Best Montana to Iowa Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from Montana to Iowa and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 1,118 mile MT to IA move go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 40 Montana 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 $2,000 - $6,500 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Montana 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 Montana 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
3Moving On Up8.818.05Authorized For Property
4On The Move LLC8.558.16Active
5A Team Moving and Storage8.317.92Authorized For HHG
6Two Men and a Truck8.287.88Authorized For Property, HHG
Phone (800) 787-5428

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

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 1,118 miles from Montana to Iowa will cost on average $2,732 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom MT to IA move is roughly $6,568. 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 Montana 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 Montana to Iowa movers, the better your pricing and options will be.

Home SizeMoving CostVolume of Packed Items (ft³)$/ft³
Studio$1,836300 ft³$6.12
1 Bedroom$2,732450 ft³$6.07
2 Bedrooms$4,516750 ft³$6.02
3 Bedrooms$6,5681100 ft³$5.97
4 Bedrooms$9,4741600 ft³$5.92
5+ Bedrooms$10,5681800 ft³$5.87
*Please note: These Montana to Iowa moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from Montana & 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 MT to IA mover.
Montana iconArrow iconIowa icon
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Iowa to Montana guide.

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Most Popular Montana to Iowa Moving Routes

    Compare the 6 Best MT 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
    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
    3
    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
    4
    A Team Moving and Storage Logo

    A Team Moving and Storage

    Very Good8.31/10
    based on 170+ data points

    1270 Bitterroot Dr

    Marion, MT, 59925

    About A Team Moving and Storage

    A-Team Moving and Storage is a family-owned moving company in Marion, MT, offering comprehensive relocation services. With over 70 years of...

    Services

    • Local moving
    • Long-distance moving
    • Cross-country moving

    Interstate Moving License

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

    USDOT / MC

    Status

    Entity Type

    2376754 / 815908

    Authorized For HHG

    Carrier

    Registered Trucks/Vans22
    Registered Drivers24
    Total Annual Miles Moved318,000 (2023)
    View Full Review
    5
    Two Men and a Truck Logo

    Two Men and a Truck

    Very Good8.28/10
    based on 165+ data points

    1375 4th Ave N Suite F

    Billings, MT, 59101

    About Two Men and a Truck

    Two Men and a Truck is a national, full-service moving company that has been in business for over 35 years. They...

    Services

    • Local Moving
    • Junk Removal
    • Storage

    Interstate Moving License

    Circle Check
    Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/11/2025)

    USDOT / MC

    Status

    Entity Type

    3818801 / 1381093

    Authorized For Property, HHG

    Carrier

    Registered Trucks/Vans3
    Registered Drivers6
    Total Annual Miles Moved75,000 (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 Montana to Iowa

    Whether you're embarking on an exciting new chapter or seeking a change of scenery, understanding both the challenges and opportunities of moving is crucial. This comparison offers an honest reflection of the good and bad attributes of relocating from Montana to Iowa , weighing what you gain against what you might miss.

    CONs
    PROs
    Montana iconMontana
    • Harsh winters
    • Limited job market
    • Remote locations
    Iowa iconIowa
    • Milder climate
    • More job opportunities
    • Central access
    Iowa iconIowa
    • Less varied landscape
    • Fewer outdoor options
    • More crowded spaces
    Montana iconMontana
    • Spectacular scenery
    • Outdoor activities
    • Smaller population

    Moving from Montana to Iowa could mean trading snowy Montana winters for Iowa's more temperate climate, where you can enjoy long walks in Des Moines’ Gray's Lake Park almost year-round. The vibrant job market in Iowa, especially in cities like Cedar Rapids, provides additional career opportunities. However, you'll find that while Iowa offers a welcoming urban environment full of diverse dining experiences, like local favorites in the East Village, it may lack the breathtaking mountainous vistas found in Montana. Each state has its unique set of offerings, promising exciting new experiences and opportunities for growth.

    Montana vs. Iowa Food Guide

    Food intertwines deeply with the local culture and living experience of a region. Understanding the culinary landscape can enrich your relocation journey. This guide offers a comparison focusing on the local cuisine between Montana & Iowa to help you get acquainted with what might soon become your new favorite foods.

