Best Minnesota to Iowa Movers + Moving Guide
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If you're moving from Minnesota to Iowa and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 404 mile MN to IA move go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 82 Minnesota to Iowa 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 Minnesota 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 Minnesota 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 | Metro Movers | 9.49 | 9.73 | Authorized For Property | Contact |
| 3 | Adamantine Spine Moving | 9.42 | 9.28 | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
| 4 | General Expert Moving Service LLC | 9.27 | 8.89 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 5 | Goal Line Moving | 9.26 | 9.42 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 6 | Exercise Equipment Installation: EEI | 9.19 | 8.26 | Active | Contact |
(800) 787-5428Cost to Move from Minnesota to Iowa
Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 404 miles from Minnesota to Iowa will cost on average $2,125 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom MN to IA move is roughly $5,084. 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 Minnesota 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 Minnesota to Iowa movers, the better your pricing and options will be.
| Home Size | Moving Cost | Volume of Packed Items (ft³) | $/ft³ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,432 | 300 ft³ | 4.77 |
| 1 Bedroom | $2,125 | 450 ft³ | 4.72 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $3,504 | 750 ft³ | 4.67 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $5,084 | 1100 ft³ | 4.62 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $7,315 | 1600 ft³ | 4.57 |
| 5+ Bedrooms | $8,139 | 1800 ft³ | 4.52 |
Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Iowa to Minnesota guide.
Popular Minnesota to Iowa Moving Destinations
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See All Routes >Trusted moving guides helping you move from Minnesota to Iowa
Trusted. Licensed. Insured. Hire the best out of state movers. Moving to another state just got easier.Most Popular Minnesota to Iowa Moving Routes
Compare the 6 Best MN 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) |
Metro Movers
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
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3742268 / 1503884 Authorized For Property Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 3 |
| Registered Drivers | 3 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 16,000 (2023) |
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) |
General Expert Moving Service LLC
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
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2846187 / 1285395 Authorized For HHG Carrier/Shipper |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 5 |
| Registered Drivers | 24 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 30,000 (2024) |
Goal Line Moving
Plymouth, MN
About Goal Line Moving
Located in Ham Lake, MN, Goal Line Moving is a family-owned and operated company with four years in the business and...
Services
- Local Moving
- Commercial Moving
- Packing Services
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2926126 / 1088400 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 3 |
| Registered Drivers | 6 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 60,000 (2024) |
Exercise Equipment Installation: EEI
This listing has been claimed by Exercise Equipment Installation: EEI3019 Bryant Ave S # 203
Minneapolis, MN, 55408
About Exercise Equipment Installation: EEI
Exercise Equipment Installation (EEI) has been providing quality service since 1995, specializing in professional and reliable disassembly, assembly, and installation of...
Services
- Exercise Equipment Moving
- Exercise Equipment Disassembly
- Exercise Equipment Assembly
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3914686 / - Active CARRIER |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 1 |
| Registered Drivers | - |
| 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 Minnesota to Iowa
Moving from one state to another can be a massive undertaking, filled with both opportunities and challenges. This guide aims to offer an honest reflection of the good and bad attributes of relocating from Minnesota to Iowa. By comparing the cons of living in Minnesota with the pros of moving to Iowa, and vice versa, we hope to provide a comprehensive perspective to help you make an informed decision.
Minnesota- Colder Winters
- Higher Taxes
- Less Agricultural Focus
- Fewer State Fairs
Iowa- Milder Winters
- Lower Taxes
- Rich Farmland
- Famous State Fair
Iowa- Smaller Cities
- Fewer Lakes
- Lesser Arts Scene
- More Traditional Cuisine
Minnesota- Vibrant Cities
- More Lakes
- Rich Arts Scene
- Diverse Cuisine
Moving from the vibrant, culture-rich atmosphere of Minneapolis or St. Paul in Minnesota to the more laid-back, agriculturally focused lifestyle in Iowa can be a significant change. While you might miss the vast number of lakes like the beloved Lake Minnetonka and the rich arts scene found at venues such as the Walker Art Center, Iowa offers its own charm with a strong sense of community and a promise of tranquility. In Iowa, you’ll get to experience the Iowa State Fair, one of the largest state fairs in the country, renowned for its food, music, and agricultural exhibitions. Cities like Des Moines and Cedar Rapids, though smaller, boast beautiful parks such as the Pappajohn Sculpture Park and the engaging Cedar Rapids Museum of Art. Furthermore, the lower cost of living and taxes in Iowa can make day-to-day life more comfortable, allowing you more freedom to explore local restaurants and sights like the Amana Colonies or the scenic Loess Hills.
