Best North Carolina to Iowa Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from North Carolina to Iowa and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 1,064 mile NC to IA move go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 150 North Carolina 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 North Carolina 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 North Carolina to Iowa 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
4Raleigh Moving Company9.449.6Active
5Adamantine Spine Moving9.449.28Authorized For Property, HHG
6Greenville Moving Company9.449.48Authorized For Property
Phone (800) 787-5428

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

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 1,064 miles from North Carolina to Iowa will cost on average $2,686 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom NC to IA move is roughly $6,456. 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 North Carolina 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 North Carolina to Iowa movers, the better your pricing and options will be.

Home SizeMoving CostVolume of Packed Items (ft³)$/ft³
Studio$1,806300 ft³$6.02
1 Bedroom$2,686450 ft³$5.97
2 Bedrooms$4,439750 ft³$5.92
3 Bedrooms$6,4561100 ft³$5.87
4 Bedrooms$9,3101600 ft³$5.82
5+ Bedrooms$10,3841800 ft³$5.77
*Please note: These North Carolina to Iowa moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from North Carolina & 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 NC to IA mover.
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Iowa to North Carolina guide.

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Compare the 6 Best NC 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
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
Raleigh Moving Company Logo

Raleigh Moving Company

Exceptional9.44/10
based on 856+ data points

Raleigh, NC, 27609

About Raleigh Moving Company

Raleigh Moving Company is a locally owned and operated moving company offering residential and commercial services for local and long-distance moves...

Services

  • Free estimates
  • Full Value Protection (FVP)
  • Fully licensed and insured

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 9/14/2021)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3344628 / -

Active

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved-
View Full Review
4
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
5
Greenville Moving Company Logo

Greenville Moving Company

Exceptional9.44/10
based on 386+ data points

301 Goldsmith St

Greenville, SC, 29609

About Greenville Moving Company

Established in 2022, Greenville Moving Company is a locally-owned business offering comprehensive moving services in Greenville, SC and the Upstate area....

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Long Distance Moving
  • Apartment Moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 5/24/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3808401 / 1384411

Authorized For Property

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans2
Registered Drivers3
Total Annual Miles Moved10,000 (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 North Carolina to Iowa

This guide will provide an insightful comparison of the pros and cons of relocating from North Carolina to Iowa , offering an honest reflection of what you might encounter during this move.

CONs
PROs
North Carolina iconNorth Carolina
  • Hurricanes
  • Higher humidity
  • Crowded beaches
  • Urban traffic
  • Higher cost of living
Iowa iconIowa
  • Fewer natural disasters
  • Drier climate
  • Open spaces
  • Less congestion
  • Lower cost of living
Iowa iconIowa
  • Cold, snowy winters
  • Fewer historical landmarks
  • No ocean coastline
  • Less culinary variety
  • Quieter nights
North Carolina iconNorth Carolina
  • Mild winters
  • Rich cultural history
  • Coastal access
  • Diverse cuisine
  • Vibrant nightlife

Moving from North Carolina to Iowa presents a shift in lifestyle that is both refreshing and challenging. In Iowa, you'll find vast open spaces like those in Greater Des Moines, promoting outdoor activities without the hustle of urban congestion. While you'll trade coastal access for the riverside views of the Mississippi, the tranquil environment of Iowa City may offer you a peaceful retreat from the higher-paced life of North Carolina. You'll also appreciate the lower living costs in Iowa, which allow for more affordable housing and day-to-day expenses. However, brace yourself for harsh winters that contrast North Carolina's milder temperatures. Exploring neighborhood parks like Gray's Lake Park in Des Moines will be essential in getting acclimated to your new environment.

North Carolina vs. Iowa Food Guide

This is a comparison of the local cuisine between North Carolina & Iowa, highlighting the importance of food in understanding local culture and the living experience in these areas. This comparison helps you become more familiar with the culinary scene of your new home.

