Best Iowa to Virginia Movers + Moving Guide
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If you're moving from Iowa to Virginia and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 1,018 mile IA to VA move go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 153 Iowa to Virginia 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 ARS 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 Virginia. 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 Virginia Moving Companies
| Rank | Company Name | Rating  | Affordability Index | License | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ARS Movers | 9.63 | 9.76 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 2 | A Change of Place Movers | 9.58 | 9.44 | Authorized For Property | 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 Virginia
Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 1,018 miles from Iowa to Virginia will cost on average $2,647 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom IA to VA move is roughly $6,360. 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 Virginia 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 Virginia movers, the better your pricing and options will be.
| Home Size | Moving Cost | Volume of Packed Items (ft³) | $/ft³ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,780 | 300 ft³ | 5.93 |
| 1 Bedroom | $2,647 | 450 ft³ | 5.88 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $4,374 | 750 ft³ | 5.83 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $6,360 | 1100 ft³ | 5.78 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $9,171 | 1600 ft³ | 5.73 |
| 5+ Bedrooms | $10,228 | 1800 ft³ | 5.68 |
Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Virginia to Iowa guide.
Popular Iowa to Virginia Moving Destinations
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See All Routes >Trusted moving guides helping you move from Iowa to Virginia
Trusted. Licensed. Insured. Hire the best out of state movers. Moving to another state just got easier.Most Popular Iowa to Virginia Moving Routes
Compare the 6 Best IA to VA Movers
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)
ARS Movers
Herndon, VA, 20170
About ARS Movers
ARS Movers is a top-rated, locally-owned moving company based in Herndon, Virginia, serving customers for over a decade. They offer a...
Services
- Local Moving (Residential Moving)
- Long Distance Moving (Interstate Moving)
- Office Moving (Commercial Moving)
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3260258 / 1027666 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 4 |
| Registered Drivers | 2 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 3 (2022) |
A Change of Place Movers
Hopewell, VA, 23860
About A Change of Place Movers
The staff members at A Change of Place Movers are some of the most thoughtful, caring moving professionals you will ever...
Services
- Local Moving
- Long Distance Moving
- Residential Moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 1293943 / 503371 Authorized For Property Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 1 |
| Registered Drivers | 2 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 290,815 (2023) |
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 Virginia
Moving from one state to another is a significant life change that comes with its own set of challenges and rewards. This guide aims to offer an honest reflection on the benefits and drawbacks of relocating from Iowa to Virginia , helping you to weigh both sides carefully before making your decision.
Iowa- Harsh winters
- Less cultural diversity
- Flat landscape
- Smaller cities
Virginia- Milder winters
- Greater diversity
- Varied geography
- Larger urban areas
Virginia- Higher cost of living
- More transient populations
- More traffic congestion
- Faster pace of life
Iowa- Lower cost of living
- Strong community feel
- Accessible nature
- Simple lifestyle
While considering the move from Iowa to Virginia, it's important to delve into the specifics of what each state offers. Virginia's varied geography includes both the beachfront beauty of places like Virginia Beach and the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains, appealing to both beach lovers and hiking enthusiasts alike. The state's rich historical sites, such as Colonial Williamsburg and Monticello, offer educational and cultural outings that are enriching for those of all ages. On the other hand, Iowa's appeal lies in its serene landscapes and close-knit communities, such as those found in Des Moines' neighborhood parks or the bustling markets in Cedar Rapids. Embracing Virginia’s faster pace might be a challenge initially, but cities like Richmond and Arlington offer vibrant restaurant scenes and diverse cultural sights that are sure to win over your heart. Whether it’s exploring the historic cobblestone streets of Alexandria or enjoying the outdoor dining in Charlottesville, Virginia presents a compelling mix of the modern and the historic that is hard to resist.
