Best Iowa to Alabama Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from Iowa to Alabama and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 951 mile IA to AL move go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 68 Iowa to Alabama 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 Adamantine Spine Moving), 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 Iowa compared to Alabama. 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 Iowa to Alabama Moving Companies

RankCompany NameRating QuestionAffordability IndexLicenseContact
1Adamantine Spine Moving9.539.4Authorized For Property, HHGContact
2Adamantine Spine Moving9.429.28Authorized For Property, HHGContact
3MoveDaddy9.389.53Authorized For HHGContact
4New Latitude Movers9.269.55Authorized For HHGContact
5Best Move Inc9.239.19Authorized For PropertyContact
6Hemmen Moving9.109.47Authorized For Property, HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428

Cost to Move from Iowa to Alabama

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 951 miles from Iowa to Alabama will cost on average $2,590 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom IA to AL move is roughly $6,221. 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 Iowa and dropoff in Alabama 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 Iowa to Alabama movers, the better your pricing and options will be.

Home SizeMoving CostVolume of Packed Items (ft³)$/ft³
Studio$1,742300 ft³5.81
1 Bedroom$2,590450 ft³5.76
2 Bedrooms$4,279750 ft³5.71
3 Bedrooms$6,2211100 ft³5.66
4 Bedrooms$8,9691600 ft³5.61
5+ Bedrooms$10,0001800 ft³5.56
*Please note: These Iowa to Alabama moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from Iowa & Alabama. 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 IA to AL mover.
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Alabama to Iowa guide.

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Trusted moving guides helping you move from Iowa to Alabama

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Most Popular Iowa to Alabama Moving Routes

    Compare the 6 Best IA to AL 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

    Exceptional9.53/10
    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
    1
    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
    2
    MoveDaddy Logo

    MoveDaddy

    Exceptional9.38/10
    based on 1,858+ data points

    3114 Bellwood Dr

    Birmingham, AL, 35243

    About MoveDaddy

    Move Daddy offers a wide variety of moving services in Birmingham, including full-service residential and commercial moves, moving labor only, apartment...

    Services

    • Long Distance moving
    • Local moving
    • Cross-country moving

    Interstate Moving License

    Circle Check
    Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 9/10/2024)

    USDOT / MC

    Status

    Entity Type

    2521318 / 875746

    Authorized For HHG

    Carrier

    Registered Trucks/Vans7
    Registered Drivers12
    Total Annual Miles Moved55,000 (2022)
    View Full Review
    3
    New Latitude Movers Logo

    New Latitude Movers

    Exceptional9.26/10
    based on 1,265+ data points

    130 Industrial Dr

    Birmingham, AL, 35211

    About New Latitude Movers

    New Latitude Moving and Storage is a full-service moving company based in Birmingham, Alabama. Originally started as an antique moving company,...

    Services

    • Local Moving
    • Long Distance Moving
    • Storage Facilities

    Interstate Moving License

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

    USDOT / MC

    Status

    Entity Type

    2179652 / 765956

    Authorized For HHG

    Carrier

    Registered Trucks/Vans57
    Registered Drivers54
    Total Annual Miles Moved450,000 (2022)
    View Full Review
    4
    Best Move Inc Logo

    Best Move Inc

    Exceptional9.23/10
    based on 520+ data points

    Burlington, IA, 52601

    About Best Move Inc

    Best Move, Inc. prides itself on being one of the most preferred and recommended moving companies in Fort Madison, IA. Its...

    Services

    • Material Packing
    • Local Moving
    • Long-Distance Moving

    Interstate Moving License

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

    USDOT / MC

    Status

    Entity Type

    749231 / 376435

    Authorized For Property

    Carrier

    Registered Trucks/Vans2
    Registered Drivers2
    Total Annual Miles Moved20,976 (2022)
    View Full Review
    5
    Hemmen Moving Logo

    Hemmen Moving

    Exceptional9.10/10
    based on 621+ data points

    1293 W Ave

    Ames, IA, 50014

    About Hemmen Moving

    For over 25 years, Hemmen Moving has served the Ames area with full-service moving solutions. It provides services for residential and...

    Services

    • Local moving
    • Long distance moving
    • Small moving

    Interstate Moving License

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

    USDOT / MC

    Status

    Entity Type

    608245 / 292343

    Authorized For Property, HHG

    Carrier

    Registered Trucks/Vans6
    Registered Drivers6
    Total Annual Miles Moved604,536 (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 Iowa to Alabama

    Moving states is a big decision, enriched with the potential for both increased satisfaction and unexpected challenge. In the spirit of providing a balanced perspective, we present a side-by-side comparison of Iowa to Alabama , laying out the good and the bad attributes of this relocation. Understanding these nuances will help you make an informed decision tailored to your personal preferences and lifestyle needs.

