Best Iowa to Wisconsin Movers and Practical Moving Guide

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IA to WI Moving Specialists

Moving from state to state embodies an exciting shift in your life’s journey, often brimming with new opportunities and adventures. Leaving behind Iowa’s expansive fields and warm-hearted communities for Wisconsin’s picturesque landscapes and bustling cheese markets can feel like stepping into a different world. Recognizing the importance of a smooth transition during such a transformative phase, our commitment lies in connecting you with trusted, reliable professional movers, ensuring this long distance move is as seamless as the unity between these two remarkable states.

Iowa iconArrow iconWisconsin icon

Best Iowa to Wisconsin Moving Companies

Company NameRating QuestionBBB RatingLicenseContact
A Smooth Move, LLC9.59A+Authorized For HHGContact
Elite Movers9.58NRAuthorized For HHGContact
Adamantine Spine Moving9.42A+Authorized For Property, HHGContact
Best Move Inc9.24A+Authorized For PropertyContact
Hemmen Moving9.11A+Authorized For Property, HHGContact
White Glove Movers9.11A+Authorized For HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Wisconsin to Iowa guide.

6 Best IA to WI Moving Companies

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

A Smooth Move, LLC Logo
Exceptional
claimed company icon
9.59/10
based on 1,293+ data points

About A Smooth Move, LLC

A Smooth Move is a family-owned and operated moving company that serves Wisconsin and beyond. It’s proud of its reputation as one of the mos...Read More >>

Services

  • Full-Service Moves
  • Packing, Loading, Delivering, Unloading, Unpacking
  • Business and Residential Relocation Services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 10/18/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3350934 / 1071302

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved1 (2022)
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1
Elite Movers Logo
Exceptional9.58/10
based on 788+ data points

About Elite Movers

Elite Movers is a professional moving service in Eau Claire that provides full-service moving solutions for local and long-distance relocati...Read More >>

Services

  • Full Service Move
  • Labor Only (Loading/Unloading Help)
  • Single Item Move

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 10/18/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3579816 / 1208798

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans3
Registered Drivers1
Total Annual Miles Moved45,000 (2022)
View Full Review
2
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 10/18/2024)

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
3
Best Move Inc Logo
Exceptional9.24/10
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 5/24/2024)

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
4
Hemmen Moving Logo
Exceptional9.11/10
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 10/18/2024)

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
5
White Glove Movers Logo
Exceptional9.11/10
based on 848+ data points

About White Glove Movers

White Glove Movers is a residential and commercial moving company serving its local community of Marion, the nearby areas of Cedar Rapids, I...Read More >>

Services

  • Local Moving Services
  • Residential Moving Services
  • Commercial & Freight Moving Services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 10/18/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2991947 / 21265

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans6
Registered Drivers7
Total Annual Miles Moved100,300 (2023)
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 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.

CONs
PROs
Iowa iconIowa
  • Lesser lakes
  • Flat landscapes
  • Smaller tech scene
  • Lesser dairy variety
Wisconsin iconWisconsin
  • More lakes
  • Varied topography
  • Bigger tech hub
  • Rich cheese varieties
Wisconsin iconWisconsin
  • Higher living costs
  • More commercial
  • Less personal space
  • Less farm-to-table
Iowa iconIowa
  • 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.

IowaWisconsin
Most iconic local food itemCornCheese Curds
Most popular meat dishPork Tenderloin SandwichBratwurst
Most popular street food itemTaco TrucksFood Trucks with Cheese Curds
Most popular vegan foodVegan Corn TacosVegan Cheese Options
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Zombie Burger
  • Fong's Pizza
  • Amana Colonies
  • The Old Fashioned
  • Mickies Dairy Bar
  • Culver's
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.

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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.

ComparisonIowaWisconsin
Typical Architecture StyleModern FarmhouseColonial Revival
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingSpacious yards, Three-car garagesLakeside 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.

Summer icon
85/63

Iowa

82/60

Wisconsin

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
31/14

Iowa

28/13

Wisconsin

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
34

Iowa

32

Wisconsin

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
36

Iowa

48

Wisconsin

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonIowaWisconsin
Air QualityGoodGood
Natural DisastersTornadoes, FloodsSnowstorms, 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.

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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.

ComparisonIowaWisconsin
Avg. Household Income$69,588$70,996
Cost of Living Index95.995.65
State Income Tax0.33 - 8.533.54 - 7.65
Avg. Property Tax1.531.76
Avg. Sales Tax65.46
Top 3 IndustriesAdvanced Manufacturing, Financial Services, BiosciencesManufacturing, Agriculture, Health Services
AffluenceModerateModerately High
PovertyLowModerate
HomelessnessMinimalMinimal

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.

IowaWisconsin
Political Make-upSwing state, with recent leanings towards the Republican Party in presidential electionsSwing state with a history of close contests in both state and national elections
Local PoliticsPolitical landscape varies widely between urban and rural areasLocal politics also reflect an urban-rural divide, often with more liberal policies in cities
ReligionChristianity is predominant, with a significant presence of evangelical ProtestantsVaried, 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.

IowaWisconsin

Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)

University of Iowa
Iowa State University
University of Northern Iowa
University 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 District
Elmbrook 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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