Best Colorado to Iowa Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from Colorado to Iowa and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 778 mile CO to IA move go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 87 Colorado to Iowa moving companies and more than 15,000 movers nationwide to provide up-to-date and data-driven information about: which moving company to hire (our top recommendation is Movemasters, Inc.), 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 Colorado 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 Colorado to Iowa Moving Companies

RankCompany NameRating QuestionAffordability IndexLicenseContact
1Movemasters, Inc.9.589.45Authorized For HHGContact
2Adamantine Spine Moving9.539.4Authorized For Property, HHGContact
3Smooth Movers9.519.31Authorized For HHGContact
4Denver Door to Door Movers LLC9.499.31Authorized For HHGContact
5Adamantine Spine Moving9.429.28Authorized For Property, HHGContact
6The Move Caddies9.209.41Authorized For HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428

Cost to Move from Colorado to Iowa

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 778 miles from Colorado to Iowa will cost on average $2,443 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom CO to IA move is roughly $5,861. 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 Colorado 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 Colorado to Iowa movers, the better your pricing and options will be.

Home SizeMoving CostVolume of Packed Items (ft³)$/ft³
Studio$1,644300 ft³5.48
1 Bedroom$2,443450 ft³5.43
2 Bedrooms$4,034750 ft³5.38
3 Bedrooms$5,8611100 ft³5.33
4 Bedrooms$8,4461600 ft³5.28
5+ Bedrooms$9,4111800 ft³5.23
*Please note: These Colorado to Iowa moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from Colorado & 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 CO to IA mover.
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Compare the 6 Best CO to IA Movers

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

Movemasters, Inc. Logo

Movemasters, Inc.

Exceptional9.58/10
based on 3,188+ data points

745 Lipan St

Denver, CO, 80204

About Movemasters, Inc.

Located in Denver and serving customers locally and statewide for close to 40 years, Movemasters Inc. values trust, reputation, and results....

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Long-Distance Moving
  • Household Moving

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

1290433 / 1550891

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans19
Registered Drivers23
Total Annual Miles Moved216,634 (2022)
View Full Review
1
Adamantine Spine Moving Logo

Adamantine Spine Moving

Exceptional9.53/10
based on 956+ 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
Smooth Movers Logo

Smooth Movers

Exceptional
claimed company icon
9.51/10
based on 677+ data points

263 N 3rd St

Laramie, WY, 82072

About Smooth Movers

Smooth Movers has over 100 years of combined moving experience. It is a locally owned and operated business helping people move...

Services

  • Local moving
  • Long distance moving
  • Residential moving

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2630599 / 915454

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans7
Registered Drivers8
Total Annual Miles Moved110,000 (2022)
View Full Review
3
Denver Door to Door Movers LLC Logo

Denver Door to Door Movers LLC

Exceptional9.49/10
based on 2,353+ data points

5686 Logan Ct Unit E

Denver, CO, 80216

About Denver Door to Door Movers LLC

Located in Mile High City, Denver Door to Door Movers is an experienced moving company providing residential and commercial moves. The...

Services

  • Residential Moving
  • Commercial Moving
  • Professional Packing Services

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3184789 / 1195769

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans3
Registered Drivers8
Total Annual Miles Moved45,000 (2023)
View Full Review
4
Adamantine Spine Moving Logo

Adamantine Spine Moving

Exceptional9.42/10
based on 1,268+ 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
The Move Caddies Logo

The Move Caddies

Exceptional9.20/10
based on 786+ data points

6410 S College Ave Suite A

Fort Collins, CO, 80525

About The Move Caddies

The Move Caddies is a trusted local moving company based in Fort Collins, Colorado, offering a tailor-made moving experience to suit...

Services

  • Local moving
  • Long-distance moving
  • Specialty or bulk item moving

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3804487 / 1370592

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans4
Registered Drivers5
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 Colorado to Iowa

Moving from one state to another can be a daunting yet exciting adventure. This side-by-side comparison aims to honestly reflect the good and the bad attributes of relocating from Colorado to Iowa . Understand the benefits and drawbacks through these detailed insights, helping you to make an informed decision about your big move.

