Trusted. Licensed. Insured.
If you're moving from DC to Iowa and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 996 mile DC to IA move go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 50 DC 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 Bookstore Movers), 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 DC 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.
Best DC to Iowa Moving Companies
| Rank | Company Name | Rating  | Affordability Index | License | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bookstore Movers | 9.60 | 9.55 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 2 | Mic's Moving | 9.59 | 9.56 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 3 | Adamantine Spine Moving | 9.53 | 9.4 | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
| 4 | Ap Pro Moving Llc | 9.43 | 9.39 | Active | Contact |
| 5 | Adamantine Spine Moving | 9.42 | 9.28 | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
| 6 | Treasure Moving Company | 9.39 | 9.41 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
(800) 787-5428Cost to Move from DC to Iowa
Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 996 miles from DC to Iowa will cost on average $2,628 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom DC to IA move is roughly $6,315. 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 DC 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 DC to Iowa movers, the better your pricing and options will be.
| Home Size | Moving Cost | Volume of Packed Items (ft³) | $/ft³ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,767 | 300 ft³ | 5.89 |
| 1 Bedroom | $2,628 | 450 ft³ | 5.84 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $4,343 | 750 ft³ | 5.79 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $6,315 | 1100 ft³ | 5.74 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $9,105 | 1600 ft³ | 5.69 |
| 5+ Bedrooms | $10,153 | 1800 ft³ | 5.64 |
Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Iowa to DC guide.
Popular DC to Iowa Moving Destinations
Make an easier move when you book with the best.
See All Routes >Trusted moving guides helping you move from DC to Iowa
Trusted. Licensed. Insured. Hire the best out of state movers. Moving to another state just got easier.Most Popular DC to Iowa Moving Routes
Compare the 6 Best DC to IA Movers
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)
Bookstore Movers
5200 46th Ave
Hyattsville, MD, 20781
About Bookstore Movers
Locally owned and operated, Bookstore Movers was founded in 2005 with a dedication to customer service, personalization, and small business values....
Services
- Local moving
- Long-distance moving
- Cross-country moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2005212 / 707471 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 21 |
| Registered Drivers | 21 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 153,245 (2019) |
Mic's Moving
1250 9th st. nw
Washington DC, DC, 20011
About Mic's Moving
Mic's Moving is a locally owned and operated moving company that focuses on providing a personalized moving experience to residential and...
Services
- Local Move
- Long Distance Moving
- Labor Only: Loading, Unloading and In-house moves
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2474176 / 856657 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 7 |
| Registered Drivers | 7 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 40,000 (2019) |
Adamantine Spine Moving
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
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 1471037 / 556716 Authorized For Property, HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 37 |
| Registered Drivers | 40 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 393,823 (2022) |
Ap Pro Moving Llc
5021 Seminary Rd # 822
Alexandria, VA, 22311
About Ap Pro Moving Llc
Ap Pro Moving LLC is a reliable and professional moving company based in Arlington, VA. They offer various services such as...
Services
- Local Moving
- Long Distance Moving
- Packing Services
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3338902 / - Active Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 1 |
| Registered Drivers | 2 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 4,000 (2021) |
Adamantine Spine Moving
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
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 1471037 / 556716 Authorized For Property, HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 37 |
| Registered Drivers | 40 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 393,823 (2022) |
Treasure Moving Company
11140 Rockville Pike # 300
Rockville, MD, 20852
About Treasure Moving Company
Carrying all of your worldly possessions to a new location is no small feat. Throw in the fact that you’re probably...
Services
- Local Moving Services
- Long Distance Moving Services
- Residential Moving Services
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2431129 / 847222 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 2 |
| Registered Drivers | 2 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 45,000 (2021) |
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.
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 DC to Iowa
Moving from one place to another always comes with its set of challenges and rewards. In this case, relocating from DC to Iowa , we aim to provide an honest reflection of the good and bad attributes of this transition. The following charts will help visualize the benefits and drawbacks, aiding in a more informed decision-making process.