Minnesota vs. Iowa Food Guide
This comparison of the local cuisine between Minnesota & Iowa is essential for those planning a move. Understanding the food scene is key to experiencing local culture and lifestyle. Let's dive into how these two fascinating states compare.
| Minnesota | Iowa | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Hotdish | Pork Tenderloin Sandwich |
| Most popular meat dish | Walleye | Corn-fed Beef |
| Most popular street food item | Juicy Lucy | Walking Tacos |
| Most popular vegan food | Wild Rice Soup | Quinoa Salad |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state |
|
|
| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
In Minnesota, the Juicy Lucy burger, a mouthwatering creation where cheese is melted inside the burger patty, can particularly be found in Minneapolis at local favorites like Matt's Bar. In contrast, Iowa's Pork Tenderloin Sandwich reflects the state's rich agricultural heritage. This breaded and fried pork cutlet sandwich, monstrous in size and flavor, is a staple at the Iowa State Fair and local diners. Moreover, both states offer a variety of vegan options. While Minnesota's wild rice soup offers warmth during cold months, Iowa's fresh farm produce is showcased in dishes like quinoa salad, often found in Des Moines' vibrant food scene.
Ready to start your move?
Minnesota vs. Iowa Real Estate & Living Facts
When planning a move, understanding the differences in real estate between Minnesota and Iowa is crucial. This comparison helps you grasp what to expect regarding housing costs, architecture, and the lifestyle each state offers, ensuring you make an informed decision.
| Comparison | Minnesota | Iowa |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Prairie Style, Cape Cod | Ranch, Craftsman |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Lakeside views, Spacious yards | Energy efficiency, Spacious yards |
While Minnesota boasts a wealth of lakeside properties, contributing to higher median home prices, Iowa offers more affordable housing with a focus on energy-efficient homes. The typical architecture reflects the distinct character of each state—Minnesota with its Prairie and Cape Cod styles amidst a backdrop of natural beauty, and Iowa's practical yet charming Ranch and Craftsman homes. Despite Minnesota's slightly higher scores in walkability, bikeability, and urban lifestyle, both states offer spacious yards as a common highlight in real estate listings, illustrating a shared value in generous outdoor space.
Minnesota vs. Iowa Weather Considerations
Moving from one location to another requires adapting to new weather conditions. By comparing the climate characteristics of Minnesota and Iowa, you can better prepare for the change in temperature, humidity, and overall weather patterns you will experience. This comparison aims to highlight the key weather differences and similarities between these two states.
Minnesota
Iowa
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Minnesota
Iowa
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Minnesota
Iowa
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Minnesota
Iowa
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | Minnesota | Iowa |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
| Natural Disasters | Blizzards, Tornadoes | Tornadoes, Floods |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
While both Minnesota and Iowa experience four distinct seasons, there are subtle differences that might affect your daily life. For example, Iowa generally has slightly milder winters, with higher average temperatures and less snowfall than Minnesota. This could mean fewer challenges when it comes to winter commuting and outdoor activities. Additionally, Iowa sees a few more days of sunshine annually, but both states have comparable levels of humidity and UV exposure. Understanding these nuances can help you adjust to your new environment more smoothly and plan for seasonal activities and wardrobe changes accordingly.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Minnesota to Iowa
When considering a move from Minnesota to Iowa, it's vital to understand how the cost of living and financial factors stack up against each other. This comparison aims to shed light on the differences in income, taxes, and economic conditions you'll face. A glance at Minnesota vs. Iowa's financial landscape provides insight into what your wallet might experience during the transition.
| Comparison | Minnesota | Iowa |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $82,338 | $69,588 |
| Cost of Living Index | 98.75 | 95.9 |
| State Income Tax | 5.35 - 9.85 | 0.33 - 8.53 |
| Avg. Property Tax | 1.12 | 1.53 |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 6.88 | 6.82 |
| Top 3 Industries | Manufacturing, Agriculture, Health Services | Manufacturing, Finance and Insurance, Retail Trade |
| Affluence | Higher | Moderate |
| Poverty | Lower | Lower-Medium |
| Homelessness | Lower | Lower-Medium |
Moving from Minnesota to Iowa, you'll note significant differences in the average household income and cost of living indices, with Iowa presenting a more affordable living situation on average. However, this comes with a slightly higher average property tax rate in Iowa. The variation in state income tax brackets might also impact your finances depending on your income level. Industries driving the local economies vary between the two states, offering different job market dynamics. Despite these financial contrasts, both states maintain relatively low levels of poverty and homelessness, hinting at economic stability and healthy job markets in the Midwest.
