Best North Dakota to Iowa Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from North Dakota to Iowa and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 712 mile ND to IA move go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 39 North Dakota 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 - $5,500 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in North Dakota 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 Dakota 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
3Two Men and a Truck9.318.29Authorized For HHG
4Quality Pack & Load9.088.87Authorized For HHG
5Midwest Moving Company8.368.9Authorized For Property, HHG
6Two Men and a Truck8.177.55Authorized For HHG
Phone (800) 787-5428

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

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 712 miles from North Dakota to Iowa will cost on average $2,387 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom ND to IA move is roughly $5,724. 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 Dakota 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 Dakota to Iowa movers, the better your pricing and options will be.

Home SizeMoving CostVolume of Packed Items (ft³)$/ft³
Studio$1,606300 ft³$5.35
1 Bedroom$2,387450 ft³$5.30
2 Bedrooms$3,940750 ft³$5.25
3 Bedrooms$5,7241100 ft³$5.20
4 Bedrooms$8,2461600 ft³$5.15
5+ Bedrooms$9,1871800 ft³$5.10
*Please note: These North Dakota to Iowa moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from North Dakota & 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 ND to IA mover.
North Dakota iconArrow iconIowa icon
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Most Popular North Dakota to Iowa Moving Routes

    Compare the 6 Best ND 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
    Two Men and a Truck Logo

    Two Men and a Truck

    Exceptional9.31/10
    based on 746+ data points

    658 Main Ave W

    West Fargo, ND, 58078

    About Two Men and a Truck

    With more than 30 years of experience in the industry of moving families and businesses, Two Men and a Truck is...

    Services

    • Local Moving
    • Junk Removal
    • Storage

    Interstate Moving License

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

    USDOT / MC

    Status

    Entity Type

    3220190 / 1007626

    Authorized For HHG

    Carrier/Shipper

    Registered Trucks/Vans9
    Registered Drivers7
    Total Annual Miles Moved100,000 (2023)
    View Full Review
    3
    Quality Pack & Load Logo

    Quality Pack & Load

    Exceptional9.08/10
    based on 342+ data points

    1400 Burlington Dr # 2D

    Bismarck, ND, 58504

    About Quality Pack & Load

    Quality Pack & Load is a professional moving company established in 2009. It's a family-owned and operated business with a reputation...

    Services

    • Full-service moving services
    • Full-service packing services
    • Commercial moving services

    Interstate Moving License

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

    USDOT / MC

    Status

    Entity Type

    3092102 / 72533

    Authorized For HHG

    Carrier

    Registered Trucks/Vans2
    Registered Drivers6
    Total Annual Miles Moved17,514 (2023)
    View Full Review
    4
    Midwest Moving Company Logo

    Midwest Moving Company

    Very Good8.36/10
    based on 679+ data points

    430 28th Ct NW Unit A

    West Fargo, ND, 58078

    About Midwest Moving Company

    Midwest Moving Company is a professional moving company with locations in North Dakota, Minnesota, Colorado, and North Carolina. This mover offers...

    Services

    • Local Moving
    • Long-Distance Moving
    • Junk Removal

    Interstate Moving License

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

    USDOT / MC

    Status

    Entity Type

    3263587 / 1029171

    Authorized For Property, HHG

    Carrier

    Registered Trucks/Vans10
    Registered Drivers19
    Total Annual Miles Moved500,000 (2023)
    View Full Review
    5
    Two Men and a Truck Logo

    Two Men and a Truck

    Very Good8.17/10
    based on 42+ data points

    1407 24th Ave S # 231

    Grand Forks, ND, 58201

    About Two Men and a Truck

    Two Men and a Truck is a full-service national moving company with over 35 years of experience. Based in Lansing, Michigan,...

    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

    3220190 / 1007626

    Authorized For HHG

    Carrier/Shipper

    Registered Trucks/Vans9
    Registered Drivers7
    Total Annual Miles Moved100,000 (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 North Dakota to Iowa

    Considering a move from North Dakota to Iowa? This guide is here to provide an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of this relocation , showcasing both states to help you make an informed decision.

    CONs
    PROs
    North Dakota iconNorth Dakota
    • Long, harsh winters
    • Remote, sparse amenities
    • Fewer entertainment options
    • Higher wind speeds
    Iowa iconIowa
    • Milder winter climate
    • More urban amenities
    • Vibrant cultural scene
    • More settled weather
    Iowa iconIowa
    • Higher housing costs
    • Denser population
    • Busier lifestyle
    • Fewer historical sites
    North Dakota iconNorth Dakota
    • Low cost of living
    • Wide-open spaces
    • Quiet, peaceful lifestyle
    • Rich local history

    When relocating from North Dakota to Iowa, you'll find that the milder winters of Iowa could be a welcome change, especially in cities like Des Moines or Cedar Rapids, compared to the persisting winters of Bismarck. While North Dakota boasts wide-open spaces and a peaceful lifestyle, Iowa offers urban amenities and a variety of entertainment options. The neighborhoods of Ames or Iowa City present a contrast to the sometimes remote and sparse amenities found in Fargo. Moreover, while North Dakota's housing market might be more affordable, popular areas like West Des Moines may present you with higher housing costs. Before relocating, exploring parks like Saylorville Lake or discovering the vibrant scenes of downtown Des Moines can offer a fuller picture of what life in Iowa might bring.

