Best Washington to Iowa Movers + Moving Guide
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If you're moving from Washington to Iowa and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 1,701 mile WA to IA move go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 134 Washington 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 Seattle Moves & More), how much the move costs (approximately $2,000 - $8,000 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Washington 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 Washington to Iowa Moving Companies
| Rank | Company Name | Rating  | Affordability Index | License | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Seattle Moves & More | 9.54 | 9.39 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 2 | Adamantine Spine Moving | 9.53 | 9.4 | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
| 3 | Adamantine Spine Moving | 9.42 | 9.28 | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
| 4 | John Volken Academy Movers | 9.33 | 9.65 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 5 | First Due Movers | 9.25 | 9.06 | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
| 6 | Help-U-Move | 9.21 | 9.4 | Authorized For Property | Contact |
(800) 787-5428Cost to Move from Washington to Iowa
Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 1,701 miles from Washington to Iowa will cost on average $3,228 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom WA to IA move is roughly $7,780. 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 Washington 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 Washington to Iowa movers, the better your pricing and options will be.
| Home Size | Moving Cost | Volume of Packed Items (ft³) | $/ft³ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $2,167 | 300 ft³ | 7.22 |
| 1 Bedroom | $3,228 | 450 ft³ | 7.17 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $5,342 | 750 ft³ | 7.12 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $7,780 | 1100 ft³ | 7.07 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $11,236 | 1600 ft³ | 7.02 |
| 5+ Bedrooms | $12,551 | 1800 ft³ | 6.97 |
Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Iowa to Washington guide.
Popular Washington to Iowa Moving Destinations
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See All Routes >Trusted moving guides helping you move from Washington to Iowa
Trusted. Licensed. Insured. Hire the best out of state movers. Moving to another state just got easier.Most Popular Washington to Iowa Moving Routes
Compare the 6 Best WA to IA Movers
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)
Seattle Moves & More
4601 Shilshole Ave NW
Seattle, WA, 98107
About Seattle Moves & More
Based in Seattle, Seattle Moves & More is a licensed, insured, and premier moving company in Seattle, WA, known for its...
Services
- Residential & Commercial Moving
- Long-Distance Relocation
- Furniture Packing and Unpacking
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2962927 / 5796 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 1 |
| Registered Drivers | 5 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 31,000 (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) |
John Volken Academy Movers
921 Central Ave N
Kent, WA, 98032
About John Volken Academy Movers
John Volken Academy Movers is a not-for-profit moving company that helps people move across Western and Eastern Washington. This local business...
Services
- Local Moving
- Commercial Moving
- Residential Moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2261169 / 1666977 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 6 |
| Registered Drivers | 8 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 200 (2015) |
First Due Movers
8126 304th Ave SE
Preston, WA, 98050
About First Due Movers
First Due Movers is based in Preston, Washington, but offers nationwide moving services. The company is actually owned by local Washington...
Services
- Residential Moves
- Commercial Moves
- Long-Distance Moves
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 1990914 / 865709 Authorized For Property, HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 12 |
| Registered Drivers | 20 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 205,000 (2022) |
Help-U-Move
3412 N Swallow Ave
Pasco, WA, 99301
About Help-U-Move
Help-U-Move is a veteran-owned, locally operated small business in Pasco that handles over 4,000 moves yearly. It has provided residential and...
Services
- Local Moving
- Statewide Moving
- Out of State Moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 482337 / 252568 Authorized For Property Carrier/Shipper |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 6 |
| Registered Drivers | 20 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 5,000 (2022) |
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 Washington to Iowa
Moving from one state to another involves weighting a variety of factors. This comparison is designed to provide an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of relocating from Washington to Iowa . By examining the cons and pros, you’ll gain a clearer understanding of what to expect from your new home state.
Washington- Higher living costs
- More rainfall
- Heavy traffic
- Less agricultural
Iowa- Lower living costs
- Less rainfall
- Lighter traffic
- More agricultural
Iowa- Flatter terrain
- Fewer tech jobs
- No ocean coastline
- More homogenous cuisine
Washington- Lush landscapes
- Vibrant tech scene
- Coastal access
- Diverse cuisine
While weighing the pros and cons of moving from Washington to Iowa, it’s essential to consider the lifestyle changes involved. Iowa offers a slower pace of life, where the lower living costs can significantly improve your quality of life. Imagine enjoying a serene weekend at the Ada Hayden Heritage Park in Ames or savoring a meal at Zins in Cedar Rapids, renowned for its intimate dining experience. Nevertheless, if you cherish the hustle of a vibrant tech scene or the accessibility to lush, diverse landscapes and coastal beaches that Washington provides, the transition might require some adjustment. Cities like Des Moines and Iowa City, while lacking the ocean's proximity, counterbalance with their rich cultural scenes, including the famous Summer of the Arts festival in Iowa City.