North Carolina
Iowa
Most iconic local food item
Barbecue pork
Corn
Most popular meat dish
Pulled pork
Pork tenderloin sandwich
Most popular street food item
Shrimp and grits
Walking taco
Most popular vegan food
Collard greens
Sweet corn tamale
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Lexington Barbecue
  • Buxton Hall Barbecue
  • The Chef & the Farmer
  • Machine Shed Restaurant
  • Augie's Draft Room
  • Zeke's
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness
💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks
🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene
🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly
🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱
🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

When moving from North Carolina to Iowa, you'll transition from a food scene deeply rooted in barbecue tradition to one that celebrates the heartland's bounty, particularly corn. In North Carolina, pulled pork and shrimp and grits reign supreme, often found at local haunts like Lexington Barbecue. In contrast, Iowa's culinary pride is evident in dishes like the pork tenderloin sandwich and innovative street foods such as walking tacos, with local favorites including Machine Shed Restaurant spotlighting the state's agricultural heritage. This shift not only introduces you to new flavors but also to the communities that cherish them.

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Ready to start your move?

North Carolina vs. Iowa Real Estate & Living Facts

When planning a move, understanding the real estate market in North Carolina and Iowa is crucial. This comparison sheds light on housing costs, architectural styles, and urban living in both states, helping you make an informed decision.

North Carolina
Iowa
Typical Architecture Style
Colonial, Cape Cod
Colonial, Ranch
Walkability
👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability
🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle
🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing
Hardwood floors, stainless steel appliances
Energy efficiency, spacious backyard

In aligning your expectations for moving from North Carolina to Iowa, several key aspects of the housing sector stand out. Iowa offers a distinctly more affordable housing market, with both the median home price and rent well below those in North Carolina. This is complemented by Iowa's emphasis on energy efficiency and generous outdoor spaces, features particularly attractive to those seeking a balanced, eco-friendly lifestyle without breaking the bank. On the other hand, North Carolina’s higher urban lifestyle score points to a more dynamic environment, suited for those seeking vibrant, city-like amenities. Walkability and bikeability scores, though slightly lower in North Carolina, indicate a need for a car in both states, yet hint at a gradually expanding infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists.

North Carolina vs. Iowa Weather Considerations

When planning a move from North Carolina to Iowa, understanding how the weather differs between these two states is essential. This comparison will highlight the key differences in climate and weather patterns , ensuring you're well-prepared for your new environment.

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

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

87°F / 66°F
86°F / 65°F
Winter icon

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

50°F / 30°F
31°F / 14°F


Rainfall icon

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

50"
36"
Snowfall icon

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

4"
36"


In comparing the climates of North Carolina and Iowa, you'll find key variances that could impact your daily life after the move. North Carolina boasts milder winters and more days of sunshine a year, creating a comfortable environment for those averse to cold weather. On the other hand, Iowa experiences harsher winters with considerable snowfall, which can be a significant change if you're not accustomed to snowy conditions. Both states experience similar levels of annual humidity and have their own sets of natural disasters to be aware of, like hurricanes in North Carolina and tornadoes in Iowa. Understanding these differences will help you prepare for seasonal changes and residential maintenance in your new Iowa home.

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

When considering a move from one state to another, it's crucial to understand how your financial situation will be affected. This comparison will give you a clear picture of the economic landscape you're transitioning into, highlighting the cost of living, average income, and taxation in North Carolina vs. Iowa.

North Carolina
Iowa
Avg. Household Income
$67,481
$69,588
Cost of Living Index
95.85
95.9
State Income Tax
5.25
Up to 8.53
Avg. Property Tax
0.85
1.53
Avg. Sales Tax
6.75
6.94
Top 3 Industries
Finance, Education, Health Services
Manufacturing, Finance, Agriculture
Affluence
Moderate
Comparable
Poverty
Moderate
Lower
Homelessness
Low
Very Low

The shift from North Carolina to Iowa presents a unique financial landscape. Notably, Iowa enjoys a slightly higher average household income alongside a more affordable cost of living index. The state of Iowa has a progressive income tax, which might affect you differently depending on your income bracket, contrasting North Carolina's flat rate. Property taxes are higher in Iowa, but the state boasts of a robust economy with strong manufacturing and agricultural sectors. Understanding the nuances of each state's economy, including the primary industries and the overall affluence, will aid in a smoother transition.