    North Dakota vs. Iowa Food Guide

    As food is an integral part of local culture and greatly influences what living in an area is like, we'll delve into a comparison of the local cuisine between North Dakota & Iowa . This comparison will help better inform you about the food scene in your new home.

    North Dakota
    Iowa
    Most iconic local food item
    Knoephla Soup
    Pork Tenderloin Sandwich
    Most popular meat dish
    Buffalo Steak
    Pork Chop
    Most popular street food item
    Taco-in-a-Bag
    Corn Dogs
    Most popular vegan food
    Lentil Burgers
    Black Bean Burger
    Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
    • Kroll's Diner
    • The HoDo Restaurant
    • Pitchfork Steak Fondue
    • The Machine Shed
    • Zombie Burger
    • A Table
    Fitness/Health Conscientiousness
    💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
    💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
    Abundance of Food Trucks
    🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
    🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
    Foodie Scene (out of 10)
    🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
    🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
    Vegan Friendly (out of 10)
    🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱
    🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

    In moving from North Dakota to Iowa, you'll notice a shift in the local food scene that reflects each state's cultural identity and agricultural background. For instance, while North Dakota offers the comfort of Knoephla Soup, famous in German-Russian communities, Iowa boasts the iconic Pork Tenderloin Sandwich, speaking to its rich farming history. In Iowa, a vibrant foodie scene is evident, with restaurants like The Machine Shed and Zombie Burger providing insights into the state’s culinary diversity. With a higher score in food truck abundance and vegan-friendly options, Iowa's larger cities like Des Moines and Iowa City offer bustling street food scenes and a variety of dining experiences that cater to all tastes and lifestyles.

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    North Dakota vs. Iowa Real Estate & Living Facts

    When planning a move, understanding the real estate landscape is crucial for making an informed decision. This comparison aims to illuminate the differences and similarities between the housing markets in North Dakota and Iowa , covering aspects such as cost, architecture, and lifestyle. Knowing these factors can significantly impact your choice and transition into your new home.

    North Dakota
    Iowa
    Typical Architecture Style
    Ranch
    Colonial Revival
    Walkability
    👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
    👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
    Bikeability
    🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
    🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
    Urban Lifestyle
    🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
    🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
    Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing
    Spacious yards, garage space
    Proximity to schools, updated kitchens

    The housing comparison between North Dakota and Iowa reveals some interesting differences. For example, the median home price in North Dakota is higher than in Iowa, suggesting that Iowa could be a more budget-friendly option for homebuyers. Iowa's housing market tends to feature Colonial Revival-style homes, often with updated kitchens and closer proximity to schools, while North Dakota's market is characterized by Ranch-style homes with spacious yards and ample garage space. Additionally, both states offer a decent level of bikeability, but Iowa scores slightly higher in urban lifestyle, walkability, and bikeability, indicating a somewhat more active community environment. These differences reflect the unique character and priorities of each state's real estate market, offering potential movers distinct living experiences.

    North Dakota vs. Iowa Weather Considerations

    Moving from one place to another brings many changes, and understanding how the weather compares between North Dakota and Iowa is crucial for your adaptation. This comparison will help you adjust your expectations and be better prepared for your new home environment.

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

    Average Summer High/Low (°F)

    82°F / 57°F
    85°F / 64°F
    Winter icon

    Average Winter High/Low (°F)

    18°F / 0°F
    31°F / 14°F


    Rainfall icon

    Annual Rainfall (Inches)

    17-20"
    30-38"
    Snowfall icon

    Annual Snowfall (Inches)

    38-45"
    28-38"


    When relocating from North Dakota to Iowa, you'll notice differences in weather that could impact your daily life. Iowa experiences slightly higher average temperatures in both summer and winter, providing a more moderate climate. Although both states enjoy a comparable number of sunshine days, Iowa sees significantly more rainfall, which contributes to its higher average humidity. On the other hand, North Dakota receives more snowfall, a reflection of its colder winters. Understanding these nuances will help you prepare for seasonal changes and adjust more comfortably to your new environment.

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

    When you're moving from one location to another, it's crucial to understand how the cost of living and other financial factors between North Dakota and Iowa will compare to what you're accustomed to. This comparison will guide you in planning your finances effectively for a smooth transition.

