Best Iowa to Montana Movers + Moving Guide
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If you're moving from Iowa to Montana and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 1,115 mile IA to MT move go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 40 Iowa to Montana 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 - $6,500 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Iowa compared to Montana. 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 Montana Moving Companies
| Rank | Company Name | Rating  | Affordability Index | License | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Adamantine Spine Moving | 9.53 | 9.4 | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
| 2 | Adamantine Spine Moving | 9.42 | 9.28 | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
| 3 | Best Move Inc | 9.23 | 9.19 | Authorized For Property | Contact |
| 4 | Hemmen Moving | 9.10 | 9.47 | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
| 5 | Moving On Up | 8.79 | 8.05 | Authorized For Property | Contact |
| 6 | On The Move LLC | 8.51 | 8.16 | Active | Contact |
(800) 787-5428Cost to Move from Iowa to Montana
Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 1,115 miles from Iowa to Montana will cost on average $2,729 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom IA to MT move is roughly $6,562. 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 Montana 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 Montana movers, the better your pricing and options will be.
| Home Size | Moving Cost | Volume of Packed Items (ft³) | $/ft³ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,835 | 300 ft³ | 6.12 |
| 1 Bedroom | $2,729 | 450 ft³ | 6.07 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $4,512 | 750 ft³ | 6.02 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $6,562 | 1100 ft³ | 5.97 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $9,465 | 1600 ft³ | 5.92 |
| 5+ Bedrooms | $10,558 | 1800 ft³ | 5.87 |
Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Montana to Iowa guide.
Popular Iowa to Montana Moving Destinations
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See All Routes >Trusted moving guides helping you move from Iowa to Montana
Trusted. Licensed. Insured. Hire the best out of state movers. Moving to another state just got easier.Most Popular Iowa to Montana Moving Routes
Compare the 6 Best IA to MT 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) |
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) |
Moving On Up
Deer Lodge, MT
About Moving On Up
Moving On Up is a Montana-based moving company that specializes in providing reliable, honest, and efficient moving services to its customers....
Services
- Local Moves
- Long Distance Moves
- Commercial Moves
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3890213 / 1487675 Authorized For Property Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 2 |
| Registered Drivers | 2 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 12,000 (2021) |
On The Move LLC
Bozeman, MT, 59715
About On The Move LLC
On The Move LLC provides excellent moving services throughout Southwest Montana, including Belgrade, Big Sky, Livingston, Paradise Valley, Three Forks, and...
Services
- Residential Moving
- Commercial Moving
- Packing Help
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2399161 / - Active Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 1 |
| Registered Drivers | 1 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | - |
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 Montana
Moving from one state to another offers a blend of challenges and opportunities. This guide aims to provide an honest reflection of moving from Iowa to Montana, weighing the good against the bad. Through a stark comparison, these charts are designed to highlight what changes you can expect in terms of lifestyle, environment, and opportunities.
Iowa- Fewer Mountains
- Higher Humidity
- Smaller Sky
- Less Wild Animal Diversity
- More Industrial
Montana- Vast Wilderness
- Drier Climate
- Big Sky Country
- Rich Wildlife
- Natural Beauty
Montana- Scarce Agriculture
- Isolated Areas
- Less Economic Diversity
- Higher Living Cost
- Remote Locations
Iowa- Rich Farmlands
- Community Feel
- Vibrant Local Economy
- Lower Living Cost
- Easier Accessibility
Moving from Iowa to Montana, you'll trade the familiar agricultural landscapes and community-centric towns for the majestic wilderness and untamed beauty of the Rocky Mountains. In Montana, cities like Bozeman and Missoula offer vibrant communities with a strong connection to the great outdoors, boasting attractions like Glacier National Park and Yellowstone. While Iowa's rich farmlands and tight-knit communities, such as those around Des Moines, provide a comforting sense of home and easy access to midwestern gems like the Des Moines Art Center, Montana's expansive landscapes may mean longer drives but also offer unmatched tranquility and adventure in places like Flathead Lake and the historic town of Virginia City. Dining experiences will also change, with Montana offering unique opportunities to enjoy local delicacies at establishments like Bozeman Kombucha or the famed Mackenzie River Pizza Co. in various locations. This move is a chance to embrace the vast, beautiful unknown that defines Montana's spirit.