    Montana
    Iowa
    Most iconic local food item
    Bison Steak
    Corn on the Cob
    Most popular meat dish
    Trout
    Pork Tenderloin Sandwich
    Most popular street food item
    Huckleberry Hand Pies
    Breakfast Burrito
    Most popular vegan food
    Wild Rice Burger
    Fried Tofu
    Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
    Fitness/Health Conscientiousness
    💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
    💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
    Abundance of Food Trucks
    🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
    🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
    Foodie Scene
    🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
    🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
    Vegan Friendly
    🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱
    🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

    In Montana, the culinary scene is robust with flavors that mirror the state's wild, outdoor spirit. Bison steaks and trout dominate menus to offer a taste of local wildlife, while restaurants like The Landing Bighorn showcase the state's premium meats and fresh produce. On the other hand, Iowa offers a rich agricultural bounty with its corn on the cob leading the charge. Pork tenderloin sandwiches are a must-try for any newcomer, encapsulating the state's love for hearty, comforting food. Food trucks in cities like Des Moines provide a cosmopolitan foodie scene, allowing you to indulge in everything from breakfast burritos to inventive vegan dishes. Both states offer unique culinary experiences that reflect their diverse cultural and environmental landscapes.

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    Montana vs. Iowa Real Estate & Living Facts

    When planning a move, understanding the real estate market is crucial in making an informed decision. This comparison between Montana and Iowa aims to highlight critical aspects of housing in both states, helping you navigate your relocation smoothly.

    Montana
    Iowa
    Typical Architecture Style
    Rustic, Mountain
    Prairie, Farmhouse
    Walkability
    👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
    👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
    Bikeability
    🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
    🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
    Urban Lifestyle
    🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
    🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
    Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing
    Mountain views, open spaces
    Community, family-friendly

    Moving from Montana to Iowa represents a shift not only in environment but also in the real estate landscape. While Montana boasts larger properties with stunning mountain views, indicating its emphasis on open spaces and nature, Iowa offers a more community-centric approach, often emphasizing family-friendly features in listings. The considerable difference in median home prices and monthly rents points to Iowa being a more affordable option for many. Moreover, Iowa scores better in terms of walkability and bikeability, highlighting its more urban and accessible environment.

    Montana vs. Iowa Weather Considerations

    When relocating from Montana to Iowa, it's crucial to grasp how the weather patterns and climate will differ. This understanding will prepare you for the changes and help adjust your lifestyle accordingly. This comparison highlights the weather characteristics of Montana and Iowa, aiming to ease your transition.

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

    Average Summer High/Low (°F)

    82°F / 45°F
    85°F / 63°F
    Winter icon

    Average Winter High/Low (°F)

    34°F / 17°F
    31°F / 14°F


    Rainfall icon

    Annual Rainfall (Inches)

    15"
    36"
    Snowfall icon

    Annual Snowfall (Inches)

    48"
    33"


    While the annual sunshine days are quite similar, you'll notice a significant difference in humidity – Iowa being more humid due to its geographical location. This higher humidity in Iowa affects summer and winter temperatures, making summers feel warmer and winters a bit more bone-chilling, despite similar temperatures in both states. Another notable change is in the natural disasters you might prepare for, with Iowa having a higher tendency for tornadoes and flooding. Adjusting to these differences will be key to making your transition as smooth as possible.

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

    When considering a move from one state to another, it's vital to understand how your finances might be affected. This comparison will outline the key financial differences between Montana and Iowa , helping you make an informed decision about your move.

