and average incomes compare to your current situation can dramatically affect your budgeting and lifestyle. This comparison aims to shed light on these key areas.

Iowa
Pennsylvania
Avg. Household Income
$69,588
$71,798
Cost of Living Index
95.9
99.7
State Income Tax
Up to 8.53%
Flat 3.07%
Avg. Property Tax
1.53%
1.50%
Avg. Sales Tax
6%
6.34%
Top 3 Industries
Agriculture, Manufacturing, Finance
Energy, Manufacturing, Finance
Affluence
Moderate
Moderately High
Poverty
Lower
Lower
Homelessness
Low
Low to Moderate

While the average household income in Pennsylvania is slightly higher than in Iowa, the cost of living index indicates that Pennsylvania is also more expensive to live in. Particularly notable is the difference in state income tax structures, with Pennsylvania employing a flat rate, potentially benefiting higher earners. However, the similar property and sales tax rates across both states suggest that day-to-day living and homeownership costs might not differ dramatically. Both states boast a low poverty rate, yet the slightly higher cost of living in Pennsylvania could be a contributing factor to its moderate level of homelessness when compared to Iowa's low level. Understanding these financial nuances is crucial for planning your move and managing expectations.

Iowa vs. Pennsylvania Political & Religious Comparison

Relocating from Iowa to Pennsylvania encompasses not just a change in scenery but also immersion into distinct political and religious landscapes. This guide offers a quick glance at the comparison of the politics between Iowa & Pennsylvania and the religious makeup of their residents, providing you with a snapshot of the social fabric you’re about to weave into.

Iowa
Pennsylvania
Political Make-up
Swing state with mixed political leaning
Swing state with areas of both strong Democratic and Republican support
Local Politics
Community-oriented, with a focus on agricultural policies
Industrial and urban priorities, with an emphasis on economic development
Religion
Primarily Christian, with a significant Protestant population
Diverse, with a mix of Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, and Muslim communities

When moving from Iowa to Pennsylvania, you're transitioning from a state that often plays a pivotal role in national politics due to its swing state status, into another politically complex environment with its own unique blend of urban and rural politics. Whereas Iowa's local politics may be more familiar with agricultural concerns and policies, Pennsylvania's political scene is more varied, with a significant emphasis on industrial development, particularly in cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. On the religious front, while both states have a Christian majority, Pennsylvania offers a more diverse religious landscape, reflecting its rich historical tapestry of immigration and cultural plurality. This brief insight into the politics and religious makeup of your new home state aims to smooth your transition and help you appreciate the complex social dynamics at play.

Education Guide When Moving from Iowa to Pennsylvania

The purpose of this chart is to better understand the comparisons between school options from Iowa to Pennsylvania. This comparison aims to ease the transition for those contemplating or planning a move, ensuring families can make informed decisions regarding their children's education.

IowaPennsylvania

Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)

University of Iowa
Iowa State University
University of Northern Iowa
Pennsylvania State University
University of Pennsylvania
Temple University

Top 3 Elementary Schools

Wickham Elementary (Coralville)
Grant Wood Elementary (Bettendorf)
Eisenhower Elementary (Davenport)
Adlai Stevenson Elementary (Pittsburgh)
Penn Wynne Elementary (Wynnewood)
Hillendale Elementary (Chadds Ford)

Top 3 Middle Schools

Ames Middle School (Ames)
North Central Junior High (North Liberty)
South East Junior High (Iowa City)
Radnor Middle School (Wayne)
Welsh Valley Middle School (Narberth)
Haverford Middle School (Havertown)

Top 3 High School Schools

West High School (Iowa City)
Ames High School (Ames)
Pleasant Valley High School (Bettendorf)
Julia R. Masterman Secondary School (Philadelphia)
Conestoga High School (Berwyn)
Central High School (Philadelphia)

Top 3 private high schools

The Scattergood Friends School (West Branch)
Maharishi School (Fairfield)
St. Albert Catholic Schools (Council Bluffs)
The Baldwin School (Bryn Mawr)
The Haverford School (Haverford)
Mercersburg Academy (Mercersburg)

Top 3 private K-12 schools

Maharishi School (Fairfield)
Scattergood Friends School (West Branch)
Rivermont Collegiate (Bettendorf)
The Agnes Irwin School (Rosemont)
Germantown Academy (Fort Washington)
Friends' Central School (Wynnewood)

Top 3 School Districts

Iowa City Community School District
Pleasant Valley Community School District
Ames Community School District
Tredyffrin-Easttown School District
Radnor Township School District
Lower Merion School District

When looking deeper into the educational opportunities in Iowa and Pennsylvania, specific schools and districts stand out for their excellence. For example, Iowa's Pleasant Valley Community School District and Pennsylvania's Tredyffrin-Easttown School District are renowned for their commitment to high-quality education, ensuring students have access to superior resources and instruction. Meanwhile, the University of Pennsylvania, a top choice among Pennsylvania's high school seniors, is an Ivy League institution known for its research and professional programs. This indicates the high aspirations and preparedness of students within the state. Similarly, Iowa prides itself on strong public universities, with the University of Iowa and Iowa State University being popular choices that offer a wide range of programs and opportunities for undergraduates. These educational pillars in each state highlight the rich academic environments that can benefit relocating families.

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