Trusted. Licensed. Insured.
If you're moving from Iowa to DC and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 997 mile IA to DC move go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 50 Iowa to DC 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 Iowa compared to DC. 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 Iowa to DC 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 | Adamantine Spine Moving | 9.42 | 9.28 | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
| 5 | Best Move Inc | 9.23 | 9.19 | Authorized For Property | Contact |
| 6 | Hemmen Moving | 9.10 | 9.47 | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
(800) 787-5428Cost to Move from Iowa to DC
Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 997 miles from Iowa to DC will cost on average $2,629 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom IA to DC move is roughly $6,317. 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 DC 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 DC movers, the better your pricing and options will be.
| Home Size | Moving Cost | Volume of Packed Items (ft³) | $/ft³ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,768 | 300 ft³ | 5.89 |
| 1 Bedroom | $2,629 | 450 ft³ | 5.84 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $4,344 | 750 ft³ | 5.79 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $6,317 | 1100 ft³ | 5.74 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $9,108 | 1600 ft³ | 5.69 |
| 5+ Bedrooms | $10,156 | 1800 ft³ | 5.64 |
Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from DC to Iowa guide.
Popular Iowa to DC Moving Destinations
Make an easier move when you book with the best.
See All Routes >Trusted moving guides helping you move from Iowa to DC
Trusted. Licensed. Insured. Hire the best out of state movers. Moving to another state just got easier.Most Popular Iowa to DC Moving Routes
Compare the 6 Best IA to DC 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) |
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) |
Best Move Inc
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
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 749231 / 376435 Authorized For Property Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 2 |
| Registered Drivers | 2 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 20,976 (2022) |
Hemmen Moving
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
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 608245 / 292343 Authorized For Property, HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 6 |
| Registered Drivers | 6 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 604,536 (2023) |
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 Iowa to DC
Moving is a journey of weighing options and considering changes. This guide offers an honest reflection on moving from Iowa to DC , juxtaposing the cons with the pros , and vice versa, to paint a comprehensive picture of what this significant relocation entails.
Iowa- Lower job opportunities
- Less cultural diversity
- Minimal nightlife
- Simple public transport
DC- Higher career growth
- Rich cultural diversity
- Vibrant nightlife
- Extensive public transport
DC- Higher cost of living
- Smaller living spaces
- Noisier neighborhoods
- Less personal connections
Iowa- Lower cost of living
- Spacious living spaces
- Quiet neighborhoods
- Close-knit communities
While Iowa offers the charm of spacious living and close-knit communities, DC counters with a vibrant pulse felt through its extensive nightlife and rich cultural diversity. The move from Iowa's quieter neighborhoods to DC's bustling streets means swapping the tranquility of the Midwest for the fast-paced beat of the capital. Yet, it's more than a trade-off; it's a journey into a world where career opportunities blossom amidst historical monuments and cultural landmarks. Places like Georgetown's charm-filled cobbled streets, the verdant expanses of Rock Creek Park, and the bustling corridors of power along Pennsylvania Avenue offer new residents a tapestry of experiences that blend the modern with the historical in unique ways. The higher cost of living in DC is often matched by higher wages, balanced out by the city's extensive public transportation options that make exploring all its nooks and crannies a simple affair. Whether you're indulging in the culinary delights at Union Market or soaking in the eclectic vibes of Adams Morgan, DC presents an enthralling landscape for those seeking change.
Iowa vs. DC Food Guide
Understanding the dining landscape is a pivotal aspect when relocating, as food is an important part of local culture and what it's like to live in an area. To ease your move, we've orchestrated a comparison of the local cuisine between Iowa & DC so you can get acquainted with the culinary scene awaiting you.
| Iowa | DC | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Pork Tenderloin Sandwich | Half Smoke |
| Most popular meat dish | Iowa Chop (Pork) | Mumbo Sauce on Chicken |
| Most popular street food item | Grilled Corn | Jumbo Slice Pizza |
| Most popular vegan food | Tofu Scramble | Impossible Burger |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state |
|
|
| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
In Iowa, you'll find a robust love for meat, especially pork, with the Pork Tenderloin Sandwich being a must-try and the renowned Iowa Chop. However, for those who prefer plant-based options, the tofu scramble is a popular alternative. Moving to DC introduces you to its diverse culinary scene, highlighted by the Half Smoke sausage and the city’s signature Mumbo Sauce on chicken. DC also boasts a healthier, more fitness-conscious lifestyle, supported by an abundance of food trucks and a thriving foodie scene that includes vegan options like the Impossible Burger. Notably, DC’s streets such as U Street and Shaw neighborhood are packed with iconic eateries like Ben's Chili Bowl, showcasing the local flavor and history.
Ready to start your move?
Iowa vs. DC Real Estate & Living Facts
When considering a move, understanding how real estate compares between Iowa and DC is pivotal. This comparison will give you crucial insights into costs, housing styles, and lifestyle differences to help inform your decision.
| Comparison | Iowa | DC |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Traditional, Farmhouses | Victorian, Federal |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Spacious yards, Quiet neighborhood | Proximity to metro, Rooftop decks |
The stark differences in median home prices and monthly rents between Iowa and DC indicate the significant cost of living adjustments you will need to consider when moving. In Iowa, the real estate market leans towards more spacious homes with larger yards, often embracing traditional and farmhouse architectural styles. This contrasts sharply with DC's preference for Victorian and Federal styles, highlighting the urban lifestyle with amenities such as rooftop decks and proximity to metro stations for ease of transportation. The high walkability and bikeability scores in DC reflect its dense urban environment, offering a vibrant lifestyle that is considerably different from Iowa's quieter, more spread-out communities.
