Best Kansas to Iowa Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from Kansas to Iowa and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 469 mile KS to IA move go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 42 Kansas to Iowa 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 $1,500 - $5,000 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Kansas compared to Iowa. 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 Kansas to Iowa Moving Companies

Company
Score Question
Affordability IndexLicense
1Adamantine Spine Moving9.549.4Authorized For Property, HHG
2Adamantine Spine Moving9.449.28Authorized For Property, HHG
3American Movers9.038.93Authorized For HHG
4College Hunks Hauling Junk and Moving8.548.56Authorized For HHG
5It's Your Move8.498.48Authorized For HHG
6Titan Moving8.408.66Authorized For HHG
Phone (800) 787-5428

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

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 469 miles from Kansas to Iowa will cost on average $2,180 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom KS to IA move is roughly $5,219. 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 Kansas and dropoff in Iowa 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 Kansas to Iowa movers, the better your pricing and options will be.

Home SizeMoving CostVolume of Packed Items (ft³)$/ft³
Studio$1,468300 ft³$4.89
1 Bedroom$2,180450 ft³$4.84
2 Bedrooms$3,596750 ft³$4.79
3 Bedrooms$5,2191100 ft³$4.74
4 Bedrooms$7,5111600 ft³$4.69
5+ Bedrooms$8,3601800 ft³$4.64
*Please note: These Kansas to Iowa moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from Kansas & Iowa. 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 KS to IA mover.
Kansas iconArrow iconIowa icon
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Iowa to Kansas guide.

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Compare the 6 Best KS to IA 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
American Movers Logo

American Movers

Exceptional9.03/10
based on 2,672+ data points

1324 S Handley St

Wichita, KS, 67213

About American Movers

American Movers has been in business since 2003 and has earned an A+ rating over the decades. The company is proud...

Services

  • Full-service pack and move
  • Help with large or treasured items
  • Residential and Commercial Storage Units

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

1698749 / 946526

Authorized For HHG

Carrier/Shipper

Registered Trucks/Vans7
Registered Drivers6
Total Annual Miles Moved82,100 (2023)
View Full Review
3
College Hunks Hauling Junk and Moving Logo

College Hunks Hauling Junk and Moving

Fabulous8.54/10
based on 1,470+ data points

7963 E Frontage Rd

Overland Park, KS, 66204

About College Hunks Hauling Junk and Moving

Since 2005, College H.U.N.K.S. (which stands for Honest, Uniformed, Nice, Knowledgeable, Service) has provided moving, junk hauling, and end-to-end relocation services...

Services

  • Full-service moving company
  • Junk Removal & Trash Pickup
  • Hourly moving & packing services

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3286258 / 1425657

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans8
Registered Drivers14
Total Annual Miles Moved125,000 (2023)
View Full Review
4
It's Your Move Logo

It's Your Move

Fabulous8.49/10
based on 123+ data points

1820 Felix Ave

Parsons, KS, 67357

About It's Your Move

It’s Your Move is one of the most honest and trustworthy moving companies in Parsons, KS. It has been helping people...

Services

  • Local Moves
  • Long-Distance Moves
  • Packing Services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 8/10/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3084348 / 68462

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans2
Registered Drivers1
Total Annual Miles Moved24,000 (2024)
View Full Review
5
Titan Moving Logo

Titan Moving

Fabulous8.40/10
based on 1,303+ data points

2920 N Ridge Rd

Wichita, KS, 67205

About Titan Moving

Titan Moving is the premier Wichita moving company offering full-service moves. Locally owned and operated, Titan Moving offers affordable residential and...

Services

  • Local and Long Distance Moving Services
  • Competitive Pricing
  • Free Estimates

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2727872 / 924278

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans3
Registered Drivers4
Total Annual Miles Moved16,000 (2022)
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 Kansas to Iowa

Moving from Kansas to Iowa offers a unique transition with different advantages and challenges. This comparison provides an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of relocating from Kansas to Iowa . It will help you make an informed decision by evaluating key factors.

