Best Iowa to Massachusetts Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from Iowa to Massachusetts and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 1,271 mile IA to MA move go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 154 Iowa to Massachusetts 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 Paradise Moving & Storage), 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 Massachusetts. 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 Massachusetts Moving Companies

RankCompany NameRating QuestionAffordability IndexLicenseContact
1Paradise Moving & Storage9.709.72Authorized For Property, HHGContact
2Stairhopper Movers9.669.62Authorized For HHGContact
3Adamantine Spine Moving9.539.4Authorized For Property, HHGContact
4Adamantine Spine Moving9.429.28Authorized For Property, 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 Massachusetts

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 1,271 miles from Iowa to Massachusetts will cost on average $2,862 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom IA to MA move is roughly $6,886. 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 Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts movers, the better your pricing and options will be.

Home SizeMoving CostVolume of Packed Items (ft³)$/ft³
Studio$1,923300 ft³6.41
1 Bedroom$2,862450 ft³6.36
2 Bedrooms$4,733750 ft³6.31
3 Bedrooms$6,8861100 ft³6.26
4 Bedrooms$9,9361600 ft³6.21
5+ Bedrooms$11,0881800 ft³6.16
*Please note: These Iowa to Massachusetts moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from Iowa & Massachusetts. 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 MA mover.
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Compare the 6 Best IA to MA Movers

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

Paradise Moving & Storage Logo

Paradise Moving & Storage

Exceptional
claimed company icon
9.70/10
based on 1,118+ data points

1186 Worcester Rd

Framingham, MA, 01702

About Paradise Moving & Storage

Paradise Moving & Storage is a fully licensed and insured moving company based in Massachusetts, with locations in Framingham, Boston, and...

Services

  • Affordable insured local and long distance movers
  • Hourly Charges only with no hidden fees
  • Furniture wrapping

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3619865 / 1236088

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans4
Registered Drivers3
Total Annual Miles Moved81,000 (2023)
View Full Review
1
Stairhopper Movers Logo

Stairhopper Movers

Exceptional9.66/10
based on 9,261+ data points

20 Harvard St

Boston, MA, 2129

About Stairhopper Movers

Since 2001, Stairhopper Movers has operated as a Boston-based local moving company that performs local and long-distance residential and commercial moves....

Services

  • Local moves
  • Long distance moves
  • Commercial moves

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

1696867 / 623045

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans21
Registered Drivers22
Total Annual Miles Moved261,200 (2022)
View Full Review
2
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
3
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
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 Massachusetts

Moving can be an exciting yet daunting task. In this guide, we aim to provide an honest reflection on the good and the bad attributes of relocating from Iowa to Massachusetts , highlighting key differences that may impact your decision. Our comparison charts will serve as a visual guide to help weigh the pros and cons of moving from Iowa to Massachusetts and vice versa, giving you a comprehensive overview of what to expect.

CONs
PROs
Iowa iconIowa
  • Lesser job opportunities
  • Lower cultural diversity
  • Harsher winters
  • Less public transit
Massachusetts iconMassachusetts
  • More job opportunities
  • Higher cultural diversity
  • Milder winters
  • Extensive public transit
Massachusetts iconMassachusetts
  • Higher cost of living
  • Faster pace of life
  • Less open space
  • More anonymity
Iowa iconIowa
  • More affordable living
  • Quieter life
  • Spacious landscapes
  • Close-knit communities

Relocating from Iowa to Massachusetts introduces you to a vibrant tapestry of cultures and a plethora of job opportunities, especially in booming sectors like technology and healthcare. Cities like Boston are replete with historical sights, such as the Freedom Trail and the renowned Massachusetts Institute of Technology. However, the trade-off comes with the higher cost of living, particularly in popular areas like Cambridge or Somerville, where the vibrant community and abundance of eateries like Oleana Restaurant or parks like Cambridge Common reflect the state's rich offerings. Despite these costs, the extensive public transit system, including the MBTA, makes navigating the Bay State's bustling cities more manageable and connects you to its diverse neighborhoods, each with unique characters—from the historic streets of Beacon Hill to the innovation hub of Kendall Square.

Iowa vs. Massachusetts Food Guide

Food is a fundamental aspect of local culture and provides insight into what it's like to live in an area. In this guide, we will compare the local cuisine between Iowa & Massachusetts so that you can be better informed about the food scene in your new home.