    North Dakota
    Iowa
    Avg. Household Income
    $71,970
    $69,588
    Cost of Living Index
    95.3
    95.9
    State Income Tax
    1.1 - 2.9%
    0.33 - 8.53%
    Avg. Property Tax
    0.99%
    1.29%
    Avg. Sales Tax
    6.94%
    6.82%
    Top 3 Industries
    Agriculture, Energy, Manufacturing
    Manufacturing, Finance and Insurance, Agriculture
    Affluence
    Moderate
    Moderate
    Poverty
    Lower
    Lower
    Homelessness
    Lower
    Lower

    Although North Dakota and Iowa share several economic characteristics, including a moderate level of affluence and lower levels of poverty and homelessness, there are notable differences in their financial landscapes. North Dakota enjoys a marginally higher average household income and a slightly more affordable cost of living index. However, Iowa's broader range in state income tax rates offers a nuanced perspective for potential taxpayers, especially those in higher income brackets. Additionally, the significance of agriculture in both states' economies is evident, but North Dakota's emphasis on energy and Iowa's focus on manufacturing and finance demonstrate distinct industrial priorities. Understanding these differences can significantly aid in financial planning for your move.

    North Dakota vs. Iowa Political & Religious Comparison

    When considering a move from North Dakota to Iowa, it's insightful to compare the regions beyond just the landscapes and job markets. This comparison provides a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of the political, and religious makeup of the residents between North Dakota & Iowa . Understanding these elements can help you gauge the social climate you’re moving into.

    North Dakota
    Iowa
    Political Make-up
    Lean Conservative
    Moderate, with swings in national elections
    Local Politics
    Republican dominance in state legislature
    Mixed, with a history of both Republican and Democratic leadership
    Religion
    Lutheran, Catholic
    Catholic, Evangelical Protestant

    As you embark on your move from North Dakota to Iowa, understanding the differing political landscapes and religious profiles of each state could be essential for a seamless transition. North Dakota tends to lean more conservative, with the Republican party having significant influence in local politics, which is reflected in the state's governance and policy priorities. On the other hand, Iowa boasts a more moderate political climate, often seen as a battleground state during presidential elections, indicating a diverse range of political views among its residents. Additionally, while both states have strong Christian foundations, North Dakota's population has a higher concentration of Lutherans and Catholics, whereas Iowa sees a substantial representation of Catholic and Evangelical Protestant communities. Knowing these dynamics could help you better integrate and connect with your new community.

    Education Guide When Moving from North Dakota to Iowa

    Making a move from North Dakota to Iowa can be a significant life change, especially when considering the best educational opportunities for your family. To help with your decision, we've put together a comparison to better understand what the comparisons are between school options from North Dakota and Iowa. This insight will assist in your transition and ensure a smooth start in your new home state.

    North DakotaIowa

    Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)

    North Dakota State University
    University of North Dakota
    Minot State University
    University of Iowa
    Iowa State University
    University of Northern Iowa

    Top 3 Elementary Schools

    Freedom Elementary (West Fargo)
    Independence Elementary (Fargo)
    Liberty Elementary (Bismarck)
    Wickham Elementary (Coralville)
    Lincoln Elementary (Mount Vernon)
    Bowman Woods Elementary (Cedar Rapids)

    Top 3 Middle Schools

    Ben Franklin Middle School (Fargo)
    Discovery Middle School (Fargo)
    Horizon Middle School (Bismarck)
    North Central Junior High (Coralville)
    Ames Middle School (Ames)
    Oak Ridge Middle (Cedar Rapids)

    Top 3 High School Schools

    Century High School (Bismarck)
    Fargo North High School (Fargo)
    Red River High School (Grand Forks)
    Ames High School (Ames)
    West High School (Iowa City)
    Pleasant Valley High School (Bettendorf)

    Top 3 private high schools

    Shanley High School (Fargo)
    Bishop Ryan Catholic School (Minot)
    Oak Grove Lutheran School (Fargo)
    Xavier High School (Cedar Rapids)
    Dowling Catholic High School (West Des Moines)
    Regina High School (Iowa City)

    Top 3 private K-12 schools

    Dakota Adventist Academy (Bismarck)
    Oak Grove Lutheran School (Fargo)
    Shiloh Christian School (Bismarck)
    Scattergood Friends School (West Branch)
    Maharishi School (Fairfield)
    Rivermont Collegiate (Bettendorf)

    Top 3 School Districts

    Fargo Public Schools
    Bismarck Public Schools
    West Fargo Public Schools
    Iowa City Community School District
    Cedar Rapids Community School District
    West Des Moines Community Schools

    In evaluating the educational landscape between North Dakota and Iowa, a few key differences emerge. North Dakota State University and University of Iowa are prime destinations for college-bound seniors in their respective states, highlighting the strong academic culture present. Elementary schools, such as Liberty Elementary in Bismarck and Wickham Elementary in Coralville, are noted for their exceptional educational programs, illustrating the importance both states place on early education. High school education in both states also differs, with states boasting highly-regarded institutions like Fargo North High School and Ames High School, known for their college-preparation programs. When choosing the best educational path in your new state, consider these variables for a decision that best fits your family's needs.

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