Best Iowa to Minnesota Movers + Moving Guide

Want help with the heavy lifting?

Get a quote now.

If you're moving from Iowa to Minnesota and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 409 mile IA to MN move go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 82 Iowa to Minnesota moving companies and more than 20,000 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 - $5,000 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Iowa compared to Minnesota. 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 Minnesota Interstate Movers Featured Image

Best Iowa to Minnesota Moving Companies

RankCompany NameRating QuestionAffordability IndexLicenseContact
1Adamantine Spine Moving9.539.4Authorized For Property, HHGContact
2Metro Movers9.499.73Authorized For PropertyContact
3Adamantine Spine Moving9.429.28Authorized For Property, HHGContact
4General Expert Moving Service LLC9.278.89Authorized 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 Minnesota

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 409 miles from Iowa to Minnesota will cost on average $2,129 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom IA to MN move is roughly $5,094. 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 Minnesota 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 Minnesota movers, the better your pricing and options will be.

Home SizeMoving CostVolume of Packed Items (ft³)$/ft³
Studio$1,434300 ft³4.78
1 Bedroom$2,129450 ft³4.73
2 Bedrooms$3,511750 ft³4.68
3 Bedrooms$5,0941100 ft³4.63
4 Bedrooms$7,3301600 ft³4.58
5+ Bedrooms$8,1561800 ft³4.53
*Please note: These Iowa to Minnesota moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from Iowa & Minnesota. 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 MN mover.
Iowa iconArrow iconMinnesota icon
U-turn icon

Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Minnesota to Iowa guide.

Popular moving destinations background image

Popular Iowa to Minnesota Moving Destinations

Make an easier move when you book with the best.

See All Routes >

Trusted moving guides helping you move from Iowa to Minnesota

Trusted. Licensed. Insured. Hire the best out of state movers. Moving to another state just got easier.

Most Popular Iowa to Minnesota Moving Routes

Compare the 6 Best IA to MN 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
Metro Movers Logo

Metro Movers

Exceptional9.49/10
based on 1,008+ data points

434 Blake Rd N

Hopkins, MN, 55343

About Metro Movers

Metro Movers, a licensed and insured transport and logistics company in Minnesota, was founded by two childhood friends with a shared...

Services

  • Residential Moving
  • Business Moving
  • Long Distance Residential Moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/21/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3742268 / 1503884

Authorized For Property

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans3
Registered Drivers3
Total Annual Miles Moved16,000 (2023)
View Full Review
2
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
3
General Expert Moving Service LLC Logo

General Expert Moving Service LLC

Exceptional9.27/10
based on 528+ data points

3804 22nd Ave S

Minneapolis, MN, 55407

About General Expert Moving Service LLC

General Expert Moving Service LLC is a family-owned moving company based in Minnesota. It started with two brothers and a pickup...

Services

  • Cheap moving
  • Local moving
  • Long-distance moving

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2846187 / 1285395

Authorized For HHG

Carrier/Shipper

Registered Trucks/Vans5
Registered Drivers24
Total Annual Miles Moved30,000 (2024)
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 12/21/2024)

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
Rankings You Can Trust background image
Trust Rankings icon

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 Minnesota

Moving from one state to another is a significant decision that comes with its set of challenges and rewards. This comparison aims to provide an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of relocating from Iowa to Minnesota , helping you weigh your options comprehensively.

CONs
PROs
Iowa iconIowa
  • Lower job opportunities
  • Less cultural diversity
  • Flat geography
  • Fewer major cities
Minnesota iconMinnesota
  • Rich job market
  • Greater cultural diversity
  • Lakes and forests
  • More urban centers
Minnesota iconMinnesota
  • Higher cost of living
  • Less personal
  • Faster pace
  • Less agricultural
Iowa iconIowa
  • Lower cost of living
  • Close-knit communities
  • Relaxed pace of life
  • Bountiful farmland

Moving from Iowa, known for its expansive farmland and close-knit communities, to the vibrant and culturally diverse state of Minnesota brings a mix of experiences. In Minnesota, you'll find a wealth of job opportunities, especially in thriving urban centers like Minneapolis and Saint Paul, which host a range of cultural and recreational venues such as the Walker Art Center and the historic Como Park Zoo & Conservatory. Despite the higher cost of living, Minnesota's stunning natural landscapes, including the famed Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and numerous city parks scattered across Minneapolis, offer a rich quality of life and outdoor activities. Restaurants, like those in the Northeast Minneapolis arts district, showcase the region's culinary diversity, inviting new residents to explore flavors from around the globe.