DC- High cost of living
- Heavy traffic
- Dense population
- Political intensity
Iowa- Lower cost of living
- Less congestion
- More open space
- Relaxed atmosphere
Iowa- Quieter nightlife
- Less diversity
- Smaller historical sites
- Car dependent
DC- Vibrant city life
- Cultural diversity
- Rich history
- Public transport access
While DC charms with its vibrant city life and a plethora of dining and cultural experiences, such as dining at Zaytinya or exploring the Smithsonian museums, Iowa offers a contrasting ambiance. Life in Iowa might seem quieter, yet cities like Des Moines are bustling with unique attractions, including the Des Moines Art Center and the annual Iowa State Fair. Notably, Iowa's cost of living allows for a more spacious and relaxed lifestyle, with access to nature and more personal space. Iowa’s capital, Des Moines, boasts beautiful parks like Gray’s Lake Park, a prime example of the state's commitment to offering residents a high-quality life amidst nature. While you may miss DC’s extensive public transportation, Iowa’s cities like Iowa City and Cedar Rapids provide an array of cultural experiences and community activities that promise a rich, fulfilling life.
DC vs. Iowa Food Guide
This is a comparison of the local cuisine between DC & Iowa to help you understand the food scene in both areas. Food is a significant part of local culture and greatly affects the living experience. We aim to provide insight into what culinary delights await you.
| DC | Iowa | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Half-smoke | Pork tenderloin sandwich |
| Most popular meat dish | Mumbo sauce with wings | Grilled pork chops |
| Most popular street food item | Jumbo slice pizza | Sweet corn |
| Most popular vegan food | Vegetable curry | Black bean burger |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state |
|
|
| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
In DC, the Half-smoke from Ben's Chili Bowl represents a quintessential local experience, while Iowa's love for the Pork tenderloin sandwich showcases the state's agricultural prowess. You'll find the streets of DC bustling with an array of food trucks offering everything from Jumbo slice pizzas to gourmet dishes. Whereas in Iowa, local farmers markets and eateries like Zombie Burger + Drink Lab in Des Moines feature unique takes on Americana with a Midwestern twist. DC's bustling, health-conscious atmosphere provides a wide variety of vegan options, contrasting with Iowa's hearty, farm-to-table approach that has begun embracing more plant-based options. Whether you're moving for the strong political currents of DC or the sweeping fields of Iowa, you're entering a world rich with culinary delights that tell the unique story of each location.
Ready to start your move?
DC vs. Iowa Real Estate & Living Facts
When planning a move, comparing real estate between your current and future home is crucial. This comparison focuses on housing costs, architecture, and lifestyle between DC and Iowa, helping you understand what to expect in each location.
| Comparison | DC | Iowa |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Federal and Victorian | Colonial Revival and Craftsman |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Proximity to metro, Rooftop decks | Large yards, Spacious garages |
When moving from DC to Iowa, it's not just the dramatic difference in housing costs that you'll notice. Iowa's embrace of Colonial Revival and Craftsman architectural styles reflects its historical roots and preference for classic American designs, contrasting with DC's Federal and Victorian architecture indicative of the nation's capital. The urban lifestyle score significantly higher in DC, aligning with its dense layout and robust public transportation system, while Iowa offers more space and a lower cost of living, ideal for those seeking a quieter lifestyle. Walkability and bikeability are also important factors to consider, with DC scoring higher due to its more compact urban environment.
DC vs. Iowa Weather Considerations
When planning a move from one place to another, it's crucial to evaluate various factors, particularly the weather conditions you'll be adapting to. This comparison aims to illuminate the differences in climate between DC and Iowa, helping you prepare for your journey. Understanding how the weather varies from what you're accustomed to is key to a smooth transition.
DC
Iowa
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
DC
Iowa
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
DC
Iowa
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
DC
Iowa
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | DC | Iowa |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Moderate | Good |
| Natural Disasters | Hurricanes, Floods | Tornadoes, Floods |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
Moving from DC to Iowa presents quite a shift in weather conditions, particularly in terms of winter temperatures and snowfall where Iowa experiences a significant increase. While the number of sunny days remains almost the same, Iowa's higher average humidity may require an adjustment. Moreover, being aware of the prevalent natural disasters in Iowa, such as tornadoes, versus the hurricanes more common in DC, is crucial for preparedness. Air quality generally improves moving from DC to Iowa, which could be significant if you have respiratory conditions or are sensitive to pollution.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from DC to Iowa
When moving from one area to another, assessing how your finances will be impacted is crucial. This comparison aims to elucidate the differences between living in DC and Iowa , focusing on key financial aspects. Understanding the cost of living, income tax rates , and other monetary factors will prepare you for the transition, helping you to adjust your budget accordingly.