CONs
PROs
Kansas iconKansas
  • Tornado frequency
  • Flat terrain
  • Limited job market
  • Far from major cities
  • Less cultural activities
Iowa iconIowa
  • Milder weather conditions
  • Rolling hills
  • Growing job opportunities
  • Closer to Chicago
  • Vibrant art scenes
Iowa iconIowa
  • Higher cost of living
  • Higher property taxes
  • Fewer big cities
  • Less BBQ culture
  • Less sports enthusiasm
Kansas iconKansas
  • Friendly communities
  • Affordable housing
  • Diverse landscapes
  • Renowned BBQ cuisine
  • Great local sports

As you move from Kansas to Iowa, you'll notice a shift in the landscape from the flat plains to the charming rolling hills of places like Dubuque. While the frequency of tornadoes may be a concern, Iowa offers milder weather overall. The job market is expanding around Des Moines, providing more opportunities. However, be prepared for a higher cost of living, particularly in popular areas like Iowa City, known for its vibrant cultural scene. Enjoy exploring local parks such as Gray’s Lake in Des Moines and dining around the myriad diverse restaurants. The closer proximity to major cities such as Chicago is a bonus, offering access to more urban experiences.

Kansas vs. Iowa Food Guide

This comparison of the local cuisine between Kansas & Iowa will explore the culinary delights that enrich the cultural tapestry of each state. Understanding the food scene is crucial for anyone looking to relocate, ensuring you know exactly what tasty offerings await you.

Kansas
Iowa
Most iconic local food item
BBQ Ribs
Corn on the Cob
Most popular meat dish
Smoked Brisket
Pork Tenderloin Sandwich
Most popular street food item
Beef Sliders
Fried Candy Bars
Most popular vegan food
Kale Salad
Grain Bowl
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que
  • YaYa’s Euro Bistro
  • The Mockingbird Lounge
  • The High Life Lounge
  • Fong's Pizza
  • Albatroz Brazilian Steakhouse
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness
💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks
🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene
🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly
🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱
🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

Delving deeper into the culinary scene, it's clear both Kansas and Iowa have unique offerings. Kansas prides itself on its BBQ mastery, especially the smoked brisket that's a must-try for any meat lover. Foodies can revel in a BBQ tour starting at the famous Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que. On the other hand, Iowa's love for corn is showcased during the annual summer fairs, with corn on the cob being a staple. The state is also known for its inventive fried foods, including fried candy bars that are a hit at the Iowa State Fair. For those seeking vegan options, Iowa presents a slightly more varied selection, with locales like Albatroz Brazilian Steakhouse surprisingly offering grain bowls that cater to plant-based diets.

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Kansas vs. Iowa Real Estate & Living Facts

Real estate is among the most crucial aspects to consider when planning a move. Understanding how Kansas and Iowa compare in terms of housing costs, architecture, and lifestyle is essential to making an informed decision that aligns with your needs and preferences.

Kansas
Iowa
Typical Architecture Style
Ranch-style homes
Craftsman-style homes
Walkability
👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability
🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle
🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing
Large yards, basements
Energy efficiency, open concept designs

While both Kansas and Iowa offer affordable housing options, there are distinct differences worth noting. For instance, Iowa's median home price is notably lower than Kansas's, making it a potentially more budget-friendly option for homebuyers. Architecture styles also vary, with Kansas favoring ranch-style homes, which typically feature a single-story layout with a long, low roofline, whereas Iowa leans towards Craftsman-style homes, known for their handcrafted aesthetics and use of natural materials. The lifestyle in these states also presents a contrast; Iowa scores slightly higher in walkability and bikeability, indicating a slightly more community-oriented, active lifestyle. Additionally, real estate listings in Iowa frequently highlight features like energy efficiency and open concept designs, suggesting a possible trend towards more modern, sustainable living options compared to Kansas's preference for large yards and basements.

Kansas vs. Iowa Weather Considerations

When relocating from Kansas to Iowa, it's crucial to grasp how the weather elements compare between these states. Understanding these differences helps you prepare for the seasonal adjustments and climate changes you'll encounter in your new home.

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

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

89°F / 68°F
85°F / 63°F
Winter icon

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

42°F / 20°F
31°F / 14°F


Rainfall icon

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

28.9
34.0
Snowfall icon

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

16.5
33.3


Moving from Kansas to Iowa, you'll notice colder winters and a higher annual snowfall which might necessitate a wardrobe adjustment and an adaptation in your daily routine during winter months. The higher humidity in Iowa could also have an impact on outdoor activities, potentially requiring acclimatization for comfort and health. With both states experiencing their share of natural disasters, understanding local emergency preparedness is crucial. Finally, paying attention to the differences in air quality and seasonal allergies will help in managing any sensitivities or health concerns you or your family members might have.

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

When contemplating a move from one state to another, it's critical to assess the financial implications of your transition. This comparison aims to clarify the financial landscape you're entering, focusing on average household income, cost of living, and state taxes in Kansas and Iowa. Understanding these differences will prepare you for the economic environment awaiting in your new home.