CONs
PROs
Colorado iconColorado
  • Higher cost of living
  • Less job diversity
  • Heavier traffic
  • Colder winters
Iowa iconIowa
  • Lower cost of living
  • More job opportunities
  • Lesser traffic congestion
  • Milder winters
Iowa iconIowa
  • Flatter landscapes
  • Less outdoor variety
  • Smaller cities
  • Humid summers
Colorado iconColorado
  • Mountain landscapes
  • Outdoor lifestyle
  • Vibrant cities
  • Mild summers

While both Colorado and Iowa have their unique advantages, specific differences stand out. Colorado offers spectacular mountain landscapes, perfect for those who love an outdoor lifestyle, with hiking, skiing, and mountain biking opportunities around every corner. In contrast, Iowa’s flatter terrain provides rich agricultural lands and open skies which appeal to those looking for a quieter life. Iowa's cities, such as Des Moines, offer a mix of urban conveniences and small-town charm, with noteworthy locales like the Downtown Farmers' Market and the Des Moines Art Center. Meanwhile, Colorado's vibrant cities, including Denver and Boulder, boast an array of restaurants, parks like City Park, and sights such as Red Rocks Amphitheatre, catering to a more diverse and active lifestyle. However, the trade-off comes in the cost of living, exemplifying how each state offers a different slice of life.

Colorado vs. Iowa Food Guide

When planning a move, it's not just the scenery and job opportunities you're considering but also the local culture, and a big part of that is the food. Here, we're taking a deep dive into the local cuisine between Colorado & Iowa , so you can get a taste of what your new home has to offer.

ColoradoIowa
Most iconic local food itemRocky Mountain OystersLoose Meat Sandwich
Most popular meat dishBison BurgerPork Tenderloin
Most popular street food itemGreen ChiliCorn Dogs
Most popular vegan foodQuinoa SaladBlack Bean Burger
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
    • The Buckhorn Exchange
    • Beau Jo's Pizza
    • Frasca Food and Wine
    • The Machine Shed Restaurant
    • Zombie Burger + Drink Lab
    • The Ronneburg Restaurant
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

In Colorado, the culinary scene is vast with an emphasis on both innovation and tradition. The Buckhorn Exchange in Denver, for example, offers a historical dining experience with its exotic menu, while Beau Jo's Pizza is famous for its Colorado-style pizza. On the other hand, Iowa offers a down-to-earth culinary experience with The Machine Shed Restaurant in Urbandale emphasizing hearty, farm-fresh meals and Zombie Burger in Des Moines offering a unique take on classic American fast food. Both states offer unique dining experiences reflective of their local cultures and tastes.

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Colorado vs. Iowa Real Estate & Living Facts

When planning a move, analyzing real estate is crucial for a smooth transition. Understanding how housing options, costs, and lifestyles in Colorado and Iowa compare can make a significant difference in your relocation experience.

ComparisonColoradoIowa
Typical Architecture StyleMountain Rustic, ModernPrairie, Craftsman
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingMountain views, Outdoor spaceFamily-friendly, Spacious lots

While Colorado boasts a more urban lifestyle with a median home price significantly higher than Iowa, the cost of living in Iowa is more manageable with its lower house and rent prices. Colorado's architecture often highlights modern and mountain rustic styles to complement its scenic views, whereas Iowa features prairie and craftsman style homes that reflect its pastoral landscape. Despite Iowa having a lower walkability score, its emphasis on spacious lots and family-friendly environments make it an attractive option for those seeking a quieter lifestyle. In contrast, Colorado offers a higher urban lifestyle score, likely due to its vibrant cities and outdoor recreational opportunities.

Colorado vs. Iowa Weather Considerations

Moving from one state to another involves many considerations, the weather being not the least among them. Comparing the climates between Colorado and Iowa will help you understand what to expect and how to prepare for your new environment. This comparison aims to outline the differences in weather patterns and seasonal expectations between these two locations.

Summer icon
85°F / 56°F

Colorado

86°F / 65°F

Iowa

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
45°F / 18°F

Colorado

31°F / 14°F

Iowa

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
15.6

Colorado

36

Iowa

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
60.2

Colorado

33.3

Iowa

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonColoradoIowa
Air QualityGoodVariable
Natural DisastersWildfires, FloodsTornadoes, Floods
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

Understanding the weather differences between Colorado and Iowa can significantly impact your adaptation to your new home. For instance, Colorado enjoys more days of sunshine but has lower humidity levels than Iowa, making the air feel drier. The winter temperatures in Colorado are relatively milder compared to Iowa’s, but Colorado experiences a higher average annual snowfall, indicative of its mountainous regions. Notably, the increased humidity in Iowa may intensify seasonal allergies, especially during times of high pollen and mold. Considering these factors will help you better prepare for seasonal changes and potential natural disasters pertinent to each area.

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

Moving from one location to another significantly impacts your financial health. It's crucial to understand how cost of living and taxes in Colorado vs. Iowa will compare to what you're accustomed to. This will ensure you're prepared for the financial transition.