IowaMassachusetts
Most iconic local food itemPork Tenderloin SandwichClam Chowder
Most popular meat dishIowa ChopsLobster Roll
Most popular street food itemFried Sweet CornFried Clams
Most popular vegan foodQuinoa SaladTofu Scramble
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Zombie Burger + Drink Lab
  • Flying Mango
  • The High Ground Cafe
  • Woodman's of Essex
  • Legal Sea Foods
  • Union Oyster House
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

When moving from Iowa to Massachusetts, you're transitioning from a state known for its hearty meats like pork chops and tenderloin sandwiches to a coastline haven of seafood delights such as clam chowder and lobster rolls. In Massachusetts, especially in cities like Boston, you'll find a vibrant food scene that ranges from historic eateries like the Union Oyster House to modern vegan-friendly spots offering tofu scrambles. The street food in Massachusetts often features seafood, reflecting its coastal geography, while Iowa's cuisine showcases its agricultural roots with dishes like fried sweet corn. With a higher score in health conscientiousness, abundance of food trucks, and vegan options, Massachusetts offers a diverse and inclusive food scene catering to a variety of dietary preferences.

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Iowa vs. Massachusetts Real Estate & Living Facts

When planning a move, comparing the real estate landscapes between Iowa and Massachusetts offers valuable insight into what you can expect in terms of living standards and costs. This analysis aims to enlighten you about the key differences and similarities in housing, from costs to lifestyle compatibility.

ComparisonIowaMassachusetts
Typical Architecture StyleRanch, CraftsmanColonial, Victorian
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingSpacious yards, family-friendlyProximity to public transportation, eco-friendly upgrades

Diving deeper, it's important to note the stark contrasts in living costs between Iowa and Massachusetts, with the latter featuring significantly higher median home prices and monthly rents. This reflects the broader cost of living differences and the higher demand for housing in Massachusetts, often driven by its proximity to top-tier educational institutions and a robust job market. Architecture styles also offer a glimpse into the historical and cultural identity of each state, with Iowa favoring more pragmatic designs like Ranch and Craftsman, while Massachusetts showcases its colonial history through Colonial and Victorian homes. Urban lifestyle scores highlight Massachusetts' emphasis on walkability and public transportation, catering to those who prefer a bustling city life over the quieter, more spacious living environments found in Iowa.

Iowa vs. Massachusetts Weather Considerations

When moving from one place to another, understanding how the weather impacts your new home is crucial. This comparison between Iowa and Massachusetts offers insights into climate differences, equipping you with knowledge to prepare for your move.

Summer icon
85°F / 64°F

Iowa

80°F / 60°F

Massachusetts

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
31°F / 14°F

Iowa

37°F / 22°F

Massachusetts

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
34"

Iowa

47"

Massachusetts

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
33"

Iowa

51"

Massachusetts

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonIowaMassachusetts
Air QualityGoodModerate
Natural DisastersTornadoes, FloodsBlizzards, Nor'easters
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

In transitioning from Iowa to Massachusetts, you might notice less extreme summer heat but slightly milder winters. Massachusetts experiences higher annual rainfall and more snow, crucial for winter activity enthusiasts or those averse to driving in snow. Despite similar average sunshine days, Massachusetts tends to have lower humidity and a slightly less aggressive UV index. This could influence your outdoor activities and how you manage your home's heating and cooling. Both states share common allergens, but the increase in precipitation in Massachusetts may affect their prevalence and severity.

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

Moving from one location to another comes with its set of financial adjustments. To ensure a smooth transition, it’s critical to understand how the cost of living, taxes, and average incomes in Iowa compare to those in Massachusetts . This comparison will equip you with the necessary information to plan your move effectively.

ComparisonIowaMassachusetts
Avg. Household Income$69,588$94,488
Cost of Living Index95.9121.55
State Income Tax0.33 to 8.535.0
Avg. Property Tax1.531.21
Avg. Sales Tax6.86.25
Top 3 IndustriesAgriculture, Manufacturing, InsuranceHealthcare, Education, Technology
AffluenceModerateHigh
PovertyLowLower
HomelessnessModerateModerate to high

The cost of living in Massachusetts is significantly higher than in Iowa, primarily due to housing costs reflected in the Cost of Living Index. However, this is offset by a higher average household income in Massachusetts. The uniform state income tax rate in Massachusetts simplifies tax planning compared to Iowa's variable rates. Both states boast unique industry strengths, pointing to diverse employment opportunities. Although the affluence level is higher in Massachusetts, contributing to a lower poverty rate, both states face challenges with homelessness, necessitating careful consideration for anyone planning to move.