Kansas
Iowa
Avg. Household Income
$68,925
$69,588
Cost of Living Index
91.8
95.9
State Income Tax
3.1 - 5.7
0.33 - 8.53
Avg. Property Tax
1.37
1.56
Avg. Sales Tax
6.5
6
Top 3 Industries
Agriculture, Manufacturing, Aerospace
Manufacturing, Finance, Agriculture
Affluence
Moderate
Moderate
Poverty
Low
Low
Homelessness
Minimal
Minimal

While the average household incomes in Kansas and Iowa are strikingly similar, subtle nuances in taxes and cost of living can impact your financial wellbeing after the move. Iowa has a broader range of state income tax rates, which can significantly affect your take-home salary depending on your income bracket. Additionally, Iowa’s slightly higher property tax rate can influence the long-term affordability of homeownership. Yet, the cost of living indices for both states are below the national average, making them relatively affordable places to live. Understanding these fiscal dynamics is key to ensuring a smooth transition to your new state.

Kansas vs. Iowa Political & Religious Comparison

As you plan your move from Kansas to Iowa, it's helpful to have a broader understanding of who your neighbors will be. This comparison provides a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of the political, and religious makeup of the residents between Kansas & Iowa, offering insights into the community you're moving into.

Kansas
Iowa
Political Make-up
Traditionally leans Republican
Mixed; swing state
Local Politics
Strong local political engagement
High participation in local caucuses
Religion
Primarily Christian, variety of denominations
Primarily Christian, with a mix of Protestant and Catholic majorities

While both Kansas and Iowa share a predominantly Christian faith, the local political climates and overall political leanings distinguish the two states. In Kansas, there's a traditional leaning towards the Republican party, whereas Iowa's political makeup is more mixed, making it known as a swing state with high participation in local caucuses. This reflects not just on the national election outcomes, but also impacts local policies and community initiatives significantly. Understanding these dynamics can help you integrate more smoothly into your new home's local culture and community activities.

Education Guide When Moving from Kansas to Iowa

Moving from Kansas to Iowa or vice versa brings big changes, especially when it comes to education for you or your family. This guide aims to help you better understand the differences between school options in Kansas and Iowa, providing a clear comparison to make an informed decision.

KansasIowa

Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)

University of Kansas
Kansas State University
Wichita State University
University of Iowa
Iowa State University
University of Northern Iowa

Top 3 Elementary Schools

Sunflower Elementary (Lenexa)
Briarwood Elementary (Overland Park)
Corinth Elementary (Prairie Village)
Wickham Elementary (Coralville)
Lincoln Elementary (Pella)
Hoover Elementary (West Branch)

Top 3 Middle Schools

Leawood Middle (Leawood)
Lakewood Middle (Overland Park)
Harmony Middle (Overland Park)
North Central Junior High (North Liberty)
South East Junior High (Iowa City)
Ames Middle (Ames)

Top 3 High Schools

Blue Valley North High (Overland Park)
Shawnee Mission East High (Prairie Village)
Olathe North High (Olathe)
West High (Iowa City)
Ames High (Ames)
Roosevelt High (Des Moines)

Top 3 private high schools

The Pembroke Hill School (Kansas City)
Bishop Miege High School (Roeland Park)
St. Thomas Aquinas High School (Overland Park)
Dowling Catholic High School (West Des Moines)
Xavier High School (Cedar Rapids)
Regina High School (Iowa City)

Top 3 private K-12 schools

The Independent School (Wichita)
Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy (Overland Park)
Cair Paravel Latin School (Topeka)
Maharishi School (Fairfield)
Scattergood Friends School (West Branch)
Rivermont Collegiate (Bettendorf)

Top 3 School Districts

Blue Valley School District
Olathe Public Schools
Shawnee Mission School District
Iowa City Community School District
Ames Community School District
West Des Moines Community Schools

In comparing the two states, it's notable that while both offer a rich array of educational opportunities from elementary through high school, there are distinct choices in terms of top-ranking schools and districts. For example, Kansas is home to The Pembroke Hill School and The Independent School, prestigious private institutions that offer rigorous academic programs. On the other hand, Iowa’s Maharishi School and Scattergood Friends School provide unique educational experiences that are hard to find elsewhere. Moreover, Iowa City Community School District is recognized for its strong academic programs and is an enticing option for families prioritizing education in their relocation. Whether you're leaning towards private or public schooling, evaluating these differences can help you find the right fit for your family's educational needs in either Kansas or Iowa.

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