Best Iowa to Wisconsin Movers + Moving Guide
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If you're moving from Iowa to Wisconsin and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 319 mile IA to WI move go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 95 Iowa to Wisconsin 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 Elite Movers), 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 Wisconsin. 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 Wisconsin Moving Companies
| Rank | Company Name | Rating  | Affordability Index | License | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Elite Movers | 9.57 | 9.52 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 2 | Adamantine Spine Moving | 9.53 | 9.4 | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
| 3 | MACS Moving and Storage | 9.43 | 9.43 | 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 Wisconsin
Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 319 miles from Iowa to Wisconsin will cost on average $2,052 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom IA to WI move is roughly $4,907. 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 Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin movers, the better your pricing and options will be.
| Home Size | Moving Cost | Volume of Packed Items (ft³) | $/ft³ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,383 | 300 ft³ | 4.61 |
| 1 Bedroom | $2,052 | 450 ft³ | 4.56 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $3,383 | 750 ft³ | 4.51 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $4,907 | 1100 ft³ | 4.46 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $7,058 | 1600 ft³ | 4.41 |
| 5+ Bedrooms | $7,850 | 1800 ft³ | 4.36 |
Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Wisconsin to Iowa guide.
Popular Iowa to Wisconsin Moving Destinations
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See All Routes >Trusted moving guides helping you move from Iowa to Wisconsin
Trusted. Licensed. Insured. Hire the best out of state movers. Moving to another state just got easier.Most Popular Iowa to Wisconsin Moving Routes
Compare the 6 Best IA to WI Movers
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)
Elite Movers
429 Lake St
Eau Claire, WI, 54703
About Elite Movers
Elite Movers is a professional moving service in Eau Claire that provides full-service moving solutions for local and long-distance relocations. They...
Services
- Full Service Move
- Labor Only (Loading/Unloading Help)
- Single Item Move
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3579816 / 1208798 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 3 |
| Registered Drivers | 1 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 45,000 (2022) |
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) |
MACS Moving and Storage
901 Maxwell St
Lake Geneva, WI, 53147
About MACS Moving and Storage
Lake Geneva-based MACS Moving and Storage is a full-service moving company that has served Southeastern Wisconsin and Northern Illinois for over...
Services
- Local Moves
- Long Distance Moves
- Packing
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2386699 / 820142 Authorized For Property, HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 13 |
| Registered Drivers | 10 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 216,309 (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 Wisconsin
Moving from one state to another brings its set of challenges and rewards. This comparison aims to offer an honest reflection on Iowa and Wisconsin's aspects, helping you weigh the benefits against the challenges. The two charts below will guide you discern the pros and cons of relocating, ensuring you make an informed decision.
Iowa- Lesser lakes
- Flat landscapes
- Smaller tech scene
- Lesser dairy variety
Wisconsin- More lakes
- Varied topography
- Bigger tech hub
- Rich cheese varieties
Wisconsin- Higher living costs
- More commercial
- Less personal space
- Less farm-to-table
Iowa- Lower living costs
- Simple living
- Friendly communities
- Rich agriculture
When weighing the decision to move from Iowa to Wisconsin, consider the lifestyle changes this relocation entails. Wisconsin's greater number of lakes and varied landscapes offer an exciting terrain for outdoor enthusiasts. Places like Devil's Lake State Park and the shores of Lake Michigan are perfect for adventure seekers. The state's burgeoning tech scene, particularly in cities like Madison, provides a vibrant atmosphere for innovation and growth. On the other hand, Iowa's simpler way of living and closely-knit communities present a tranquil lifestyle. The decision ultimately depends on what you're looking for - whether it's Wisconsin's rich cheese varieties and outdoor activities or Iowa's lower cost of living and peaceful community living.