Iowa vs. Minnesota Food Guide

Understanding the local food culture is a crucial aspect of getting to know your new home. Here's a comparison of the local cuisine between Iowa & Minnesota to give you a taste of what culinary delights await you in these states.

IowaMinnesota
Most iconic local food itemPork Tenderloin SandwichWalleye
Most popular meat dishIowa ChopsWild Rice and Chicken Soup
Most popular street food itemSweet CornJucy Lucy
Most popular vegan foodBBQ JackfruitVegan Hotdish
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • The Iowa Cafe
  • Zombie Burger
  • Olde Main Brewing Co.
  • Matt's Bar
  • Spoon and Stable
  • Birchwood Cafe
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

Whether you’re craving the crispy, deep-fried delight of a Pork Tenderloin Sandwich in Iowa, or you're eager to taste the fresh, iconic Walleye in Minnesota, you'll find each state offers unique and flavorful dishes that reflect its local culture and culinary preferences. Iowa's sweet corn, directly from the fields, is a delight in simplicity, while Minnesota's Jucy Lucy—a cheeseburger with the cheese inside the meat—represents a fun twist on American classics. When it comes to vegan options, Minnesota's variety, including the inventive Vegan Hotdish, offers plenty of choices for plant-based eaters. Don't forget to explore the vibrant food scene in these states by visiting iconic restaurants such as Zombie Burger in Iowa or Matt's Bar in Minnesota, where you'll find local favorites that contribute to the states' identities.

CTA Banner background image

Ready to start your move?

Iowa vs. Minnesota Real Estate & Living Facts

Real estate significantly shapes your relocation experience. Understanding how Iowa and Minnesota compare in terms of housing costs, architecture, and lifestyle qualities is crucial for making an informed move. Knowing these differences can guide your decision on where to call home next.

ComparisonIowaMinnesota
Typical Architecture StyleColonial RevivalModern and Lake-style
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingLarge backyards, quiet neighborhoodsProximity to lakes, green living

The comparative housing market analysis between Iowa and Minnesota reveals several intricacies. Particularly, the considerable price difference in both median home prices and monthly rent underscores the higher cost of living in Minnesota. This state, known for its modern and lake-style architecture, offers a more walkable and bikeable environment, corresponding with a more pronounced urban lifestyle. Minnesota's real estate listings frequently highlight the proximity to lakes and sustainable living options, reflecting the state’s natural beauty and residents' environmental values. On the other hand, Iowa boasts about its large backyards and serene neighborhoods, appealing to those seeking a tranquil living space. Evidently, each state caters to distinct lifestyles and preferences, making this information vital for your decision-making process.

Iowa vs. Minnesota Weather Considerations

Moving between states means adapting to new weather patterns. This chart vividly compares the weather differences between Iowa and Minnesota, offering insights into average temperature fluctuations, precipitation, and more. Understanding these variances is crucial for a smooth transition.

Summer icon
85/63

Iowa

83/60

Minnesota

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
31/14

Iowa

24/7

Minnesota

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
34

Iowa

30

Minnesota

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
35

Iowa

51

Minnesota

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonIowaMinnesota
Air QualityGoodVaries; generally Moderate
Natural DisastersTornadoes, FloodsBlizzards, Tornadoes
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

Moving from Iowa to Minnesota, you'll notice a few key differences in weather patterns. Minnesota experiences colder winters with lower average high and low temperatures compared to Iowa, and significantly more snowfall - a crucial factor to consider if you're not accustomed to heavy snow. While both states enjoy a similar number of sunshine days, Minnesota’s UV index is slightly lower, indicating less intense sun exposure. Both states encounter their share of natural disasters, but Minnesota's include blizzards, adding another layer to winter preparedness plans.

Ready to start your move?

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

When considering a move from one state to another, it’s crucial to understand how financial aspects such as the cost of living and average income will compare. This comparison between Iowa and Minnesota aims to provide a clear financial perspective to assist in your decision-making process.