    CONs
    PROs
    Iowa iconIowa
    • Colder winters
    • Less cultural diversity
    • Fewer job opportunities
    • Higher income tax
    Alabama iconAlabama
    • Milder winters
    • More cultural diversity
    • Greater job market
    • Lower income tax
    Alabama iconAlabama
    • Varied school qualities
    • Higher cost of living in spots
    • More urbanized areas
    • Potential cultural shift
    Iowa iconIowa
    • Better educational systems
    • Lower cost of living
    • Quieter, rural lifestyle
    • Rich cultural heritage

    Moving from Iowa to Alabama, you'll enjoy the warmth and richness of Alabama's diverse culture. Alabama's milder winters allow for year-round outdoor activities in beautiful spots like Gulf State Park and the scenic drives of the Appalachian foothills. The state's economy is robust, offering a wider variety of job opportunities, especially in industries like aerospace, where Huntsville is a key player. Despite the potential for a higher cost of living in some Alabama cities, the state's overall cost of living is manageable, with thriving communities like Birmingham offering an excellent mix of affordable housing, dining, and cultural venues like the Birmingham Museum of Art. Whether you're drawn to the bustling streets of Mobile or the quiet charm of small towns, Alabama can provide a welcoming new home with the promise of new adventures and opportunities.

    Iowa vs. Alabama Food Guide

    Food plays a pivotal role in understanding the local culture and lifestyle of a place. As you plan your move, let's explore the culinary landscape to help you acclimate to your new surroundings. We'll delve into a comparison of the local cuisine between Iowa & Alabama to give you a clearer picture of what delights await you.

    IowaAlabama
    Most iconic local food itemPork Tenderloin SandwichAlabama Barbecue
    Most popular meat dishCorn-fed BeefPulled Pork
    Most popular street food itemState Fair Corn DogsBoiled Peanuts
    Most popular vegan foodMidwest Corn SaladCollard Greens
    Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
    • Jethro’s BBQ
    • Hickory Park Restaurant Co.
    • Mabe's Pizza
    • Saw’s BBQ
    • Highlands Bar and Grill
    • The Bright Star
    Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
    Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
    Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
    Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

    If you’re moving to Alabama from Iowa, you’re transitioning to a place with a strong barbecue tradition, which may differ significantly from Iowa's corn-fed beef and pork tenderloin sandwiches. Once settled, visit Saw’s BBQ in Birmingham for an authentic taste of Alabama barbecue, or explore the state’s rich southern cooking at Highlands Bar and Grill. For vegan options, Alabama surprises with a variety of dishes like collard greens. Food trucks and new culinary experiences await in vibrant neighborhoods like Birmingham’s Avondale or Mobile’s LoDa, where the foodie scene thrives, offering a taste of local delights at every corner.

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    Iowa vs. Alabama Real Estate & Living Facts

    When considering a move, understanding the real estate landscape is crucial. This comparison aims to highlight the differences in housing costs, styles, and lifestyle between Iowa and Alabama, offering you a snapshot of what to expect in each state.

    ComparisonIowaAlabama
    Typical Architecture StyleFarmhouse and RanchColonial and Cottage
    Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
    Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
    Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
    Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingLarge yards, proximity to schoolsHistoric details, hardwood floors

    In Iowa, the real estate market leans towards functional designs like Farmhouse and Ranch styles, often with the added benefit of large yards and closeness to educational institutions. This contrasts with Alabama's preference for the charm of Colonial and Cottage architectures, showcasing historic details and hardwood floors. Furthermore, the urban lifestyle scores indicate that Iowa offers slightly more accessibility to city amenities and bike paths, potentially due to the layout and infrastructure of its cities compared to Alabama. These factors combined make each state's housing market unique, catering to different preferences and lifestyles.

    Iowa vs. Alabama Weather Considerations

    When preparing for a move from Iowa to Alabama, understanding the differences in weather conditions is crucial. This comparison will help you anticipate the changes and adjust more easily. Specifically, the comparison charts focus on weather variances between Iowa and Alabama, providing essential insights on what to expect in your new environment.

    Summer icon
    82°F / 62°F

    Iowa

    91°F / 71°F

    Alabama

    Average Summer High/Low (°F)

    Winter icon
    31°F / 14°F

    Iowa

    57°F / 36°F

    Alabama

    Average Winter High/Low (°F)

    Rainfall icon
    34"

    Iowa

    56"

    Alabama

    Annual Rainfall (Inches)

    Snowfall icon
    33"

    Iowa

    1"

    Alabama

    Annual Snowfall (Inches)

    ComparisonIowaAlabama
    Air QualityGoodModerate
    Natural DisastersTornadoes, BlizzardsHurricanes, Tornadoes
    Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
    Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
    Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

    Moving from Iowa to Alabama brings significant changes in climate conditions. In Alabama, you can expect hotter summers and milder winters, allowing for more outdoor activities year-round. The higher humidity and UV index in Alabama might require adjustments in your daily routine and skin care to stay comfortable and protected. Understanding the prevalent natural disasters is also critical for preparedness. Tornadoes are common to both states, yet Alabama faces the additional threat of hurricanes. The significant difference in annual rainfall underscores Alabama’s wetter climate, impacting everything from landscape to activities.

