Best Iowa to Montana Movers and Practical Moving Guide

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IA to MT Moving Specialists

Moving from Iowa to Montana marks an exciting chapter in your life, filled with the promise of adventure and a fresh start. You're leaving behind the Corn State's fields and community spirit for the rugged beauty and expansive skies of Big Sky Country. Given the distance and change in lifestyle, it's crucial to choose trusted and reliable professional movers. Our team at Great Guys Moving uses an unbiased ranking algorithm to ensure you're matched with the best movers for your long journey, guaranteeing a smooth transition to your new home.

Iowa iconArrow iconMontana icon

Best Iowa to Montana Moving Companies

Company NameRating QuestionBBB RatingLicenseContact
Adamantine Spine Moving9.53A+Authorized For Property, HHGContact
Adamantine Spine Moving9.42A+Authorized For Property, HHGContact
Best Move Inc9.23A+Authorized For PropertyContact
Hemmen Moving9.10A+Authorized For Property, HHGContact
Moving On Up8.79NRAuthorized For PropertyContact
On The Move LLC8.51NRActiveContact
Phone (800) 787-5428
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Montana to Iowa guide.

6 Best IA to MT Moving Companies

These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)

Adamantine Spine Moving Logo
Exceptional9.53/10
based on 956+ data points

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 ...Read More >>

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Long Distance Moving
  • Apartment/Condo Moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/17/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

1471037 / 556716

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans37
Registered Drivers40
Total Annual Miles Moved393,823 (2022)
View Full Review
1
Adamantine Spine Moving Logo
Exceptional9.42/10
based on 1,268+ data points

About Adamantine Spine Moving

Adamantine Spine Moving is an accomplished entity amongst the professional movers in Cedar Rapids, IA. This company can conveniently transp...Read More >>

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Long Distance Moving
  • Apartment/Condo Moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/17/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

1471037 / 556716

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans37
Registered Drivers40
Total Annual Miles Moved393,823 (2022)
View Full Review
2
Best Move Inc Logo
Exceptional9.23/10
based on 520+ data points

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 BBB accreditation...Read More >>

Services

  • Material Packing
  • Local Moving
  • Long-Distance Moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/18/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

749231 / 376435

Authorized For Property

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans2
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved20,976 (2022)
View Full Review
3
Hemmen Moving Logo
Exceptional9.10/10
based on 621+ data points

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 comme...Read More >>

Services

  • Local moving
  • Long distance moving
  • Small moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/17/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

608245 / 292343

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans6
Registered Drivers6
Total Annual Miles Moved604,536 (2023)
View Full Review
4
M
Superb8.79/10
based on 214+ data points

About Moving On Up

Moving On Up is a Montana-based moving company that specializes in providing reliable, honest, and efficient moving services to its customer...Read More >>

Services

  • Local Moves
  • Long Distance Moves
  • Commercial Moves

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 9/14/2023)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3890213 / 1487675

Authorized For Property

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans2
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved12,000 (2021)
View Full Review
5
On The Move LLC Logo
Fabulous8.51/10
based on 293+ data points

About On The Move LLC

On The Move LLC provides excellent moving services throughout Southwest Montana, including Belgrade, Big Sky, Livingston, Paradise Valley, T...Read More >>

Services

  • Residential Moving
  • Commercial Moving
  • Packing Help

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 9/16/2021)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2399161 / -

Active

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers1
Total Annual Miles Moved-
View Full Review
6
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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 Montana

Moving from one state to another offers a blend of challenges and opportunities. This guide aims to provide an honest reflection of moving from Iowa to Montana, weighing the good against the bad. Through a stark comparison, these charts are designed to highlight what changes you can expect in terms of lifestyle, environment, and opportunities.

CONs
PROs
Iowa iconIowa
  • Fewer Mountains
  • Higher Humidity
  • Smaller Sky
  • Less Wild Animal Diversity
  • More Industrial
Montana iconMontana
  • Vast Wilderness
  • Drier Climate
  • Big Sky Country
  • Rich Wildlife
  • Natural Beauty
Montana iconMontana
  • Scarce Agriculture
  • Isolated Areas
  • Less Economic Diversity
  • Higher Living Cost
  • Remote Locations
Iowa iconIowa
  • Rich Farmlands
  • Community Feel
  • Vibrant Local Economy
  • Lower Living Cost
  • Easier Accessibility