ComparisonIowaMinnesota
Avg. Household Income$69,588$82,338
Cost of Living Index95.998.75
State Income Tax0.33 - 8.535.35 - 9.85
Avg. Property Tax1.531.08
Avg. Sales Tax6.827.43
Top 3 IndustriesManufacturing, Agriculture, Financial ServicesManufacturing, Agriculture, Professional and Business Services
AffluenceModerateHigher
PovertyLowerComparable
HomelessnessLowerComparable

Moving from Iowa to Minnesota, you'll find differences in income levels and living costs that are important to consider. Minnesota showcases a higher average household income which could offer a better financial outlook; however, it also comes with a higher cost of living index. The state income tax rates in Minnesota are higher, which could impact your take-home pay compared to Iowa. Despite these differences, both states present opportunities and challenges based on their diverse economies and job markets. Understanding these financial nuances will help you make a well-informed decision on your move.

Iowa vs. Minnesota Political & Religious Comparison

In embarking on a journey from Iowa to Minnesota, it's key to grasp a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of the two states' demographics. This comparison focuses on the political and religious makeup between Iowa & Minnesota , offering insights that might influence your decision or ease your transition.

IowaMinnesota
Political Make-upMixed; swings in national electionsLeans Democratic in national elections
Local PoliticsVaries; urban vs rural divideProgressive in urban areas
ReligionChristian-majority, diverse religious communitiesChristian-majority, notable Muslim community

While Iowa exhibits a political ambivalence often swinging between parties in national elections, Minnesota has shown a consistent lean towards Democratic candidates, particularly in urban centers like Minneapolis and St. Paul. This distinction is crucial for understanding the local political climate you're moving into. On the religious landscape, both Iowa and Minnesota host primarily Christian populations. However, Minnesota stands out for its sizable Muslim community, particularly in the Minneapolis area, enriching the state's cultural and religious diversity. Understanding these differences can help you adjust more comfortably to your new surroundings.

Education Guide When Moving from Iowa to Minnesota

Moving from one state to another can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to choosing the best educational options for your children. This comparison aims to help you better understand the differences between schools and education options in Iowa and Minnesota, ensuring you make the most informed decision possible for your family's educational needs.

IowaMinnesota

Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)

University of Iowa
Iowa State University
University of Northern Iowa
University of Minnesota
Minnesota State University
University of St. Thomas

Top 3 Elementary Schools

Wickham Elementary (Coralville)
Greenwood Elementary (Des Moines)
Lincoln Elementary (Pella)
Deephaven Elementary (Wayzata)
Greenwood Elementary (River Falls)
Scenic Heights Elementary (Minnetonka)

Top 3 Middle Schools

Ames Middle School (Ames)
North Central Junior High (Coralville)
Bettendorf Middle School (Bettendorf)
Minnetonka Middle School East (Minnetonka)
Wayzata East Middle School (Plymouth)
Mounds View Middle School (Arden Hills)

Top 3 High Schools

West High School (Iowa City)
Ames High School (Ames)
Pleasant Valley High School (Bettendorf)
Edina High School (Edina)
Minnetonka High School (Minnetonka)
Wayzata High School (Plymouth)

Top 3 private high schools

Dowling Catholic High School (West Des Moines)
Xavier High School (Cedar Rapids)
Regina High School (Iowa City)
Breck School (Golden Valley)
Blake School (Minneapolis)
St. Paul Academy and Summit School (St. Paul)

Top 3 private K-12 schools

Maharishi School (Fairfield)
Scattergood Friends School (West Branch)
Rivermont Collegiate (Bettendorf)
The Blake School (Minneapolis)
Breck School (Golden Valley)
Minnehaha Academy (Minneapolis)

Top 3 School Districts

Iowa City Community School District
Ames Community School District
West Des Moines Community Schools
Edina Public Schools
Minnetonka Public Schools
Wayzata Public Schools

When examining the educational landscape between Iowa and Minnesota, several differences emerge, particularly in the areas of top-ranking schools and notable universities. For instance, the University of Iowa and the University of Minnesota both attract a significant number of high school graduates from their respective states, highlighting them as leading higher education institutions in the Midwest. Notably, the top elementary schools, such as Wickham Elementary in Iowa and Deephaven Elementary in Minnesota, suggest a focus on fostering excellent early educational foundations in both states. Furthermore, prestigious private institutions, like Dowling Catholic High School in Iowa and Breck School in Minnesota, offer rigorous academic programs that prepare students for successful futures. Understanding these variances can ensure you select the best educational path for your children, tailored to their needs and your family's aspirations.

CTA Banner background image
Connect with one of our Certified Moving Partners.
Best Iowa to Minnesota Movers Featured Image