North Carolina vs. Iowa Political & Religious Comparison

When considering a move from North Carolina to Iowa, it's beneficial to get a quick snapshot of the communities you're transitioning between. This guide provides an at-a-glance comparison of the politics between North Carolina & Iowa , along with insights into the religious makeup of each state's residents. Understanding these aspects will help you gauge how well you'll fit into your new home.

North Carolina
Iowa
Political Make-up
Purple, leaning slightly red
Swing state, varies by election
Local Politics
Urban areas lean blue, rural areas lean red
Rural areas lean conservative, urban areas more liberal
Religion
Christianity dominates, with Baptists being significant
Christianity prevalent, with a notable Lutheran presence

In both North Carolina and Iowa, the political climate can vary dramatically depending on whether you're in an urban or rural setting. For instance, if you're moving from a city in North Carolina, you might find comfort in Iowa's urban centers, where the politics tend to be more liberal. However, the countryside in both states leans towards conservative values. Religion plays a significant role in both states, with Christianity being the predominant faith. In North Carolina, the Baptist tradition is particularly strong, while in Iowa, there's a noticeable Lutheran community. This variance in religious and political makeup between the two states can influence local culture, community events, and even day-to-day conversations.

Education Guide When Moving from North Carolina to Iowa

Moving from one state to another can be a transformative experience, especially when it comes to education. To help you navigate this change, we've prepared a comparison to better understand what the comparisons are between school options in North Carolina and Iowa. This information is invaluable for ensuring the best educational opportunities for your family.

North CarolinaIowa

Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)

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

Top 3 Elementary Schools

Morrisville Elementary (Morrisville)
Sterling Montessori Academy (Morrisville)
Eastover Elementary (Charlotte)
Brookview Elementary (West Des Moines)
Van Meter Elementary (Van Meter)
Grant Ragan Elementary (Waukee)

Top 3 Middle Schools

Jay M. Robinson Middle (Charlotte)
Piedmont IB Middle (Charlotte)
Ligon Middle (Raleigh)
Ames Middle (Ames)
North Central Junior High (North Liberty)
South East Junior High (Iowa City)

Top 3 High Schools

North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics (Durham)
Raleigh Charter High School (Raleigh)
Early College at Guilford (Greensboro)
West Senior High (Iowa City)
Ames High (Ames)
Decorah High School (Decorah)

Top 3 private high schools

Charlotte Latin School (Charlotte)
Cary Academy (Cary)
Durham Academy (Durham)
Phillips Academy (Exeter)
The Seven Hills School (Cincinnati)
The Blake School (Minneapolis)

Top 3 private K-12 schools

Ravenscroft School (Raleigh)
Charlotte Country Day School (Charlotte)
Providence Day School (Charlotte)
Scattergood Friends School (West Branch)
Maharishi School (Fairfield)
Rivermont Collegiate (Bettendorf)

Top 3 School Districts

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

Examining the educational landscape of North Carolina and Iowa reveals deeply rooted commitments to academic excellence within both states. North Carolina boasts a diverse array of educational options, from prestigious public universities like the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to highly ranked elementary and middle schools in urban centers such as Charlotte and Raleigh. In contrast, Iowa places a significant emphasis on educational quality in both its public and private sectors, with institutions like the University of Iowa leading in higher education. Both states offer compelling choices for families prioritizing education, whether they prefer the innovative programs at North Carolina's School of Science and Mathematics or the intimate, community-focused environments of Iowa's top-ranked public schools. Making an informed decision between these diverse educational landscapes will depend on your family’s specific needs, aspirations, and values.

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