Iowa vs. DC Weather Considerations
Understanding how the weather compares between your current location and where you're moving is crucial. This comparison will equip you with knowledge on what to expect weather-wise moving from Iowa to DC. Differences in seasonal temperatures, daylight hours, and precipitation levels can significantly impact your lifestyle.
Iowa
DC
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Iowa
DC
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Iowa
DC
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Iowa
DC
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | Iowa | DC |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
| Natural Disasters | Tornadoes, Floods | Hurricanes, Floods |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
While the average number of sunshine days in Iowa and DC is quite similar, you'll find significant differences in both winter and summer temperatures. Iowa's winters are much colder, with lower average lows, while DC experiences milder winters but hotter summers. Notably, DC has higher annual rainfall but significantly less snowfall than Iowa, highlighting a milder winter experience. Whether it's preparing for wetter summers or adjusting to less snowy winters, understanding these climate differences is key to a smoother transition.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Iowa to DC
When considering a move from one location to another, it's pivotal to grasp the financial implications tied to such a transition. This chart endeavors to elucidate the monetary contrasts you'll encounter when relocating from Iowa to DC, focusing on aspects like income, taxes, and the overall cost of living. Understanding these differences is crucial in preparing for the new economic environment you'll be stepping into.
| Comparison | Iowa | DC |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $69,588 | $101,027 |
| Cost of Living Index | 95.9 | 140.1 |
| State Income Tax | 0.33 to 8.53 | 4.00 to 8.95 |
| Avg. Property Tax | 1.53 | 0.55 |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 6.94 | 6.00 |
| Top 3 Industries | Manufacturing, Agriculture, Financial Services | Government, Professional Services, Tourism |
| Affluence | Moderate | High |
| Poverty | Lower | Higher |
| Homelessness | Low | High |
The transition from Iowa to DC presents a multifaceted financial landscape. Despite the allure of a higher average household income in DC, this increase is tempered by a significantly higher cost of living, dwarfing Iowa by a considerable margin. The personal income tax rates in DC also stretch higher, reflecting the region's affluence and the intensity of its economic activities, especially in sectors like government and professional services. Conversely, Iowa's more modest economic stature is complemented by lower living costs and property taxes, aligning with its profile of moderate affluence and a lower incidence of poverty and homelessness. These stark contrasts underscore the necessity of financial preparedness for individuals or families making such a move.
Iowa vs. DC Political & Religious Comparison
When contemplating a move from Iowa to Washington, D.C., it's essential to understand the local dynamics you're stepping into. This comparison gives a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of the political, and religious makeup of the residents between Iowa & DC , highlighting the distinct community fabric you'll experience in each location.
| Iowa | DC | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Swing State, Republican and Democrat | Strongly Democrat |
| Local Politics | Moderate, with rural concerns | Urban, with a focus on federal government impact |
| Religion | Christian majority, diverse | Diverse, with no single majority |
Moving from Iowa to D.C., you will notice a shift from a politically balanced environment to a strongly Democrat-dominated political landscape. Local politics in Iowa may revolve around agricultural and rural concerns, contrasting with D.C.'s urban issues and the pervasive influence of federal government policies. Religious diversity is present in both regions, but Iowa has a larger Christian majority, whereas D.C.'s population does not align with a single religious majority, reflecting the city's diverse, international community.
Education Guide When Moving from Iowa to DC
Moving from Iowa to DC involves numerous changes, including educational environments. This comparison aims to clarify the differences to help you better understand what the comparisons are between school options when moving from Iowa to DC . By evaluating options across various educational stages, you'll be better prepared to make informed decisions for your family.
| Iowa | DC |
|---|---|
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3) University of Iowa Iowa State University University of Northern IowaGeorgetown University George Washington University American University | |
Top 3 Elementary Schools Wickham Elementary (Coralville) Lincoln Elementary (Mount Vernon) Roosevelt Elementary (Ames)Janney Elementary Mann Elementary Lafayette Elementary | |
Top 3 Middle Schools Ames Middle School North Central Junior High (North Liberty) Northwest Junior High (Coralville)Deal Middle School Hardy Middle School Alice Deal Junior High | |
Top 3 High School Schools West High School (Iowa City) Ames High School Roosevelt High School (Des Moines)Wilson High School School Without Walls High School Banneker High School | |
Top 3 private high schools Phillips Academy (Exeter) St. Paul's School (Concord) Choate Rosemary Hall (Wallingford)Sidwell Friends School Georgetown Preparatory School National Cathedral School | |
Top 3 private K-12 schools The Scattergood Friends School (West Branch) Maharishi School (Fairfield) Iowa Mennonite School (Kalona)Sidwell Friends School Georgetown Day School Maret School | |
Top 3 School Districts Iowa City Community School District Ames Community School District West Des Moines Community SchoolsDistrict of Columbia Public Schools (without distinction among districts) | |
The top educational institutions in both Iowa and DC offer unique opportunities, but they also reflect the different cultural and academic climates of each location. For instance, DC's focus on accessible high-quality education is evident in its public schools like Wilson High School and the School Without Walls High School, both of which are renowned for their rigorous academic programs and proximity to national institutions. Private education also stands out in DC, with institutions like Sidwell Friends and Georgetown Preparatory School, which are known for their elite college preparatory programs. In contrast, Iowa's top educational facilities such as West High School in Iowa City and Ames High School emphasize a strong community-oriented approach alongside academic excellence. For families moving from Iowa to DC, understanding these nuances is vital in selecting the right educational path.
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