Moving from Iowa to Montana, you'll trade the familiar agricultural landscapes and community-centric towns for the majestic wilderness and untamed beauty of the Rocky Mountains. In Montana, cities like Bozeman and Missoula offer vibrant communities with a strong connection to the great outdoors, boasting attractions like Glacier National Park and Yellowstone. While Iowa's rich farmlands and tight-knit communities, such as those around Des Moines, provide a comforting sense of home and easy access to midwestern gems like the Des Moines Art Center, Montana's expansive landscapes may mean longer drives but also offer unmatched tranquility and adventure in places like Flathead Lake and the historic town of Virginia City. Dining experiences will also change, with Montana offering unique opportunities to enjoy local delicacies at establishments like Bozeman Kombucha or the famed Mackenzie River Pizza Co. in various locations. This move is a chance to embrace the vast, beautiful unknown that defines Montana's spirit.

Iowa vs. Montana Food Guide

This is a comparison of the local cuisine between Iowa & Montana, highlighting the integral role food plays in understanding what it's like to live in an area. By examining each state's food scene, you can gain valuable insights into the local culture and culinary delights awaiting you in your new home.

IowaMontana
Most iconic local food itemCornHuckleberries
Most popular meat dishPork tenderloin sandwichBuffalo steak
Most popular street food itemTaco trucksElk burgers
Most popular vegan foodGrain bowlsWild mushroom dishes
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Restaurant 1, Iowa
  • Restaurant 2, Iowa
  • Restaurant 3, Iowa
  • Restaurant 1, Montana
  • Restaurant 2, Montana
  • Restaurant 3, Montana
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

When moving from Iowa to Montana, you'll find that both states offer distinct culinary landscapes reflective of their local cultures and available natural resources. In Iowa, the staple corn, celebrated in dishes like the pork tenderloin sandwich, symbolizes the state's agricultural roots. Contrastingly, Montana's cuisine pays homage to the wild, with huckleberries and buffalo steak highlighting the state's rich forest and plains ecosystems. Food enthusiasts will relish exploring Montana's expanding food scene, especially in cities like Missoula and Bozeman, known for their wild mushroom dishes and innovative vegan cuisine. The presence of food trucks and restaurants emphasizing locally sourced ingredients suggests a vibrant community that values not only taste but also the health and sustainability of their food choices.

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Iowa vs. Montana Real Estate & Living Facts

Real estate significantly influences the journey of moving from one state to another. Understanding how the market, lifestyle, and accessibilities in Iowa vs. Montana stack up against each other is crucial for making an informed decision. Here's a comparison to assist in your transition.

ComparisonIowaMontana
Typical Architecture StyleColonial, RanchMountain Rustic, Modern
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingSpacious backyards, Quiet neighborhoodsMountain views, Proximity to nature

Moving from Iowa to Montana, you should be prepared for a significant change in housing styles and costs. Montana's median home price is much higher due to its picturesque landscapes and proximity to natural beauty, such as mountain views mentioned in many listings. However, you might find these homes less walkable and bikeable compared to what you're accustomed to in Iowa. On the flip side, if you enjoy a rural ambiance over urban hustle, Montana's offerings of mountain rustic and modern architecture nestled within nature could be more appealing to you than Iowa's traditional colonial or ranch-style homes.

Iowa vs. Montana Weather Considerations

If you're contemplating a move, comparing the climates between your current and future homes is essential. This guide aims to provide a clear picture of how the weather in Iowa and Montana contrasts, helping you to understand what changes to expect. Weather variations can significantly impact your lifestyle, making it pivotal to analyze and prepare for your new environment .

Summer icon
82°F/63°F

Iowa

81°F/50°F

Montana

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
31°F/14°F

Iowa

34°F/16°F

Montana

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
34"

Iowa

15"

Montana

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
36"

Iowa

90"

Montana

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonIowaMontana
Air QualityGoodVariable
Natural DisastersTornadoes, FloodsWildfires, Earthquakes
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

When moving from Iowa to Montana, you'll notice a significant change in the climate, chiefly marked by Montana's cooler nights during summer and much higher annual snowfall. This calls for a wardrobe adjustment and possibly a new set of tires for winter driving. While both states enjoy a similar amount of sunshine annually, Montana's lower humidity and slightly higher UV index mean you'll experience a dryer climate with a bit more solar intensity. Understanding these differences will help you adapt more swiftly to Montana's unique weather patterns, providing a smoother transition to your new home.

