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If you're moving from Iowa to Idaho and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 1,405 mile IA to ID move go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 38 Iowa to Idaho 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 $2,000 - $7,000 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Iowa compared to Idaho. 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 Idaho Moving Companies
| Rank | Company Name | Rating  | Affordability Index | License | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Adamantine Spine Moving | 9.53 | 9.4 | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
| 2 | 208 Moving Company | 9.49 | 9.63 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 3 | Adamantine Spine Moving | 9.42 | 9.28 | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
| 4 | Valley Custom Moving | 9.40 | 9.69 | Authorized For 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 Idaho
Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 1,405 miles from Iowa to Idaho will cost on average $2,976 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom IA to ID move is roughly $7,165. 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 Idaho 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 Idaho movers, the better your pricing and options will be.
| Home Size | Moving Cost | Volume of Packed Items (ft³) | $/ft³ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,999 | 300 ft³ | 6.66 |
| 1 Bedroom | $2,976 | 450 ft³ | 6.61 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $4,923 | 750 ft³ | 6.56 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $7,165 | 1100 ft³ | 6.51 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $10,341 | 1600 ft³ | 6.46 |
| 5+ Bedrooms | $11,544 | 1800 ft³ | 6.41 |
Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Idaho to Iowa guide.
Popular Iowa to Idaho Moving Destinations
Make an easier move when you book with the best.
See All Routes >Trusted moving guides helping you move from Iowa to Idaho
Trusted. Licensed. Insured. Hire the best out of state movers. Moving to another state just got easier.Most Popular Iowa to Idaho Moving Routes
Compare the 6 Best IA to ID Movers
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)
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) |
208 Moving Company
6052 Corporal Ln
Boise, ID, 83704
About 208 Moving Company
With over 5,000 satisfied customers and close to 9,000 boxes moved, 208 Moving Company provides you with the confidence you need...
Services
- Local movers in Boise, ID
- Long-distance moves throughout the continental United States
- Residential Moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2522386 / 875791 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 15 |
| Registered Drivers | 15 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 30,000 (2024) |
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) |
Valley Custom Moving
1404 W Waltman Dr
Meridian, ID, 83642
About Valley Custom Moving
Valley Custom Moving is a full-service moving company headquartered in Treasure Valley, Idaho that provides all types of moves, from large...
Services
- Local moving
- Long-distance moving
- Packing
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3254761 / 1025000 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 8 |
| Registered Drivers | 8 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 700,000 (2021) |
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 Idaho
Moving can be a complex decision, full of nuances that might not be immediately obvious. This guide aims to provide an honest reflection of the Iowa to Idaho transition, highlighting both the challenges and benefits of such a move. Through comparative charts, we seek to unpack the dynamic nature of relocating, showcasing the good and the bad attributes of this particular change.
Iowa- Harsher winters
- Fewer mountains
- Smaller tech hub
- Less outdoor activities
Idaho- Milder winters
- Mountain landscapes
- Larger tech scene
- More outdoor options
Idaho- Rockier soil
- More spread out
- Higher cost of living
- More progressive
Iowa- Richer soil
- Close-knit communities
- Lower cost of living
- More traditional
When considering a move from Iowa to Idaho, you'll find yourself trading Iowa's harsher winters for Idaho's milder, yet snowy conditions, which are great for winter sports lovers. Cities in Idaho like Boise offer burgeoning tech opportunities, which might be a significant upgrade if you're in the tech field. The outdoor lifestyle in Idaho is also more pronounced, with access to stunning landscapes, such as the Sawtooth National Recreation Area, and outdoor activities like hiking, skiing, and kayaking. Idaho's higher cost of living, particularly in popular areas such as Boise and Coeur d'Alene, can be a cons, especially compared to the relatively affordable living in Iowa cities like Des Moines. However, the quality of life, including dining at restaurants like Juniper on 8th in Boise and exploring unique sights like Craters of the Moon National Monument, could justify the expenses for many.