Iowa vs. Massachusetts Political & Religious Comparison

In preparing for your move, it's vital to understand the differences between your new and old homes. This quick guide offers a snapshot, focusing on a comparison of the politics between Iowa & Massachusetts, alongside religious landscapes. Such knowledge will ease your transition, highlighting cultural nuances you might encounter.

IowaMassachusetts
Political Make-upModerately Republican leaningStrongly Democratic leaning
Local PoliticsMixture of bipartisan politics with local offices often seeing varied representationStrong Democratic hold in both local and state offices
ReligionProtestantism and Catholicism are predominant, with a vibrant interfaith community.Catholic majority with significant Islamic and Jewish communities.

When you relocate from Iowa to Massachusetts, you'll notice a significant shift in the political atmosphere; Massachusetts is known for its strong Democratic leanings, a contrast to Iowa's more moderate stance. Local politics in Iowa offer a more mixed representation, which might differ from what you've grown accustomed to, giving way to Massachusetts's Democratic dominance. In terms of religion, while both states hold Catholicism in high regard, Massachusetts boasts a larger diversity within its religious communities, including significant Islamic and Jewish populations. These changes may offer new cultural experiences and perspectives as you settle into your new home.

Education Guide When Moving from Iowa to Massachusetts

Moving from Iowa to Massachusetts involves a critical evaluation of educational opportunities for you or your family. Comparing schools and education between these two states helps you better understand what the comparisons are between school options in Iowa and Massachusetts . This side-by-side comparison will highlight some of the key differences and top institutions that might influence your decision.

IowaMassachusetts

Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)

University of Iowa
Iowa State University
University of Northern Iowa
Harvard University
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Boston University

Top 3 Elementary Schools

Wickham Elementary (Coralville)
Shimek Elementary School (Iowa City)
Bowman Woods School (Marion)
Joseph Estabrook School (Lexington)
Maria Hastings School (Lexington)
Schofield Elementary School (Wellesley)

Top 3 Middle Schools

North Central Junior High (Coralville)
Ames Middle School (Ames)
Northwest Junior High (Coralville)
William Diamond Middle School (Lexington)
Jonas Clarke Middle School (Lexington)
Blanchard Middle School (Westford)

Top 3 High School Schools

West High School (Iowa City)
Ames High School (Ames)
Pleasant Valley High School (Bettendorf)
Lexington High School (Lexington)
Boston Latin School (Boston)
Brookline High School (Brookline)

Top 3 private high schools

Phillips Academy (Exeter)
Choate Rosemary Hall (Wallingford)
Groton School (Groton)
Phillips Academy (Andover)
Groton School (Groton)
Milton Academy (Milton)

Top 3 private K-12 schools

Maharishi School (Fairfield)
Scattergood Friends School (West Branch)
Cedar Valley Waldorf School (Cedar Falls)
Buckingham Browne & Nichols (Cambridge)
The Dexter Southfield School (Brookline)
The Cambridge School of Weston (Weston)

Top 3 School Districts

Iowa City Community School District
Ames Community School District
Pleasant Valley Community School District
Lexington Public Schools
Newton Public Schools
Wellesley Public Schools

In delving into the educational landscape of Iowa and Massachusetts, it's evident that both states boast prestigious educational institutions, yet they each offer unique strengths. For example, Massachusetts is renowned for its higher education institutions, hosting elite universities like Harvard University and MIT, which attract students globally. Meanwhile, Iowa prides itself on high-quality public education, with school districts like Iowa City and Ames providing excellent K-12 education. Additionally, Massachusetts showcases higher-ranked private schools and some of the nation's top public high schools in Lexington and Boston, reflecting the state's emphasis on academic excellence. For families moving from Iowa, considering these educational opportunities can make a significant impact on finding the right community and school system that matches their ambitions and needs.

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