Minnesota vs. Iowa Political & Religious Comparison
This guide includes a quick comparison to give you an at-a-glance understanding of the political and religious makeup of the residents between Minnesota & Iowa. It's designed to help you grasp the potential cultural shifts you might experience as you move from one state to another.
| Minnesota | Iowa | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Mixed, leans Democratic | Mixed, with a slight Republican lean |
| Local Politics | Progressive urban centers | Conservative rural areas |
| Religion | Mainly Christian, with diverse religious communities | Predominantly Christian, less religious diversity |
In both Minnesota and Iowa, the political landscape is mixed, featuring diverse viewpoints anchored by the geography of each state. Minnesota's urban centers, such as Minneapolis, are known for their progressive leanings, which contrasts with Iowa's more conservative rural stance. However, both states present a cooperative political environment where local politics often reflect the immediate needs and values of their communities. In terms of religion, while Christianity predominates in both states, Minnesota offers a bit more diversity in religious communities, reflecting its broader cultural diversity. This variety encompasses a range of faiths, providing a mosaic of religious expressions and establishments across the state.
Education Guide When Moving from Minnesota to Iowa
When considering a move, it's crucial to understand the educational landscape of your potential new home. This comparison aims to highlight the differences in educational opportunities between Minnesota and Iowa. By reviewing this chart, you will better understand what the comparisons are between school options in Minnesota and Iowa, empowering you to make an informed decision about your family’s educational future.
| Minnesota | Iowa |
|---|---|
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3) University of Minnesota Minnesota State University University of St. ThomasUniversity of Iowa Iowa State University University of Northern Iowa | |
Top 3 Elementary Schools Scenic Heights Elementary (Minnetonka) St. Croix Preparatory Academy Lower (Stillwater) Creek Valley Elementary (Edina)Wickham Elementary (Coralville) Brookview Elementary (West Des Moines) Grant Ragan Elementary (Waukee) | |
Top 3 Middle Schools Minnetonka Middle School East (Minnetonka) St. Croix Preparatory Academy Middle (Stillwater) Wayzata Central Middle School (Plymouth)Ames Middle School (Ames) North Central Junior High (North Liberty) Waukee Middle School (Waukee) | |
Top 3 High School Schools Minnetonka High School (Minnetonka) Edina High School (Edina) Wayzata High School (Plymouth)West High School (Iowa City) Ames High School (Ames) Johnston High School (Johnston) | |
Top 3 private high schools Breck School (Minneapolis) The Blake School (Minneapolis) St. Paul Academy (Saint Paul)Phillips Academy (Exeter) The Madeira School (McLean) Choate Rosemary Hall (Wallingford) | |
Top 3 private K-12 schools The Blake School (Minneapolis) Breck School (Minneapolis) Minnehaha Academy (Minneapolis)Scattergood Friends School (West Branch) Maharishi School (Fairfield) Rivermont Collegiate (Bettendorf) | |
Top 3 School Districts Wayzata Public Schools Minnetonka Public School District Eden Prairie SchoolsWaukee Community School District West Des Moines Community Schools Iowa City Community School District | |
Choosing the right educational institution for your children can significantly impact their future prospects and overall happiness. Minnesota and Iowa both offer exceptional educational options, but there are differences in the environments they provide. For instance, the University of Minnesota and the University of Iowa are large research universities, influencing the collegiate atmosphere in their respective states. The quality of K-12 education also varies, with Minnesota schools like Scenic Heights Elementary and Minnetonka High School ranking highly for their academic programs and extracurricular opportunities. Meanwhile, Iowa's school districts, such as Waukee Community School District and Iowa City Community School District, are known for their comprehensive curriculums and innovative practices. When making your decision, consider visiting the schools and districts that interest you to get a firsthand feel for the environments they offer.
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