Iowa vs. Virginia Food Guide
Food is a highlight of local culture and reflects the living experience in any area. Understanding this, we delve into a comparison of the local cuisine between Iowa & Virginia to better acquaint you with the culinary scene of your new home.
| Iowa | Virginia | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Pork Tenderloin Sandwich | Virginia Ham |
| Most popular meat dish | Corn-fed Beef | Chesapeake Bay Blue Crab |
| Most popular street food item | State Fair Corn Dog | Soft Shell Crab Sandwich |
| Most popular vegan food | Grilled Sweet Corn | Black-eyed Peas and Greens |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state |
|
|
| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
Exploring the culinary landscapes of Iowa and Virginia reveals significant contrasts and delights. In Iowa, the legendary Pork Tenderloin Sandwich captures the essence of the state's food scene, best enjoyed at local favorites like The High Life Lounge. Conversely, Virginia takes pride in its historical and sophisticated approach to cuisine, with establishments like The Inn at Little Washington offering a refined dining experience that includes local specialties like Virginia Ham. Each state presents a unique foodie scene, with Virginia boasting a higher health conscientiousness reflected in its more abundant vegan options and food trucks. Whether you're meandering through the bustling streets of Richmond's food truck hubs or enjoying the pastoral charm of an Iowa State Fair, the move from Iowa to Virginia promises a rich tapestry of culinary experiences.
Ready to start your move?
Iowa vs. Virginia Real Estate & Living Facts
When considering a move, understanding the real estate landscape of Iowa vs. Virginia is crucial to making an informed decision. From the cost of living to the style of homes and the ease of getting around, this comparison will illuminate the nuances of each state's housing market, guiding your next big move.
| Comparison | Iowa | Virginia |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Ranch-style | Colonial-style |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Spacious yards, quiet streets | Proximity to historical sites, modern amenities |
The shift from Iowa's more affordable and spacious ranch-style living to Virginia's pricier, history-rich Colonial styles is significant. In Virginia, proximity to historical landmarks and modern amenities in real estate listings highlight the state's unique blend of old and new, catered towards a more urban lifestyle. Conversely, Iowa's real estate market emphasizes the value of space and peace with its spacious yards and quiet neighborhoods, prioritizing a slower-paced, more accessible living environment. Both states offer unique lifestyles through their architecture, amenities, and community vibes, significantly impacting your experience based on your personal preferences and priorities.
Iowa vs. Virginia Weather Considerations
When considering a move from one state to another, it's crucial to understand how the weather in Iowa and Virginia will compare. This knowledge can help you prepare for the changes and adapt more easily to your new environment.
Iowa
Virginia
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Iowa
Virginia
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Iowa
Virginia
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Iowa
Virginia
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | Iowa | Virginia |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
| Natural Disasters | Tornadoes, Floods | Hurricanes, Earthquakes |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
Moving from Iowa to Virginia, you'll notice a milder winter and slightly hotter summers. The minimal difference in days of sunshine means you'll enjoy similar amounts of sunny days, but Virginia's higher average humidity can make the warmer temperatures feel more intense. It's also worthwhile to prepare for Virginia's hurricane season, a marked difference from Iowa's weather challenges, which include tornadoes. Adjusting to the local climate will be an important part of your transition, particularly in terms of wardrobe and home maintenance.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Iowa to Virginia
When preparing to move, it's crucial to understand how your finances might be impacted. This comparison aims to shed light on the financial differences you’ll encounter when moving from Iowa to Virginia . Whether you're concerned about income, taxes, or the cost of living, knowing these details in advance can help you better plan your move.
| Comparison | Iowa | Virginia |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $69,588 | $85,873 |
| Cost of Living Index | 95.9 | 96.6 |
| State Income Tax | 0.33 to 8.53 | 2 to 5.75 |
| Avg. Property Tax | 1.53 | 0.80 |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 6.82 | 5.65 |
| Top 3 Industries | Manufacturing, Agriculture, Finance | Technology, Military, Agriculture |
| Affluence | Moderate | Higher |
| Poverty | Lower | Comparable |
| Homelessness | Lower | Comparable |
Upon moving from Iowa to Virginia, you'll notice certain financial shifts. For example, the average household income is higher in Virginia, possibly reflecting the higher cost of living and affluence in the state. However, Virginia has a lower property tax rate, which can be appealing for homeowners. Despite a higher cost of living index, Virginia's sales tax is lower, which may balance out day-to-day expenses somewhat. It's these contrasts in income, taxation, and living costs that underline the importance of preparing financially for such a move.