    Montana
    Iowa
    Avg. Household Income
    $67,631
    $69,588
    Cost of Living Index
    99.4
    95.9
    State Income Tax
    1.00 - 6.90
    0.33 - 8.53
    Avg. Property Tax
    0.83
    1.53
    Avg. Sales Tax
    0
    6
    Top 3 Industries
    Health Care, Retail, Construction
    Manufacturing, Health Care, Retail
    Affluence
    Moderate
    Moderately High
    Poverty
    Lower
    Lower-Middle
    Homelessness
    Low
    Relatively Low

    When moving from Montana to Iowa, you'll find that your average income might increase, providing you with an opportunity for a better standard of living, especially considering Iowa's lower cost of living index. However, this is juxtaposed with Iowa's higher average property tax rate, which is almost double that of Montana's, potentially impacting homeowners. Both states have their unique economic characteristics, with Iowa notably having no sales tax, which could equate to savings on daily purchases. It's also interesting to note that while both states boast lower poverty rates, Iowa edges out with a slightly higher affluence marker, reflected in its higher average household income.

    Montana vs. Iowa Political & Religious Comparison

    When moving from Montana to Iowa, it’s beneficial to get a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of the political, and religious makeup of the residents you'll soon be calling neighbors. This comparison will provide insight into the diverse cultures and beliefs that shape each state's unique character.

    Montana
    Iowa
    Political Make-up
    Lean Republican
    Swing State
    Local Politics
    Libertarian Influence
    Community-Oriented
    Religion
    Christian Majority
    Christian Majority

    In comparing Montana and Iowa, you might find that while both states share a Christian majority, the political landscapes are quite distinctive. Montana often leans Republican with a notable libertarian influence that echoes its "Big Sky Country" spirit of independence and freedom. Moving to Iowa, you’ll find it’s a swing state where local politics are more community-oriented, reflecting the states' importance in national elections and its diverse political makeup. These political distinctions not only shape state policies but also affect daily life and community culture in subtle ways. Understanding these nuances will help you acclimate more quickly to your new surroundings.

    Education Guide When Moving from Montana to Iowa

    When contemplating a move from Montana to Iowa, one critical area to explore is the educational environment each state offers. This guide aims to help you better understand what the comparisons are between school options in Montana and Iowa , ensuring your family makes an informed decision regarding your educational future.

    MontanaIowa

    Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)

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

    Top 3 Elementary Schools

    Chief Joseph Elementary - Bozeman
    Hawthorne Elementary - Bozeman
    Meadowlark Elementary - Billings
    Wickham Elementary - Coralville
    Lincoln Elementary - Mount Vernon
    Grant Ragan Elementary - Waukee

    Top 3 Middle Schools

    Sacajawea Middle School - Bozeman
    Lewis & Clark Middle School - Billings
    Washington Middle School - Missoula
    North Central Junior High - Coralville
    Ames Middle School - Ames
    Summit Middle School - Johnston

    Top 3 High Schools

    Bozeman High School - Bozeman
    Billings Senior High - Billings
    Hellgate High School - Missoula
    West High School - Iowa City
    Ames High School - Ames
    Johnston Senior High School - Johnston

    Top 3 private high schools

    Mount Ellis Academy - Bozeman
    Billings Central Catholic High School - Billings
    Loyola Sacred Heart High School - Missoula
    Dowling Catholic High School - West Des Moines
    Xavier High School - Cedar Rapids
    Bishop Heelan Catholic High School - Sioux City

    Top 3 private K-12 schools

    Petra Academy - Bozeman
    Missoula International School - Missoula
    Valley Christian School - Missoula
    Maharishi School - Fairfield
    Scattergood Friends School - West Branch
    Des Moines Christian School - Urbandale

    Top 3 School Districts

    Bozeman School District
    Billings Public Schools
    Missoula County Public Schools
    Iowa City Community School District
    Waukee Community School District
    Des Moines Public Schools

    Exploring the educational landscapes of Montana and Iowa reveals distinctive opportunities and highly regarded institutions in both states. For instance, the University of Montana and the University of Iowa both emerge as leading destinations for higher education, attracting students with their broad range of programs and vibrant campus life. When it comes to K-12 education, both states boast schools that earn high marks for academic excellence and innovative teaching methods, such as the Bozeman School District in Montana and the Iowa City Community School District in Iowa. Private institutions like Mount Ellis Academy in Bozeman and Dowling Catholic High School in West Des Moines highlight the diversity and quality of educational choices available outside the public school system. This comparison underlines the importance of evaluating various educational paths to ascertain the best fit for your family's needs and aspirations.

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