| Comparison | DC | Iowa |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $101,027 | $69,588 |
| Cost of Living Index | 140.1 | 95.9 |
| State Income Tax | 4% - 8.95% | 0.33% - 8.53% |
| Avg. Property Tax | 0.56% | 1.53% |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 6% | 6% (Local variances apply) |
| Top 3 Industries | Government, Education, Technology | Manufacturing, Agriculture, Financial Services |
| Affluence | High | Moderate |
| Poverty | Low | Moderate |
| Homelessness | Moderate | Low |
The financial landscape between DC and Iowa shows stark contrasts, particularly in the average household income and the cost of living index. While DC boasts a higher average income, this is counterbalanced by its significantly higher cost of living. In Iowa, though the income averages less, the substantially lower cost of living may afford a more comfortable lifestyle for some. The state income tax rates show a range in both locations, but importantly, Iowa's property tax rate stands notably higher than DC's. This could impact your long-term housing budget. Understanding these nuances will ensure you're better equipped for your move, from evaluating housing options to anticipating daily expenses.
DC vs. Iowa Political & Religious Comparison
This guide offers a quick snapshot of the political and religious makeup comparison between DC & Iowa, providing insight into the communities you’re moving from and to. Understanding these aspects will help you acclimate more easily to your new home.
| DC | Iowa | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Heavily Democratic | Swing State |
| Local Politics | Progressive Policies | Mixed, varies by region |
| Religion | Diverse, less religious overall | Primarily Christian, with a strong evangelical presence |
When moving from DC to Iowa, you’ll encounter distinct differences in the political landscapes. DC’s heavily Democratic leaning, characterized by progressive policies, contrasts with Iowa’s status as a swing state, where local politics can vary significantly from one region to another. This political diversity in Iowa might present a nuanced social environment compared to what you’re used to. Furthermore, Iowa has a stronger presence of Christian evangelical influence, reflecting in its social values and community events, which might be a change from DC’s more diverse and less religiously overt atmosphere.
Education Guide When Moving from DC to Iowa
When planning a move from DC to Iowa, it's crucial to compare your options for education to make the best choice for your family. In this guide, we'll explore how schools and education systems differ between these locations to better understand what the comparisons are between school options in DC and Iowa .
| DC | Iowa |
|---|---|
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3) Georgetown University George Washington University Howard UniversityUniversity of Iowa Iowa State University University of Northern Iowa | |
Top 3 Elementary Schools Janney Elementary Mann Elementary Eaton ElementaryWickham Elementary (Coralville) Lincoln Elementary (Mount Vernon) North Bend Elementary (North Liberty) | |
Top 3 Middle Schools Deal Middle School Hardy Middle School McKinley Technology High SchoolNorth Central Junior High (Coralville) Northwest Junior High (Coralville) Southeast Junior High (Iowa City) | |
Top 3 High School Schools Wilson High School School Without Walls High School Banneker High SchoolWest High School (Iowa City) Ames High School (Ames) Liberty High School (North Liberty) | |
Top 3 private high schools Georgetown Prep (North Bethesda) Maret School Sidwell FriendsDowling Catholic High School (West Des Moines) Xavier High School (Cedar Rapids) Regis Middle and High School (Cedar Rapids) | |
Top 3 private K-12 schools Sidwell Friends Georgetown Day School Maret SchoolScattergood Friends School Maharishi School Cedar Valley Christian School | |
Top 3 School Districts District of Columbia Public Schools KIPP DC DC PrepIowa City Community School District Linn-Mar Community School District Waukee Community School District | |
When deciding between DC and Iowa for education, there are several key differences to consider. DC offers a wide range of highly rated public and private school options with a focus on preparing students for college, particularly with institutions like Georgetown University and Howard University being popular destinations. Iowa, on the other hand, boasts excellent public schools and districts such as the Iowa City Community School District and the Linn-Mar Community School District, which are known for their strong academic programs and community support. This comparison reveals that both DC and Iowa provide quality education through diverse pathways, whether you're seeking outstanding public schools, elite private institutions, or robust school districts.
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