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Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Iowa to Montana

When moving from one state to another, understanding the financial landscape is crucial for a smooth transition. This comparison aims to shed light on the monetary aspects of relocating from Iowa to Montana . Cost of Living , Income , and Taxes are among the key factors that will impact your financial health in your new home.

ComparisonIowaMontana
Avg. Household Income$69,588$67,631
Cost of Living Index95.999.4
State Income Tax0.33 - 8.531.0 - 6.9
Avg. Property Tax1.530.83
Avg. Sales Tax6.820
Top 3 IndustriesManufacturing, Agriculture, Financial ServicesTourism, Agriculture, Mining
AffluenceModerateModerate
PovertyLowLow
HomelessnessLowLow

While both Iowa and Montana offer unique financial landscapes, key differences can significantly impact your lifestyle. For instance, Montana's higher cost of living index might make everyday expenses feel pricier compared to Iowa. However, Montana's absence of sales tax could offset some of these costs, especially for large purchases. The average household income in Iowa is slightly higher, which, coupled with a lower cost of living, may allow for a more comfortable living standard. Nevertheless, Montana's lower property tax rates present a favorable condition for homeowners. Considering these aspects can help you better prepare for the financial adjustments necessary in transitioning from Iowa to Montana.

Iowa vs. Montana Political & Religious Comparison

This guide provides a quick, at-a-glance snapshot to compare the political and religious makeup between Iowa & Montana, aiming to give you a sense of the communities you'll be joining or leaving behind.

IowaMontana
Political Make-upSwing State, leans slightly RepublicanLeans Republican
Local PoliticsMix of urban liberal & rural conservativeConservative, with some liberal strongholds
ReligionChristian, Protestant majorityChristian, with a Protestant majority

In Iowa, the political landscape is marked by its swing state nature, with urban areas leaning more liberal and rural areas more conservative. This mix offers a diverse political environment. Montana, while also having its liberal strongholds, generally leans more towards conservative politics, especially in its rural areas. Both states share a Christian, primarily Protestant, background, yet the way this influences local politics and community engagements can vary. Understanding these nuances can help you adjust more smoothly to your new surroundings.

Education Guide When Moving from Iowa to Montana

When considering a move from Iowa to Montana, it's crucial to compare the educational landscape of both states. This comparison will help you better understand what the comparisons are between school options in Iowa and Montana, ensuring that you make the best decision for your family's educational needs.

IowaMontana

Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)

University of Iowa
Iowa State University
University of Northern Iowa
Montana State University
University of Montana
Montana Tech

Top 3 Elementary Schools

Wickham Elementary (Coralville)
Lincoln Elementary (Mount Vernon)
Roosevelt Elementary (Ames)
Hawthorne Elementary (Bozeman)
Chief Charlo Elementary (Missoula)
Meadowlark Elementary (Great Falls)

Top 3 Middle Schools

Ames Middle School (Ames)
North Central Junior High (Coralville)
Southeast Junior High (Iowa City)
Sacajawea Middle School (Bozeman)
Washington Middle School (Missoula)
East Middle School (Great Falls)

Top 3 High Schools

West High School (Iowa City)
Ames High School (Ames)
Decorah High School (Decorah)
Bozeman High School (Bozeman)
Sentinel High School (Missoula)
Great Falls High School (Great Falls)

Top 3 private high schools

Xavier High School (Cedar Rapids)
Dowling Catholic High School (West Des Moines)
Wahlert Catholic High School (Dubuque)
Missoula International School (Missoula)
Great Falls Central Catholic High School (Great Falls)
Billings Central Catholic High School (Billings)

Top 3 private K-12 schools

Maharishi School (Fairfield)
Scattergood Friends School (West Branch)
Quad Cities Christian School (Moline)
Petra Academy (Bozeman)
Foothills Community Christian School (Great Falls)
Montana Christian Academy (Kalispell)

Top 3 School Districts

Iowa City Community School District
Ames Community School District
West Des Moines Community Schools
Bozeman School District
Missoula County Public Schools
Great Falls Public Schools

When moving from Iowa to Montana, it's essential to look beyond just the names and rankings of schools. For instance, the choice of college can significantly impact a student's future, and it's telling that top colleges in both states are well-regarded with strong programs in agriculture, engineering, and business. Furthermore, the schools listed here, such as Ames Middle School in Iowa and Sacajawea Middle School in Montana, not only offer excellent academic programs but also diverse extracurricular activities that can enrich your child's educational experience. This comparative insight into the educational opportunities in each state can help you make an informed decision tailored to your family's needs.

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