Iowa vs. Wisconsin Food Guide
As you consider relocating, understanding the local culture through its cuisine is essential. Food richly reflects a locale's heritage and lifestyle. In this light, we'll embark on a comparison of the local cuisine between Iowa & Wisconsin to illuminate the food scene awaiting you in your new home.
| Iowa | Wisconsin | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Corn | Cheese Curds |
| Most popular meat dish | Pork Tenderloin Sandwich | Bratwurst |
| Most popular street food item | Taco Trucks | Food Trucks with Cheese Curds |
| Most popular vegan food | Vegan Corn Tacos | Vegan Cheese Options |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state |
|
|
| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
Upon arriving in Wisconsin, you'll quickly notice the prominence of cheese in local cuisine, with cheese curds topping the list as a must-try. The iconic Bratwurst, found especially in Madison and Milwaukee, underscores the state's German heritage. For a taste of local flavors, The Old Fashioned in Madison offers a traditional Wisconsin experience, while Mickies Dairy Bar provides a classic diner atmosphere. Wisconsin's food scene, rich in dairy innovations, also caters to vegan preferences with a variety of dairy-free cheese options. Culver's, although a fast-food chain, is renowned for its Wisconsin Cheese Curds, cementing its place in the state's culinary landscape.
Ready to start your move?
Iowa vs. Wisconsin Real Estate & Living Facts
Real estate is a pivotal consideration when relocating. Understanding how housing aspects like cost, style, and lifestyle amenities compare between Iowa and Wisconsin is essential. This comparison aims to illuminate the differences and similarities that will impact your decision.
| Comparison | Iowa | Wisconsin |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Modern Farmhouse | Colonial Revival |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Spacious yards, Three-car garages | Lakeside views, Proximity to breweries |
When considering a move from Iowa to Wisconsin, you'll find Wisconsin boasts slightly higher living costs, mirrored in both median home prices and rent. However, the architectural preferences shift from Iowa's modern farmhouse aesthetics to Wisconsin's colonial revival style, catering to diverse tastes. The variations in walkability and bikeability scores between the states indicate a marginally more pedestrian and cyclist-friendly environment in Wisconsin. Particularly notable are listings in Wisconsin, often highlighting lakeside views and proximity to breweries, reflecting the state's famed love for beer and its abundant natural beauty. These differences can deeply influence your lifestyle choices and day-to-day experiences after the move.
Iowa vs. Wisconsin Weather Considerations
When planning a move from Iowa to Wisconsin , understanding the weather differences is crucial. This comparison will help you adapt to your new environment seamlessly by highlighting key climatic disparities. The following charts distill essential weather characteristics of each state, shedding light on what to expect across seasons.
Iowa
Wisconsin
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Iowa
Wisconsin
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Iowa
Wisconsin
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Iowa
Wisconsin
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | Iowa | Wisconsin |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Good | Good |
| Natural Disasters | Tornadoes, Floods | Snowstorms, Cold Waves |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
In comparing Iowa and Wisconsin, you'll find these neighboring states share similar humidity levels and quality of air, but there are notable differences in seasonal weather patterns. Wisconsin experiences cooler summer highs and slightly colder winter lows, fitting for those who prefer milder summers. Expect more snowy days in Wisconsin, which sees about 12 inches more snow annually than Iowa. This could mean more opportunities for winter sports but also requires readiness for snowier conditions. Even though both states enjoy a fair amount of sunshine, Iowa has about 17 more sunny days per year. Such insights should help you prepare for your new environment in Wisconsin, from wardrobe changes to seasonal activities planning.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Iowa to Wisconsin
When relocating, it's crucial to understand the financial landscape of your new home. This comparison aims to highlight the essential economic differences and living costs between Iowa and Wisconsin. Recognizing these distinctions will help you better prepare for your move.
| Comparison | Iowa | Wisconsin |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $69,588 | $70,996 |
| Cost of Living Index | 95.9 | 95.65 |
| State Income Tax | 0.33 - 8.53 | 3.54 - 7.65 |
| Avg. Property Tax | 1.53 | 1.76 |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 6 | 5.46 |
| Top 3 Industries | Advanced Manufacturing, Financial Services, Biosciences | Manufacturing, Agriculture, Health Services |
| Affluence | Moderate | Moderately High |
| Poverty | Low | Moderate |
| Homelessness | Minimal | Minimal |
The financial landscapes of Iowa and Wisconsin offer contrasting yet vital insights for anyone planning to move. While Wisconsin demonstrates a slightly higher average household income, it also accompanies a higher cost of living index. The property and state income tax rates vary slightly, reflecting the nuanced economic climates between the two states. Especially significant are the top industries, as they indicate potential employment opportunities and sectors driving the local economies. Understanding these differences sets the groundwork for a smoother transition and financial planning.
