Best Illinois to Iowa Movers + Moving Guide
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If you're moving from Illinois to Iowa and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 260 mile IL to IA move go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 141 Illinois to Iowa 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 $1,500 - $5,000 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Illinois compared to Iowa. 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 Illinois to Iowa 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 | 606 Movers, Inc. | 9.36 | 9.27 | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
| 4 | Move-tastic! | 9.35 | 9.37 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 5 | A1 Movers, Inc | 9.33 | 9.57 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 6 | Murphy Family Movers | 9.29 | 9.35 | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
(800) 787-5428Cost to Move from Illinois to Iowa
Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 260 miles from Illinois to Iowa will cost on average $2,002 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom IL to IA move is roughly $4,785. 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 Illinois and dropoff in Iowa 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 Illinois to Iowa movers, the better your pricing and options will be.
| Home Size | Moving Cost | Volume of Packed Items (ft³) | $/ft³ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,350 | 300 ft³ | 4.50 |
| 1 Bedroom | $2,002 | 450 ft³ | 4.45 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $3,300 | 750 ft³ | 4.40 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $4,785 | 1100 ft³ | 4.35 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $6,879 | 1600 ft³ | 4.30 |
| 5+ Bedrooms | $7,649 | 1800 ft³ | 4.25 |
Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Iowa to Illinois guide.
Popular Illinois to Iowa Moving Destinations
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Trusted. Licensed. Insured. Hire the best out of state movers. Moving to another state just got easier.Most Popular Illinois to Iowa Moving Routes
Compare the 6 Best IL to IA 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) |
606 Movers, Inc.
159 N Sangamon St Suite 300
Chicago, IL, 60607
About 606 Movers, Inc.
606 Movers, Inc. has been serving the Chicagoland area for over 12 years. This professional moving company offers quality, eco-friendly moving...
Services
- Residential Movers
- Commercial Movers
- Packing & Unpacking Services
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3476069 / 1139300 Authorized For Property, HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 4 |
| Registered Drivers | 4 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 1 (2021) |
Move-tastic!
3100 N Tripp Ave
Chicago, IL, 60641
About Move-tastic!
What happens when two passionate triathletes decide to make extra income using their physical abilities? The result is an energetic moving...
Services
- Full Moves
- Truck Loading and Unloading
- Interstate Moving Assistance
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 1906350 / 675927 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 15 |
| Registered Drivers | 28 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 90,866 (2023) |
A1 Movers, Inc
315 S Harrison St
Geneva, IL, 60134
About A1 Movers, Inc
A1 Movers, Inc. is a leading moving company in the Aurora, IL area providing residential moving services. This Aurora moving company...
Services
- LOCAL MOVES
- LONG DISTANCE MOVES
- PACKING SERVICES
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3309154 / 1055273 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 2 |
| Registered Drivers | 2 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 6,800 (2024) |
Murphy Family Movers
4N951 Old Lafox Rd Unit C
St. Charles, IL, 60175
About Murphy Family Movers
Murphy Family Movers has over 25 years of combined moving experience in Aurora, Illinois. This Aurora, IL mover promises the highest...
Services
- Local Moving
- Interstate Moving
- Professional Packing
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2965334 / 7122 Authorized For Property, HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 4 |
| Registered Drivers | 2 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 30,000 (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 Illinois to Iowa
Moving from one state to another involves weighing a variety of factors to make the best decision for yourself and your family. This guide aims to provide an honest reflection of moving from Illinois to Iowa , highlighting both the positive and negative aspects of such a relocation through comparative charts.
Illinois- Higher taxes
- Dense traffic
- Cost of living
Iowa- Lower taxes
- Less traffic
- More affordable
Iowa- Less diverse dining
- Quieter nightlife
- Dependent on cars
Illinois- Urban culture
- Vibrant nightlife
- Better public transit
For those contemplating a move from Illinois to Iowa, it's essential to consider not just the financial implications, such as Iowa's more favorable tax environment, but also what you're looking for in terms of lifestyle. While Iowa offers a significant reduction in living costs and a more relaxed pace of life with less traffic, Illinois boasts a vibrant urban culture, especially in cities like Chicago, where you can experience a plethora of dining options ranging from deep-dish pizzas at Lou Malnati's to avant-garde molecular gastronomy at Alinea. Additionally, Illinois' well-developed public transport system, particularly in Chicago, offers easy access to a variety of neighborhoods, parks, and cultural sights, such as Millennium Park and The Art Institute of Chicago, making it an urban explorer's dream. In contrast, Iowa's slower pace and dependency on personal vehicles might offer a starkly different lifestyle, albeit with its charms, such as the scenic beauty of the Loess Hills and the welcoming community spirit of cities like Des Moines and Cedar Rapids.