Iowa vs. Virginia Political & Religious Comparison
If you're considering a move from Iowa to Virginia, understanding the comparison of the politics between Iowa & Virginia, along with religious composition, can offer a quick glimpse into the communities you'll be joining. This side-by-side look aims to provide a foundational understanding of the similarities and differences you might encounter.
| Iowa | Virginia | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Battleground state, tends to swing in national elections | Leans Democratic in recent national elections |
| Local Politics | Mix of conservative and liberal local governments | Diverse political landscape, with liberal areas around Northern Virginia and conservative regions in rural areas |
| Religion | Christianity dominates, with a significant evangelical presence | Religious diversity, including Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, and others, especially in urban areas |
When relocating from Iowa to Virginia, you'll notice significant political contrasts. Iowa's status as a battleground state means your vote can sway major national decisions, reflecting a fairly even division in political beliefs. Virginia, however, has trended more predictably Democratic in recent elections, particularly due to the influence of densely populated and diverse areas like Northern Virginia. Religious practices in both states are predominantly Christian, but Virginia offers a broader religious landscape in its cities, with thriving Muslim, Hindu, and other faith communities. This diversity is a reflection of Virginia’s wider array of cultural backgrounds, influenced by its proximity to the nation's capital and historical significance.
Education Guide When Moving from Iowa to Virginia
Moving across the country presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities, especially when it comes to education for you or your children. This comparison is designed to help you better understand what the comparisons are between school options when moving from Iowa to Virginia.
| Iowa | Virginia |
|---|---|
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3) University of Iowa Iowa State University University of Northern IowaUniversity of Virginia Virginia Tech William & Mary | |
Top 3 Elementary Schools Wickham Elementary (Coralville) Vanderveer Elementary (Des Moines) Roosevelt Elementary (Ames)Nuckols Farm Elementary (Henrico) Arlington Science Focus School (Arlington) Westbriar Elementary School (Vienna) | |
Top 3 Middle Schools Ames Middle School (Ames) North Central Junior High (Coralville) Bettendorf Middle School (Bettendorf)Longfellow Middle School (Falls Church) Frost Middle School (Fairfax) Henley Middle School (Crozet) | |
Top 3 High Schools Ames High School (Ames) West Senior High (Iowa City) Decorah High School (Decorah)Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (Alexandria) McLean High School (McLean) Langley High School (McLean) | |
Top 3 private high schools Scattergood Friends School (West Branch) Maharishi School (Fairfield) Des Moines Christian School (Urbandale)Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (Alexandria) The Madeira School (McLean) St. Christopher's School (Richmond) | |
Top 3 private K-12 schools Maharishi School (Fairfield) Scattergood Friends School (West Branch) Iowa Christian Academy (West Des Moines)Flint Hill School (Oakton) The Potomac School (McLean) Norfolk Academy (Norfolk) | |
Top 3 School Districts Iowa City Community School District Ames Community School District Decorah Community School DistrictFalls Church City Public Schools Loudoun County Public Schools Fairfax County Public Schools | |
In making a monumental move from Iowa to Virginia, taking a closer look at some of the top educational institutions can provide deeper insight into your decision. For instance, Iowa prides itself with strong public university systems that grasp the attention of its seniors, including the University of Iowa and Iowa State University, noted for their research and community engagement. In contrast, Virginia boasts elite universities such as the University of Virginia and Virginia Tech, along with the prestigious College of William & Mary. Virginia's Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, highlighted for its specialized science and technology focus, contrasts with Iowa's well-rounded high school offerings like Ames High School. Moreover, Virginia's private educational sector, including the renowned Flint Hill School and The Potomac School, offers distinctive K-12 education experiences not found in Iowa, capturing a spectrum of advanced academic and extracurricular opportunities to cater to diverse student needs.
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