Movers

Montana to Iowa Moving Guide

Updated June 6, 2025

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Planning a 1,118 mile interstate move from Montana to Iowa? This moving guide will help you compare living in Montana vs Iowa across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like harsh winters vs milder climate), food & health (like Bison Steak vs Corn on the Cob), real estate & housing (rustic, mountain vs prairie, farmhouse), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Montana), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Bison Steak and Trout, but get your taste buds ready for Corn on the Cob & Pork Tenderloin Sandwich
  • Iowa housing costs are 53% less expensive than they are in Montana
  • Rent in Iowa is 23.33% more affordable than in Montana
  • Moving from Montana to Iowa will cost on average between $2,000 - $6,500
  • Our top recommended Montana to Iowa movers is Adamantine Spine Moving

Montana to Iowa Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Montana to Iowa

ConsMontana iconMontana
  • Harsh winters
  • Limited job market
  • Remote locations
ProsIowa iconIowa
  • Milder climate
  • More job opportunities
  • Central access

Iowa iconIowa
  • Less varied landscape
  • Fewer outdoor options
  • More crowded spaces
Montana iconMontana
  • Spectacular scenery
  • Outdoor activities
  • Smaller population

Pros of moving from Montana to Iowa

  • Say goodbye to harsh winters and hello to milder climate
  • Look forward to moving away from a limited job market and moving to Iowa with more job opportunities
  • Swap the remote locations of Montana for central access in Iowa

Cons of moving from Montana to Iowa

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from spectacular scenery in Montana to live with a less varied landscape in Iowa
  • You'll lose out on the pro of outdoor activities and have to settle for the con of fewer outdoor options
  • Time to bid farewell to a smaller population and get used to more crowded spaces in Iowa

Montana vs. Iowa: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonMontanaIowa
Most iconic local food itemBison SteakCorn on the Cob
Most popular meat dishTroutPork Tenderloin Sandwich
Most popular street food itemHuckleberry Hand PiesBreakfast Burrito
Most popular vegan foodWild Rice BurgerFried Tofu
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
Fitness/Health ConscientiousnessπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺ
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

If you're moving from Montana to Iowa, you will be trading the iconic Bison Steak of Montana for the equally delicious Corn on the Cob of Iowa. And while the locals in Montana rave about their flavorful Trout and sumptuous Huckleberry Hand Pies, Iowa residents know they have tasty Pork Tenderloin Sandwich and Breakfast Burrito to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Wild Rice Burger they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Fried Tofu of Iowa. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Montana eateries like The Landing Bighorn, Montana Brewing Company, and Uptown Diner. After the boxes are unpacked in Iowa, don't wait too long before making your way to Iowa's acclaimed eateries like Americana, La Cheeserie, and Fong's Pizza.

When comparing lifestyles, Iowa shows less emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than Montana. Food truck fans will discover a greater selection in Iowa compared to what you are used to in Montana. Also, the overall foodie scene is similarly bustling in Iowa.

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Montana and Iowa

ComparisonMontanaIowa
Typical Architecture StyleRustic, MountainPrairie, Farmhouse
WalkabilityπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘Ÿ
Bikeability🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban LifestyleπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈ
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingMountain views, open spacesCommunity, family-friendly
  • The Rustic and Mountain architecture that Montana is known for will be replaced with the Prairie and Farmhouse architecture typical of Iowa.
  • Compared to Montana's real estate listings that commonly reference mountain views and open spaces, Iowa real estate listings often highlight features like community and family-friendliness.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Iowa is more walkable than Montana.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Iowa is more bike-friendly than Montana.
  • Iowa has more of an urban feel than Montana.
  • Iowa housing costs are 53% less expensive than they are in Montana, with a median home price of $214,151 compared to Montana’s $456,199.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Iowa have increased by 36% compared to a 71% increase in Montana.
  • Rent in Iowa is 23.33% more affordable than in Montana.

Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between Montana and Iowa

ComparisonMontanaIowa
Days of Sunshine per Yearβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈ
Avg. Annual HumidityπŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦
Avg. UV IndexπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈ
Natural DisastersWildfires, SnowstormsTornadoes, Flooding
Air QualityGoodVariable
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)82Β°F / 45Β°F85Β°F / 63Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)34Β°F / 17Β°F31Β°F / 14Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)15"36"
Annual Snowfall (Inches)48"33"
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from Montana to Iowa. Iowa gets 3% fewer sunshine days than Montana.
  • Iowa has higher humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Montana.
  • Say goodbye to the possible wildfires and snowstorms in Montana, but be on the lookout for potential tornadoes and flooding in Iowa.
  • The average summer high temperature in Iowa is 3 degrees warmer than in Montana.
  • The average winter lows are 3 degrees colder than they are in Montana.
  • Your umbrella might be more overworked in Iowa. Iowa receives 21 more inches of rain compared to Montana.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Montana and Iowa

ComparisonMontanaIowa
Avg. Household Income$67,631$69,588
Cost of Living Index99.495.9
State Income Tax6.9%8.53%
Avg. Property Tax0.85%1.29%
Avg. Sales Tax0%6%
Top 3 IndustriesAgriculture, Tourism, MiningManufacturing, Insurance, Agriculture
AffluenceModerateModerate
PovertyLowLow
HomelessnessLowLow
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Iowa tend to earn about 3% more than in Montana
  • The COLI in Iowa is 4% lower than what you are used to living in Montana
  • The state income tax in IA is 8.53% compared to 6.9% in MT
  • The affluence in Iowa is moderate compared to moderate in Montana
  • The poverty level is low in Iowa compared to low in Montana
  • In terms of homelessness, it is low in Montana and low in Iowa

Political and Religious Climate in Montana vs. Iowa

ComparisonMontanaIowa
Political Make-upLean RepublicanSwing State
Local PoliticsLibertarian InfluenceCommunity-Oriented
ReligionChristian MajorityChristian Majority
  • Montana tends to lean Republican in its political climate
  • Iowa, on the other hand, is often described as a swing State
  • Iowa's religious environment can be described as a Christian Majority
  • Montana's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as a Christian Majority

Education Guide When Moving from Montana to Iowa

ComparisonMontanaIowa
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Montana
Montana State University
Montana Tech
University of Iowa
Iowa State University
University of Northern Iowa
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsChief Joseph Elementary - Bozeman
Hawthorne Elementary - Bozeman
Meadowlark Elementary - Billings
Wickham Elementary - Coralville
Lincoln Elementary - Mount Vernon
Grant Ragan Elementary - Waukee
Top 3 Middle SchoolsSacajawea Middle School - Bozeman
Lewis & Clark Middle School - Billings
Washington Middle School - Missoula
North Central Junior High - Coralville
Ames Middle School - Ames
Summit Middle School - Johnston
Top 3 High SchoolsBozeman High School - Bozeman
Billings Senior High - Billings
Hellgate High School - Missoula
West High School - Iowa City
Ames High School - Ames
Johnston Senior High School - Johnston
Top 3 private high schoolsMount Ellis Academy - Bozeman
Billings Central Catholic High School - Billings
Loyola Sacred Heart High School - Missoula
Dowling Catholic High School - West Des Moines
Xavier High School - Cedar Rapids
Bishop Heelan Catholic High School - Sioux City
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsPetra Academy - Bozeman
Missoula International School - Missoula
Valley Christian School - Missoula
Maharishi School - Fairfield
Scattergood Friends School - West Branch
Des Moines Christian School - Urbandale
Top 3 School DistrictsBozeman School District
Billings Public Schools
Missoula County Public Schools
Iowa City Community School District
Waukee Community School District
Des Moines Public Schools

How Much Do Montana to Iowa Movers Cost?

Moving 1,118 miles from Montana to Iowa will typically cost between $2,500 and $6,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $2,500 - $6,500
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Hemmen Moving
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,836300 ft3$6.12
1 Bedroom$2,732450 ft3$6.07
2 Bedrooms$4,516750 ft3$6.02
3 Bedrooms$6,5681100 ft3$5.97
4 Bedrooms$9,4741600 ft3$5.92
5+ Bedrooms$10,5681800 ft3$5.87

Top Montana to Iowa Movers

Read our in-depth analysis of the best Montana to Iowa movers with detailed rankings, cost breakdowns, and reviews.

TOP PICK
Adamantine Spine Moving featured image

Adamantine Spine Moving

Best moving company overall for Montana to Iowa

9.54/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Adamantine Spine Moving featured image

Adamantine Spine Moving

9.44/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Moving On Up

Moving On Up

8.79/10
Top Montana to Iowa Routes

Billings to Iowa