Illinois vs. Iowa Food Guide
This comparison of the local cuisine between Illinois & Iowa offers a glimpse into the food culture crucial to experiencing life in these areas. By examining the differences and similarities, you can be better informed about the food scene where you are moving to.
| Illinois | Iowa | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Chicago-style deep dish pizza | Iowa pork tenderloin |
| Most popular meat dish | Italian beef | Grilled pork chop |
| Most popular street food item | Chicago-style hot dog | Sweet corn |
| Most popular vegan food | Seitan dishes | Black bean burger |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state |
|
|
| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
When considering a move to either Illinois or Iowa, the local food scene is a delicious aspect of the culture to explore. Illinois, with its iconic Chicago-style deep-dish pizza and beloved Italian beef, offers a robust foodie scene, especially in Chicago's eclectic neighborhoods like the West Loop. Iowa, known for its Iowa pork tenderloin and sweet corn, provides a more laid-back culinary scene but with treasures like Jethro's BBQ in Des Moines. Both states cater to varying dietary preferences, yet Illinois tends to have a wider range of vegan options, reflecting its urban diversity. While exploring these states, you'll also notice the varying availability of food trucks and the general health consciousness of their residents.
Ready to start your move?
Illinois vs. Iowa Real Estate & Living Facts
When you're planning a move, it's essential to consider the real estate differences between Illinois and Iowa. This comparison will highlight key aspects such as housing costs, architecture, and lifestyle, so you can make an informed decision about where to call home.
| Comparison | Illinois | Iowa |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Prairie and Chicago School | Craftsman and Ranch |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Hardwood floors, Granite countertops | Energy efficiency, Spacious backyards |
In terms of housing, the differences between Illinois and Iowa can significantly impact your daily life and finances. For instance, while the median home price in Illinois tends to be higher, offering a broader range of urban-style living options, especially in regions like Chicago with its emphasis on Prairie and Chicago School architecture, Iowa presents a more affordable housing market coupled with an emphasis on energy efficiency and spacious living, indicating a potentially lower cost of living. The more prevalent Craftsman and Ranch style homes in Iowa may appeal to those seeking classic, functional designs. Besides, Iowa's slightly higher bikeability score suggests a better infrastructure for cyclists, aligning with a growing interest in sustainable and active living.
Illinois vs. Iowa Weather Considerations
When planning a move from Illinois to Iowa, understanding the differences in weather you'll face is crucial. This comparison highlights the weather differences between Illinois and Iowa , offering insight into what you can expect. Adjustments in wardrobe, home maintenance, and recreational activities may be necessary as you adapt to your new climate.
Illinois
Iowa
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Illinois
Iowa
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Illinois
Iowa
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Illinois
Iowa
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | Illinois | Iowa |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Good | Good |
| Natural Disasters | Tornadoes, Floods | Tornadoes, Blizzards |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
Moving from Illinois to Iowa, you'll experience a slight decrease in winter temperatures and an increase in snowfall, making Iowa winters a bit harsher. However, Iowa enjoys more days of sunshine annually, which may offset the colder winter somewhat. Both states share similar risks for natural disasters, such as tornadoes, but Iowa also faces blizzards. The comparison in air quality and top seasonal allergies shows minimal difference, suggesting environmental comfort levels will be quite familiar. Understanding these variances will help you prepare for your move mentally and logistically.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Illinois to Iowa
Relocating from one place to another poses an array of financial considerations and adjustments. Understanding the differences in costs of living, taxes, and income between Illinois and Iowa is crucial in planning your move. This comparison aims to highlight these key financial aspects to help you gauge how your financial landscape might change.