Washington vs. Iowa Food Guide
Food is a significant aspect of local culture and provides insight into what living in an area is really like. To help you become more familiar with your soon-to-be new home, we’re comparing the local cuisine between Washington & Iowa . This comparison will give you a taste of the food scene in both states, enriching your moving experience.
| Washington | Iowa | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Salmon | Corn |
| Most popular meat dish | Teriyaki | Pork Tenderloin Sandwich |
| Most popular street food item | Fish Tacos | Walking Taco |
| Most popular vegan food | Quinoa Salad | Lentil Stew |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state |
|
|
| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
In Washington, the food scene is diverse and dynamic, with an emphasis on fresh, local ingredients—especially seafood, with salmon leading the way. Neighborhoods like Capitol Hill in Seattle offer a vibrant array of dining options, from the upscale Canlis, renowned for its fine dining, to the casual, yet critically acclaimed, The Walrus and the Carpenter. On the other hand, Iowa celebrates its agricultural heritage with dishes that highlight corn and pork. Des Moines, for example, showcases this with iconic eateries like Jethro’s BBQ, which is famous for its pork tenderloin sandwich. Both states offer unique culinary experiences reflective of their local cultures and available produce.
Ready to start your move?
Washington vs. Iowa Real Estate & Living Facts
When planning a move, comparing the real estate markets of Washington and Iowa is crucial. Understanding differences in housing costs, architecture, and lifestyle can enormously impact your decision. This comparison aims to provide you with a clear picture to make an informed choice.
| Comparison | Washington | Iowa |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Contemporary, Craftsman | Ranch, Craftsman |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Energy-efficient appliances, hardwood floors | Spacious yard, proximity to schools |
Moving from Washington to Iowa introduces significant cost differences; you'll find the median home price in Iowa is considerably lower, making homeownership more accessible for many. While Washington boasts more contemporary and Craftsman-style homes prized for their aesthetic and energy efficiency, Iowa's Ranch and Craftsman homes cater to those seeking comfort and functionality, often featuring spacious yards perfect for families. Additionally, the urban lifestyle score indicates that Washington might offer a more vibrant city life compared to Iowa's more relaxed pace, yet both have their unique charm depending on what you're looking for in your next home.
Washington vs. Iowa Weather Considerations
Moving from one region to another can significantly impact your daily life, particularly when it comes to weather. Understanding how the climate in Iowa differs from Washington is crucial. The purpose of these charts is to compare the weather characteristics between Washington and Iowa, ensuring you know what to expect and how to prepare for your new environment.
Washington
Iowa
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Washington
Iowa
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Washington
Iowa
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Washington
Iowa
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | Washington | Iowa |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Good | Variable |
| Natural Disasters | Earthquakes, Volcanoes | Tornadoes, Floods |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
When moving from Washington to Iowa, you'll experience more extreme seasonal temperatures, with hotter summers and colder winters in Iowa. This comes alongside more sunshine days per year, which can be a pleasant change, but also means preparing for more substantial seasonal variations, especially in terms of clothing and home insulation. Additionally, while both states experience their share of natural disasters, the type significantly differs, with Iowa more prone to tornadoes and floods. Air quality and allergy triggers may also change, affecting those sensitive to such environmental factors. This knowledge will help you adapt more quickly to your new surroundings.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Washington to Iowa
Moving from one location to another requires understanding the financial implications. When relocating from Washington to Iowa, comparing key economic indicators like cost of living, income, taxes, and housing affordability will shed light on how your expenses and lifestyle may change.
| Comparison | Washington | Iowa |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $91,306 | $69,588 |
| Cost of Living Index | 104.1 | 95.9 |
| State Income Tax | 0 | Up to 8.53 |
| Avg. Property Tax | 1.03 | 1.53 |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 9.23 | 6.94 |
| Top 3 Industries | Aerospace, Technology, Agriculture | Manufacturing, Finance and Insurance, Agriculture |
| Affluence | Higher | Moderate |
| Poverty | Lower | Moderate |
| Homelessness | Higher | Lower |
While Washington boasts a higher average household income and no state income tax, the overall cost of living is significantly higher compared to Iowa. This difference is particularly notable in the cost of living indexes and housing costs, where Iowa is much more affordable. Moving from Washington to Iowa, you might find your dollar stretches further, especially when it comes to real estate and daily expenses. However, Iowa's higher property tax rate is something to consider in your budgeting. The differences in the top industries between the two states could also influence job opportunities and economic growth in your sector.