Iowa vs. Montana Food Guide
This is a comparison of the local cuisine between Iowa & Montana, highlighting the integral role food plays in understanding what it's like to live in an area. By examining each state's food scene, you can gain valuable insights into the local culture and culinary delights awaiting you in your new home.
| Iowa | Montana | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Corn | Huckleberries |
| Most popular meat dish | Pork tenderloin sandwich | Buffalo steak |
| Most popular street food item | Taco trucks | Elk burgers |
| Most popular vegan food | Grain bowls | Wild mushroom dishes |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state |
|
|
| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
When moving from Iowa to Montana, you'll find that both states offer distinct culinary landscapes reflective of their local cultures and available natural resources. In Iowa, the staple corn, celebrated in dishes like the pork tenderloin sandwich, symbolizes the state's agricultural roots. Contrastingly, Montana's cuisine pays homage to the wild, with huckleberries and buffalo steak highlighting the state's rich forest and plains ecosystems. Food enthusiasts will relish exploring Montana's expanding food scene, especially in cities like Missoula and Bozeman, known for their wild mushroom dishes and innovative vegan cuisine. The presence of food trucks and restaurants emphasizing locally sourced ingredients suggests a vibrant community that values not only taste but also the health and sustainability of their food choices.
Ready to start your move?
Iowa vs. Montana Real Estate & Living Facts
Real estate significantly influences the journey of moving from one state to another. Understanding how the market, lifestyle, and accessibilities in Iowa vs. Montana stack up against each other is crucial for making an informed decision. Here's a comparison to assist in your transition.
| Comparison | Iowa | Montana |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Colonial, Ranch | Mountain Rustic, Modern |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Spacious backyards, Quiet neighborhoods | Mountain views, Proximity to nature |
Moving from Iowa to Montana, you should be prepared for a significant change in housing styles and costs. Montana's median home price is much higher due to its picturesque landscapes and proximity to natural beauty, such as mountain views mentioned in many listings. However, you might find these homes less walkable and bikeable compared to what you're accustomed to in Iowa. On the flip side, if you enjoy a rural ambiance over urban hustle, Montana's offerings of mountain rustic and modern architecture nestled within nature could be more appealing to you than Iowa's traditional colonial or ranch-style homes.
Iowa vs. Montana Weather Considerations
If you're contemplating a move, comparing the climates between your current and future homes is essential. This guide aims to provide a clear picture of how the weather in Iowa and Montana contrasts, helping you to understand what changes to expect. Weather variations can significantly impact your lifestyle, making it pivotal to analyze and prepare for your new environment .
Iowa
Montana
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Iowa
Montana
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Iowa
Montana
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Iowa
Montana
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | Iowa | Montana |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Good | Variable |
| Natural Disasters | Tornadoes, Floods | Wildfires, Earthquakes |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
When moving from Iowa to Montana, you'll notice a significant change in the climate, chiefly marked by Montana's cooler nights during summer and much higher annual snowfall. This calls for a wardrobe adjustment and possibly a new set of tires for winter driving. While both states enjoy a similar amount of sunshine annually, Montana's lower humidity and slightly higher UV index mean you'll experience a dryer climate with a bit more solar intensity. Understanding these differences will help you adapt more swiftly to Montana's unique weather patterns, providing a smoother transition to your new home.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Iowa to Montana
When moving from one state to another, understanding the financial landscape is crucial for a smooth transition. This comparison aims to shed light on the monetary aspects of relocating from Iowa to Montana . Cost of Living , Income , and Taxes are among the key factors that will impact your financial health in your new home.