| Comparison | Illinois | Iowa |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $76,708 | $69,588 |
| Cost of Living Index | 94.25 | 95.9 |
| State Income Tax | 4.95 (flat rate) | 0.33 to 8.53 (progressive) |
| Avg. Property Tax | 2.16 | 1.53 |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 8.8 | 6.8 |
| Top 3 Industries | Manufacturing, Services, Agriculture | Manufacturing, Finance & Insurance, Agriculture |
| Affluence | Moderate | Moderately High |
| Poverty | Moderate | Low |
| Homelessness | Noticeable | Less Noticeable |
When considering a move from Illinois to Iowa, it's vital to note that although the average household income is slightly lower in Iowa, the cost of living and tax rates are generally more favorable. Illinois has a flat state income tax rate, which could be more or less advantageous depending on your income, while Iowa offers a progressive tax rate. Property taxes and sales taxes are also significantly lower in Iowa, potentially allowing for a higher disposable income. The top industries are somewhat similar, with both states having strong agricultural and manufacturing sectors, though Iowa has a notable finance and insurance industry presence. These financial aspects are critical to understanding how your lifestyle could be impacted by a move between these two states.
Illinois vs. Iowa Political & Religious Comparison
In assessing your impending move from Illinois to Iowa, it's crucial to understand the distinctive characteristics of both states. This comparison will provide a quick, at-a-glance snapshot focusing on the political and religious makeup between Illinois & Iowa, giving you a better feel for your new community.
| Illinois | Iowa | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Lean Democratic | Swing State |
| Local Politics | Moderate urban vs. conservative rural areas | Conservative rural areas with liberal pockets in cities |
| Religion | Christian (Catholic and Protestant), Jewish, Muslim communities | Primarily Protestant, with Catholic, Jewish, and Muslim communities |
When moving from Illinois to Iowa, you'll notice shifts in political landscapes and religious affiliations. Illinois tends to lean Democratic, especially in urban areas like Chicago, while Iowa's status as a swing state means political opinions can vary significantly depending on where you settle. You might find a more noticeable presence of conservative viewpoints, particularly in rural locales, yet cities like Iowa City and Des Moines feature liberal enclaves. Religion plays a significant role in both states, but Iowa's communities tend to be more Protestant dominant, though both states host diverse religious populations including Catholic, Jewish, and Muslim communities.
Education Guide When Moving from Illinois to Iowa
Moving from one state to another can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to ensuring your children receive the best education possible. This guide is designed to help you compare the education options between Illinois and Iowa , enabling you to make informed decisions about your family's future.
| Illinois | Iowa |
|---|---|
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3) University of Illinois Northwestern University University of ChicagoUniversity of Iowa Iowa State University University of Northern Iowa | |
Top 3 Elementary Schools Lincoln Elementary (Springfield) Avery Coonley (Downers Grove) South Park Elementary (Deerfield)Wickham Elementary (Coralville) Shimek Elementary (Iowa City) Brookview Elementary (West Des Moines) | |
Top 3 Middle Schools Woodlawn Middle (Long Grove) Daniel Wright Junior High (Lincolnshire) Maple School (Northbrook)Ames Middle (Ames) Northwest Junior High (Coralville) North Central Junior High (North Liberty) | |
Top 3 High Schools Adlai E. Stevenson High (Lincolnshire) New Trier High (Winnetka) Northside College Prep (Chicago)West High (Iowa City) Ames High (Ames) Liberty High School (North Liberty) | |
Top 3 private high schools Latin School of Chicago (Chicago) Lake Forest Academy (Lake Forest) Francis W. Parker School (Chicago)Scattergood Friends School (West Branch) Maharishi School (Fairfield) St. Albert High School (Council Bluffs) | |
Top 3 private K-12 schools British International School of Chicago (Chicago) Morgan Park Academy (Chicago) Francis W. Parker School (Chicago)Scattergood Friends School (West Branch) Maharishi School (Fairfield) Cedar Valley Christian School (Cedar Rapids) | |
Top 3 School Districts New Trier Township HSD 203 (Northfield) Glenbrook High Schools District 225 (Glenview) Niles Township Community High School District 219 (Skokie)Iowa City Community School District West Des Moines Community School District Ames Community School District | |
When comparing top education institutions and districts between Illinois and Iowa, a few key differences emerge. Illinois boasts a wide array of highly rated public and private schools, with institutions like New Trier High and the University of Chicago frequently receiving national recognition. The state's strong academic environment is reflected in the quality of its primary, middle, and high schools, both public and private. In contrast, Iowa's educational landscape offers equally impressive options with schools like Ames High and the University of Iowa standing out, particularly for their community involvement and innovative programs. Both states offer excellent educational opportunities, but Illinois tends to have a wider variety of highly competitive private institutions, while Iowa often focuses more on community engagement and public schooling strengths.
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