Iowa vs. Idaho Food Guide
When planning a move, it's not just the scenery that changes; the local culture and cuisine do too. Food is a vibrant part of local culture and gives you a taste of what life in a new area could be like. To help you adjust and get excited about your upcoming move, we'll offer a comparison of the local cuisine between Iowa & Idaho so you can be better informed about the food scene in your new home.
| Iowa | Idaho | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Pork Tenderloin Sandwich | Idaho Potatoes |
| Most popular meat dish | Iowa Chop (Pork Chop) | Boise Brisket |
| Most popular street food item | Sweet Corn | Finger Steaks |
| Most popular vegan food | BBQ Jackfruit | Vegan Huckleberry Muffins |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state |
|
|
| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
In Iowa, the Pork Tenderloin Sandwich stands as a testament to the state's rich agricultural heritage, best enjoyed at local gatherings like the Iowa State Fair. Meanwhile, Idaho's fame for its potatoes goes beyond the cliché, with innovative dishes that spotlight the versatility of the state's premier crop. Idaho's food scene is notably vibrant, with Boise, in particular, offering a plethora of food trucks and vegan options that reflect a growing foodie culture. Whether you're indulging in the smoky flavors of a Boise Brisket or exploring vegan delights in downtown Boise’s eclectic restaurants, Idaho provides a rich tapestry of tastes that cater to a wide array of palates.
Ready to start your move?
Iowa vs. Idaho Real Estate & Living Facts
Deciding on a new place to call home requires a deep dive into real estate comparisons between Iowa and Idaho. Understanding the differences in housing costs, styles, and livability will help you make an informed decision about your next big move.
| Comparison | Iowa | Idaho |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Prairie School, Ranch | Craftsman, Ranch |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Spacious backyards, Proximity to schools | Views of nature, Access to outdoor activities |
While the median home price in Idaho is significantly higher than in Iowa, the investment might be justified by Idaho's access to natural landscapes and outdoor activities, aligning well with those prioritizing an active lifestyle. Idaho's higher bikeability score reflects its scenic bike paths and trails. However, for those valuing urban lifestyle and amenities, Iowa offers a more affordable option without compromising on space, as seen in its commonality of spacious backyards and proximity to educational institutions in real estate listings.
Iowa vs. Idaho Weather Considerations
When preparing for a move from Iowa to Idaho, it's crucial to understand how the weather differences will impact your daily life. This comparison aims to dissect key climatic variations you should expect, making the transition as smooth as possible. By highlighting significant factors such as average temperatures, sunshine days, and natural disasters relevant to each state, you'll be better prepared for your new environment.
Iowa
Idaho
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Iowa
Idaho
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Iowa
Idaho
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Iowa
Idaho
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | Iowa | Idaho |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Good | Variable |
| Natural Disasters | Tornadoes, Floods | Wildfires, Earthquakes |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
Transitioning from Iowa's humid continental climate to Idaho's semi-arid and mountainous weather involves notable changes. Idaho offers more annual sunshine days and a wider temperature range, from hot summers to cold winters, compared to Iowa's milder yet more humid conditions. While both states share a vulnerability to certain natural disasters, your personal adjustment might involve getting used to Idaho's lower annual rainfall but significantly higher snowfall. Additionally, understanding local air quality issues and allergen profiles in Idaho will be key in maintaining your health and comfort after the move.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Iowa to Idaho
Moving from one location to another significantly impacts your financial wellbeing, so understanding the differences in the cost of living, taxes, and average incomes between Iowa and Idaho is crucial. This comparison chart aims to highlight key financial aspects that will shape your experience in transitioning between these states.
| Comparison | Iowa | Idaho |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $69,588 | $72,785 |
| Cost of Living Index | 95.9 | 91.5 |
| State Income Tax | 0.33 to 8.53 | 1.0 to 6.5 |
| Avg. Property Tax | 1.29 | 0.75 |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 6.82 | 6.03 |
| Top 3 Industries | Manufacturing, Agriculture, Health Services | Science & Technology, Agriculture, Manufacturing |
| Affluence | Moderate | Modest |
| Poverty | Low | Moderate |
| Homelessness | Low | Increasing |
The cost of living is a crucial factor for anyone considering a move between Iowa and Idaho. With Iowa having a lower cost of living index compared to Idaho, your money might go further in Iowa for everyday expenses. However, the average property tax rate in Idaho is significantly lower, which could be financially beneficial for homeowners in the long term. The disparity in state income tax rates, with Iowa reaching a higher max rate, implies that your income may be taxed more in Iowa depending on your earnings bracket. Additionally, the leading industries in both states suggest differences in job opportunities that could sway your decision based on your career path.