ComparisonColoradoIowa
Avg. Household Income$89,302$69,588
Cost of Living Index98.395.9
State Income Tax4.63Up to 8.53
Avg. Property Tax0.491.53
Avg. Sales Tax7.656.94
Top 3 IndustriesTechnology, Aerospace, AgricultureInsurance & Finance, Manufacturing, Biotechnology
AffluenceModerately affluentModerate
PovertyLowerLower
HomelessnessModerateLower

While moving from Colorado to Iowa, you'll notice significant financial differences. Colorado's average household income is higher, but so is the cost of living, making Iowa more affordable in that aspect. Taxes play a crucial role as well; while Colorado has a flat state income tax, Iowa's progressive tax system may result in higher rates for some. Property taxes in Iowa are significantly higher than in Colorado, which could affect your decision if you're planning to buy a home. Meanwhile, the differing top industries between the two states highlight diverse job opportunities, potentially influencing your employment prospects.

Colorado vs. Iowa Political & Religious Comparison

Considering a move from Colorado to Iowa? This comparison provides a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of the political and religious makeup of the two states, highlighting the differences in the politics between Colorado & Iowa that you might experience. By understanding the local dynamics, you'll be better prepared to adjust to your new surroundings.

ColoradoIowa
Political Make-upModerately liberalSwing state
Local PoliticsUrban areas lean more progressiveMixed, with urban centers leaning liberal and rural areas more conservative
ReligionLess religious overallMore religiously affiliated

In recent years, Colorado has seen a shift towards more progressive politics, especially in urban areas such as Denver and Boulder. However, Iowa's political landscape is more varied, with a balanced mix of liberal urban centers like Iowa City and conservative rural communities. This makes Iowa a swing state, often reflecting a broader range of political views. Religion plays a different role in each state's culture, with Iowa having a higher percentage of residents affiliating with religious groups compared to Colorado, which is one of the least religious states in the U.S. Understanding these nuances will help you blend into your new community more smoothly.

Education Guide When Moving from Colorado to Iowa

Moving between states can present quite a few challenges, especially when it comes to education. To help you make an informed decision, we've compared schools and education between Colorado and Iowa. This chart is designed to better understand what the comparisons are between school options in Colorado and Iowa.

ColoradoIowa

Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)

University of Colorado Boulder
Colorado State University
University of Denver
University of Iowa
Iowa State University
University of Northern Iowa

Top 3 Elementary Schools

Polaris at Ebert Elementary - Denver
Cory Elementary - Denver
Parker Core Knowledge Charter School - Parker
Wickham Elementary - Coralville
Roosevelt Elementary - Ames
Jackson Elementary - Cedar Rapids

Top 3 Middle Schools

DSST: Byers Middle School - Denver
McAuliffe International School - Denver
Challenge School - Denver
North Central Junior High - North Liberty
Northwest Junior High - Coralville
Ames Middle School - Ames

Top 3 High School Schools

Cherry Creek High School - Greenwood Village
Fairview High School - Boulder
Denver School of the Arts - Denver
West High School - Iowa City
Ames High School - Ames
Decorah High School - Decorah

Top 3 private high schools

Kent Denver School - Englewood
Colorado Academy - Denver
The Vanguard School - Colorado Springs
George Washington Carver Academy - Cedar Rapids
Dowling Catholic High School - West Des Moines
Regina High School - Iowa City

Top 3 private K-12 schools

Colorado Springs Christian Schools - Colorado Springs
Denver Christian Schools - Lakewood
Vail Mountain School - Vail
Scattergood Friends School - West Branch
Maharishi School - Fairfield
Des Moines Christian School - Urbandale

Top 3 School Districts

Cherry Creek School District - Greenwood Village
Boulder Valley School District - Boulder
Littleton Public Schools - Littleton
Iowa City Community School District - Iowa City
Ames Community School District - Ames
Des Moines Independent Community School District - Des Moines

Moving from Colorado to Iowa, you'll find notable differences in the educational landscape. For example, University of Colorado Boulder is a popular choice among Colorado seniors, whereas in Iowa, the University of Iowa garners significant interest. In terms of primary and secondary education, both states boast highly regarded institutions but with distinct flavors. Colorado's Cherry Creek High School, nestled in Greenwood Village, stands out for its academic excellence, mirroring Iowa's West High School in Iowa City, known for its robust academic and extracurricular programs. Furthermore, the Cherry Creek School District is celebrated in Colorado for its comprehensive educational offerings, similar to the esteem that the Iowa City Community School District enjoys within Iowa. These comparisons illustrate the rich educational opportunities awaiting your family in both states.

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