| Comparison | Iowa | Montana |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $69,588 | $67,631 |
| Cost of Living Index | 95.9 | 99.4 |
| State Income Tax | 0.33 - 8.53 | 1.0 - 6.9 |
| Avg. Property Tax | 1.53 | 0.83 |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 6.82 | 0 |
| Top 3 Industries | Manufacturing, Agriculture, Financial Services | Tourism, Agriculture, Mining |
| Affluence | Moderate | Moderate |
| Poverty | Low | Low |
| Homelessness | Low | Low |
While both Iowa and Montana offer unique financial landscapes, key differences can significantly impact your lifestyle. For instance, Montana's higher cost of living index might make everyday expenses feel pricier compared to Iowa. However, Montana's absence of sales tax could offset some of these costs, especially for large purchases. The average household income in Iowa is slightly higher, which, coupled with a lower cost of living, may allow for a more comfortable living standard. Nevertheless, Montana's lower property tax rates present a favorable condition for homeowners. Considering these aspects can help you better prepare for the financial adjustments necessary in transitioning from Iowa to Montana.
Iowa vs. Montana Political & Religious Comparison
This guide provides a quick, at-a-glance snapshot to compare the political and religious makeup between Iowa & Montana, aiming to give you a sense of the communities you'll be joining or leaving behind.
| Iowa | Montana | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Swing State, leans slightly Republican | Leans Republican |
| Local Politics | Mix of urban liberal & rural conservative | Conservative, with some liberal strongholds |
| Religion | Christian, Protestant majority | Christian, with a Protestant majority |
In Iowa, the political landscape is marked by its swing state nature, with urban areas leaning more liberal and rural areas more conservative. This mix offers a diverse political environment. Montana, while also having its liberal strongholds, generally leans more towards conservative politics, especially in its rural areas. Both states share a Christian, primarily Protestant, background, yet the way this influences local politics and community engagements can vary. Understanding these nuances can help you adjust more smoothly to your new surroundings.
Education Guide When Moving from Iowa to Montana
When considering a move from Iowa to Montana, it's crucial to compare the educational landscape of both states. This comparison will help you better understand what the comparisons are between school options in Iowa and Montana, ensuring that you make the best decision for your family's educational needs.
| Iowa | Montana |
|---|---|
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3) University of Iowa Iowa State University University of Northern IowaMontana State University University of Montana Montana Tech | |
Top 3 Elementary Schools Wickham Elementary (Coralville) Lincoln Elementary (Mount Vernon) Roosevelt Elementary (Ames)Hawthorne Elementary (Bozeman) Chief Charlo Elementary (Missoula) Meadowlark Elementary (Great Falls) | |
Top 3 Middle Schools Ames Middle School (Ames) North Central Junior High (Coralville) Southeast Junior High (Iowa City)Sacajawea Middle School (Bozeman) Washington Middle School (Missoula) East Middle School (Great Falls) | |
Top 3 High Schools West High School (Iowa City) Ames High School (Ames) Decorah High School (Decorah)Bozeman High School (Bozeman) Sentinel High School (Missoula) Great Falls High School (Great Falls) | |
Top 3 private high schools Xavier High School (Cedar Rapids) Dowling Catholic High School (West Des Moines) Wahlert Catholic High School (Dubuque)Missoula International School (Missoula) Great Falls Central Catholic High School (Great Falls) Billings Central Catholic High School (Billings) | |
Top 3 private K-12 schools Maharishi School (Fairfield) Scattergood Friends School (West Branch) Quad Cities Christian School (Moline)Petra Academy (Bozeman) Foothills Community Christian School (Great Falls) Montana Christian Academy (Kalispell) | |
Top 3 School Districts Iowa City Community School District Ames Community School District West Des Moines Community SchoolsBozeman School District Missoula County Public Schools Great Falls Public Schools | |
When moving from Iowa to Montana, it's essential to look beyond just the names and rankings of schools. For instance, the choice of college can significantly impact a student's future, and it's telling that top colleges in both states are well-regarded with strong programs in agriculture, engineering, and business. Furthermore, the schools listed here, such as Ames Middle School in Iowa and Sacajawea Middle School in Montana, not only offer excellent academic programs but also diverse extracurricular activities that can enrich your child's educational experience. This comparative insight into the educational opportunities in each state can help you make an informed decision tailored to your family's needs.
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