Iowa vs. Idaho Political & Religious Comparison
When considering a move from Iowa to Idaho, understanding the comparison of the politics between Iowa & Idaho alongside their religious landscapes offers a quick, at-a-glance snapshot that can greatly impact your adaptation to your new home. Both states have unique profiles in terms of political alignment, local governance, and religious composition, which contribute to their distinct cultural environments.
| Iowa | Idaho | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Battleground, with both parties represented | Heavily Republican |
| Local Politics | Varies widely across the state | Dominantly conservative, especially in rural areas |
| Religion | Protestant, with a significant Catholic minority | Majority Protestant, with a large LDS (Mormon) community |
In both Iowa and Idaho, the local political and religious landscapes significantly influence daily life and community involvement. While Iowa's political scene is a competitive battleground that sees influence from both major parties, Idaho leans heavily Republican, particularly in its vast rural areas. This translates into distinct local governance styles and policies that you will encounter. Religious practices also differ notably, with Iowa having a blend of Protestant and Catholic communities, while Idaho has a significant presence of the LDS Church, especially in the southeastern regions. Understanding these nuances can help you better integrate and connect with your new community.
Education Guide When Moving from Iowa to Idaho
Moving from one state to another can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to finding the right schools for your children. Our comparison chart is designed to help you better understand what the comparisons are between school options in Iowa and Idaho. By examining key education metrics, you can make an informed decision for your family's educational future.
| Iowa | Idaho |
|---|---|
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3) University of Iowa Iowa State University University of Northern IowaBoise State University University of Idaho Idaho State University | |
Top 3 Elementary Schools Wickham Elementary (Coralville) Grant Ragan Elementary (Waukee) Brookview Elementary (West Des Moines)Longfellow Elementary (Boise) Washington Elementary (Boise) Roosevelt Elementary (Boise) | |
Top 3 Middle Schools Ames Middle School (Ames) North Central Junior High (North Liberty) Waukee Middle School (Waukee)Les Bois Junior High (Boise) West Junior High (Boise) East Junior High (Boise) | |
Top 3 High School Schools West High School (Iowa City) Ames High School (Ames) Waukee High School (Waukee)Boise High School (Boise) Timberline High School (Boise) Borah High School (Boise) | |
Top 3 private high schools Scattergood Friends School (West Branch) Dowling Catholic High School (West Des Moines) Regina High School (Iowa City)Bishop Kelly High School (Boise) The Ambrose School (Meridian) Coeur d'Alene Charter Academy (Coeur d'Alene) | |
Top 3 private K-12 schools Maharishi School (Fairfield) Scattergood Friends School (West Branch) Rivermont Collegiate (Bettendorf)The Ambrose School (Meridian) Riverstone International School (Boise) Coeur d'Alene Charter Academy (Coeur d'Alene) | |
Top 3 School Districts Waukee Community School District Iowa City Community School District West Des Moines Community School DistrictBoise School District Blaine County School District Coeur d'Alene School District | |
When comparing schools from Iowa to Idaho, the focus often shifts to the environment and the opportunities each state offers. For example, University of Iowa and Boise State University are both highly regarded institutions but offer different campus cultures and areas of study emphasis, catering to the diverse interests of their students. Elementary schools like Wickham in Coralville and Longfellow in Boise highlight the strong educational foundations both states provide. Moreover, unique to Iowa is the presence of several high-ranking private K-12 options such as the Maharishi School in Fairfield, indicating an array of choices for personalized education paths not as prevalent in Idaho. On the other hand, Idaho boasts a concentrated excellence in its public schools, especially within the Boise School District, known for its comprehensive curriculum and extracurricular activities that nurture well-rounded individuals.
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