Washington vs. Iowa Political & Religious Comparison
In considering your move from Washington to Iowa, it's essential to understand not just the scenery and weather but also the comparison of the politics between Washington & Iowa along with the religious makeup. This quick snapshot offers insights into what you can expect regarding the political and religious landscape of your new home.
| Washington | Iowa | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Liberal/Democratic | Swing state, leans Conservative/Republican in recent elections |
| Local Politics | Progressive policies, especially in urban areas like Seattle | Conservative policies in rural areas, with pockets of liberal policies in cities like Iowa City |
| Religion | Less religiously affiliated overall | Higher religious affiliation, with a significant Christian population |
While both Washington and Iowa offer diverse communities, there is a tangible difference in the political and religious climates. Washington's liberal leanings, especially evident in urban centers like Seattle, contrast with Iowa's more conservative stance in rural areas. However, Iowa's political landscape is more nuanced than it might appear at first, with cities like Iowa City showcasing a more liberal perspective. Additionally, religion plays a more significant role in Iowa's societal fabric, reflected in its higher rates of religious affiliation, especially among the Christian community. Understanding these differences will help you better prepare for your move and integrate into your new community.
Education Guide When Moving from Washington to Iowa
When planning a move, understanding the educational landscape is key. This comparison aims to provide insight into the schooling options available in Iowa and Washington. By analyzing various educational institutions, from elementary to high school, the purpose of this chart is to better understand what the comparisons are between school options in Washington and Iowa . Whether you're considering public or private options, this guide will help ease your transition.
| Washington | Iowa |
|---|---|
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3) University of Washington Washington State University Seattle UniversityUniversity of Iowa Iowa State University University of Northern Iowa | |
Top 3 Elementary Schools Cascadia Elementary (Seattle) Challenge Elementary (Bellevue) Discovery Elementary (Gig Harbor)Wickham Elementary (Coralville) Grant Wood Elementary (Bettendorf) Hoover Elementary (West Branch) | |
Top 3 Middle Schools International School (Bellevue) Washington Middle School (Olympia) Odle Middle School (Bellevue)North Central Junior High (North Liberty) Ames Middle School (Ames) South East Junior High (Iowa City) | |
Top 3 High Schools Bellevue High School (Bellevue) Roosevelt High School (Seattle) Newport High School (Bellevue)West High School (Iowa City) Ames High School (Ames) Pleasant Valley High School (Bettendorf) | |
Top 3 private high schools Overlake School (Redmond) The Bear Creek School (Redmond) Seattle Academy (Seattle)Regina High School (Iowa City) Dowling Catholic High School (West Des Moines) Cedar Valley Christian School (Cedar Rapids) | |
Top 3 private K-12 schools The Bush School (Seattle) Seattle Waldorf School (Seattle) Eastside Preparatory School (Kirkland)Scattergood Friends School (West Branch) Maharishi School (Fairfield) Rivermont Collegiate (Bettendorf) | |
Top 3 School Districts Lake Washington School District Bellevue School District Mercer Island School DistrictIowa City Community School District West Des Moines Community Schools Ames Community School District | |
The educational landscape in both Washington and Iowa highlights the priority given to high-quality education at all levels. In Washington, you might find a stronger emphasis on technology and innovation, particularly in schools around major urban centers like Seattle and Bellevue. Iowa, on the other hand, boasts a strong commitment to community and academic excellence especially in cities like Iowa City and Ames, which are influenced by their proximity to major universities. Both states offer a rich array of private educational institutions, emphasizing diverse educational philosophies from the Overlake and Bear Creek schools in Washington to the Maharishi School in Iowa, known for integrating Transcendental Meditation into its curriculum. This variety ensures that no matter your priorities, you can find a school fitting your child's needs and your family's values in either state.
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