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

    Moving from one location to another involves numerous considerations, with financial differences often taking center stage. Understanding how the cost of living in Iowa compares to Alabama is crucial for planning your relocation accurately and ensuring a smooth transition to your new home.

    ComparisonIowaAlabama
    Avg. Household Income$69,588$59,674
    Cost of Living Index95.991.2
    State Income Tax0.33-8.532-5
    Avg. Property Tax1.530.42
    Avg. Sales Tax6.949.22
    Top 3 IndustriesAgriculture, Manufacturing, FinanceAerospace, Automotive, Steel
    AffluenceModerateModerate to Low
    PovertyLowModerate
    HomelessnessLowLow

    While both Iowa and Alabama offer a relatively moderate cost of living, Iowa's average household income is notably higher. However, Alabama compensates with significantly lower average property taxes, which might be enticing for homeowners. Despite these financial disparities, both states share a commitment to low homelessness rates. Understanding the differences in state income tax and sales tax rates will also be crucial for your financial planning, as Alabama's higher sales tax might offset its lower property tax benefits for some residents.

    Iowa vs. Alabama Political & Religious Comparison

    This comparison of the politics between Iowa & Alabama provides a quick snapshot of the states' political leanings, local political atmosphere, and religious landscape, offering insights into the typical makeup of their populations.

    IowaAlabama
    Political Make-upBattleground StateStrongly Republican
    Local PoliticsModerate, with a mixture of both conservative and liberal areasConservative, with local politics heavily influenced by traditional values
    ReligionProtestant majority, with a significant Catholic minorityProtestant majority, notably Baptist, with one of the highest church attendances in the U.S.

    When making the move from Iowa to Alabama, you'll notice a significant shift in the political and religious landscape. Alabama is a strongly Republican state, reflecting traditional values in its local politics. This contrasts with Iowa's battleground status, where political opinions are more evenly distributed across the spectrum. Moreover, religious practices are more pronounced in Alabama, where Protestantism, particularly Baptist beliefs, dominates and contributes to one of the highest church attendance rates in the nation. This deep-rooted religious influence permeates many aspects of life in Alabama, from local governance to community events. Understanding these differences can help you adjust more easily to your new home.

    Education Guide When Moving from Iowa to Alabama

    Moving from Iowa to Alabama can be a big transition, especially when it comes to education. To ease this transition, it's important to compare the differences between school options in Iowa and Alabama . This comparison will help you make informed decisions for your family's educational needs.

    IowaAlabama

    Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)

    University of Iowa
    Iowa State University
    University of Northern Iowa
    University of Alabama
    Auburn University
    University of Alabama at Birmingham

    Top 3 Elementary Schools

    Wickham Elementary (Coralville)
    Shimek Elementary (Iowa City)
    Brookview Elementary (West Des Moines)
    Mountain Brook Elementary (Mountain Brook)
    Vestavia Hills Elementary West (Vestavia Hills)
    Cherokee Bend Elementary (Mountain Brook)

    Top 3 Middle Schools

    Ames Middle School (Ames)
    Northwest Junior High (Coralville)
    North Central Junior High (North Liberty)
    Mountain Brook Junior High (Mountain Brook)
    Liberty Park Middle School (Vestavia Hills)
    Berry Middle School (Hoover)

    Top 3 High Schools

    West High School (Iowa City)
    Ames High School (Ames)
    Valley High School (West Des Moines)
    Mountain Brook High School (Mountain Brook)
    Loveless Academic Magnet Program High School (Montgomery)
    Homewood High School (Homewood)

    Top 3 private high schools

    The Scattergood Friends School (West Branch)
    Maharishi School (Fairfield)
    St. Albert Catholic Schools (Council Bluffs)
    The Altamont School (Birmingham)
    Indian Springs School (Indian Springs)
    Randolph School (Huntsville)

    Top 3 private K-12 schools

    Maharishi School (Fairfield)
    Scattergood Friends School (West Branch)
    Iowa Mennonite School (Kalona)
    Randolph School (Huntsville)
    The Altamont School (Birmingham)
    Indian Springs School (Indian Springs)

    Top 3 School Districts

    Iowa City Community School District
    West Des Moines Community Schools
    Ames Community School District
    Mountain Brook City Schools
    Vestavia Hills City Schools
    Hoover City Schools

    When analyzing top educational institutions, it's evident that Alabama boasts schools in affluent suburbs like Mountain Brook and Vestavia Hills, known for their exceptional educational programs and overall achievements. The Iowa City Community School District in Iowa is noted for its strong academic programs, diverse student body, and robust extracurricular activities, making it a top choice for families prioritizing education. In contrast, Alabama’s Mountain Brook City Schools and Vestavia Hills City Schools stand out for their high academic performance and comprehensive student services, reflective of the investments both communities make in education. Both states offer prestigious private schools, such as the Maharishi School in Iowa and The Altamont School in Alabama, providing unique educational philosophies and smaller class sizes for individualized attention. This comparison underscores the importance of local culture and resources in shaping the educational landscape, leading to distinctive strengths in both Iowa and Alabama.

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