Moving from Illinois to Iowa
In the Census Bureau's 2024 survey, about 11,000 people living in Iowa had lived in Illinois a year earlier. A 2-bedroom move from Chicago to Des Moines, about 365 miles, usually costs $2,200–$4,200. 252 licensed movers are based in Illinois.
Who makes this move
10,691
people moved from Illinois to Iowa (±2,090)
6,721
moved the other way, from Iowa to Illinois (±1,744)
- Iowa drew about 4% of the roughly 282,000 people who left Illinois for another state.
- More people moved to Iowa than the other way, by about 4,000.
- People aged 1 and over, not households. Margins of error at 90% confidence.
Where people who left Illinois went
Most common moves out of Illinois
Where people moving to Iowa came from
- Illinois11,000
- Texas5,900
- Minnesota5,100
- Nebraska4,800
- Wisconsin3,700
- Missouri3,300
- Colorado2,900
- California2,500
Survey estimates: where two figures are closer than their margins of error, their order may not be real. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, State-to-State Migration Flows: 2024 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates.
What it costs, by home size
Chicago to Des Moines, about 365 miles.
| Home | Typical weight | Usual cost | In summer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio1,800 lb | 1,800 lb | $1,250–$2,400 | $1,550–$3,000 |
| 1 bedroom2,800 lb | 2,800 lb | $1,600–$3,100 | $2,000–$3,800 |
| 2 bedrooms5,000 lb | 5,000 lb | $2,200–$4,200 | $2,750–$5,250 |
| 3 bedrooms7,500 lb | 7,500 lb | $2,750–$5,250 | $3,400–$6,550 |
| 4 bedrooms10,000 lb | 10,000 lb | $3,200–$6,150 | $4,000–$7,650 |
| 5+ bedrooms13,000 lb | 13,000 lb | $3,700–$7,100 | $4,600–$8,800 |
A model, not a quote: weight and distance, adjusted for season, fitted to published 2026 cost tables. Packing, stairs and specialty items add to these. How we model costs.
Licensed movers based in Illinois
See all 252Each holds active federal carrier authority with cargo insurance on file. Tick up to three to get quotes.
Broadview, IL · USDOT 37062
1 truck · Cargo insurance on file · Since 1974
Chicago, IL · USDOT 2440000
4 trucks · Cargo insurance on file · Since 2013
Before you book
Questions about moving from Illinois to Iowa
How much does it cost to move from Illinois to Iowa?
In our model a 2-bedroom move from Chicago to Des Moines, about 365 miles, usually costs $2,200–$4,200 mid-month outside summer. A studio runs about $1,250–$2,400 and a 4-bedroom about $3,200–$6,150. Only a mover's written estimate is a price.
How many people move from Illinois to Iowa?
About 11,000 in a year. The Census Bureau's 2024 American Community Survey estimates 10,691, with a margin of error of ±2,090. About 6,700 moved from Iowa to Illinois the same year. These count people, not households.
How far is it from Illinois to Iowa?
Chicago to Des Moines is about 365 miles by road, estimated from the straight line between the cities. A mover's estimate uses the actual route.
Does a mover need a federal license to move me from Illinois to Iowa?
Yes. The move crosses a state line, so the mover needs active interstate authority from the FMCSA under a USDOT number. Each mover listed here shows its authority and insurance status from FMCSA's files.
When is it cheapest to move from Illinois to Iowa?
Outside June to August, and away from the last days of a month. In our model a summer move costs about 25% more, and the end of a month about 9% more.
Get quotes for your move from Illinois to Iowa
See which companies hold active federal authority to move you and what moves like yours usually cost, then pick who quotes you.
Already have a quote? Check whether it's a normal price.
More moves from Illinois
More moves to Iowa
Movers in Illinois and Iowa. Every move between states and the major cities: moving routes.