Iowa vs. Wisconsin Political & Religious Comparison
As you plan your move from Iowa to Wisconsin, understanding this is a comparison of the politics between Iowa & Wisconsin, along with the religious landscape, can provide a vital snapshot of the community ethos you're about to join.
| Iowa | Wisconsin | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Swing state, with recent leanings towards the Republican Party in presidential elections | Swing state with a history of close contests in both state and national elections |
| Local Politics | Political landscape varies widely between urban and rural areas | Local politics also reflect an urban-rural divide, often with more liberal policies in cities |
| Religion | Christianity is predominant, with a significant presence of evangelical Protestants | Varied, with a larger percentage of Catholic residents compared to Iowa |
While both Iowa and Wisconsin share the distinction of being influential swing states, they each bring a unique political flavor to the table. In Iowa, you might find a more pronounced distinction in political views between urban and rural communities. Conversely, Wisconsin's political tapestries are woven with threads of closely contested elections and a contrast between conservative rural areas and more liberal urban centers. On the religious front, if you lean towards evangelical Protestant beliefs, Iowa may resonate with you, while Wisconsin offers a broader religious canvas, with a notable Catholic demographic. This comparison should give you a nuanced understanding of the social and cultural environment awaiting you.
Education Guide When Moving from Iowa to Wisconsin
Moving can be a bit overwhelming, especially when considering educational options for your children. To help ease this transition, we've compiled a comparison so you can better understand what the comparisons are between school options from Iowa to Wisconsin . This will aid in making an informed decision on where your child might thrive best.
| Iowa | Wisconsin |
|---|---|
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3) University of Iowa Iowa State University University of Northern IowaUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Marquette University | |
Top 3 Elementary Schools Wickham Elementary School (Coralville) Bloomsbury Elementary School (Sioux City) Hillside Elementary School (West Des Moines)Swanson Elementary School (Brookfield) Lake Shore Middle School (Mequon) North Shore Middle School (Hartland) | |
Top 3 Middle Schools Ames Middle School (Ames) Prairie Ridge Middle School (Cedar Rapids) North Central Junior High (North Liberty)Longfellow Middle School (Wauwatosa) Pilgrim Park Middle School (Elm Grove) Kettle Moraine Middle School (Dousman) | |
Top 3 High Schools West High School (Iowa City) Ames High School (Ames) Decorah High School (Decorah)Brookfield East High School (Brookfield) Whitefish Bay High School (Whitefish Bay) Homestead High School (Mequon) | |
Top 3 private high schools Phillips Academy (Exeter) Choate Rosemary Hall (Wallingford) The Putney School (Putney)University School of Milwaukee (Milwaukee) Marquette University High School (Milwaukee) Madison Country Day School (Waunakee) | |
Top 3 private K-12 schools Greenhill School (Addison) The Hockaday School (Dallas) St. Mark's School of Texas (Dallas)University School of Milwaukee (Milwaukee) Prairie School (Racine) Brookfield Academy (Brookfield) | |
Top 3 School Districts Iowa City Community School District Ames Community School District Des Moines Independent Community School DistrictElmbrook School District Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District Whitefish Bay School District | |
When analyzing school options between Iowa and Wisconsin, it's apparent that both states boast strong educational institutions across the board. For instance, Iowa's University of Iowa and Wisconsin's University of Wisconsin-Madison stand out as top choices for college-bound seniors, reflecting the high educational standards in both states. Additionally, the presence of highly-ranked private institutions like the University School of Milwaukee in Wisconsin and unique K-12 opportunities in cities such as Milwaukee and Brookfield indicate a versatile array of options catering to varied educational preferences and needs.
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