Montana to Iowa Moving Guide
Updated June 6, 2025

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
- Harsh winters
- Limited job market
- Remote locations
- Milder climate
- More job opportunities
- Central access
- Less varied landscape
- Fewer outdoor options
- More crowded spaces
- 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
Comparison | Montana | Iowa |
---|---|---|
Most iconic local food item | Bison Steak | Corn on the Cob |
Most popular meat dish | Trout | Pork Tenderloin Sandwich |
Most popular street food item | Huckleberry Hand Pies | Breakfast Burrito |
Most popular vegan food | Wild Rice Burger | Fried Tofu |
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state |
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Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | πͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺ | πͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺ |
Abundance of Food Trucks | ππππππππππ | ππππππππππ |
Foodie Scene | π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄ | π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄ |
Vegan Friendly | π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π± | π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π± |
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
Comparison | Montana | Iowa |
---|---|---|
Typical Architecture Style | Rustic, Mountain | Prairie, Farmhouse |
Walkability | ππππππππππ | ππππππππππ |
Bikeability | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² |
Urban Lifestyle | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ |
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Mountain views, open spaces | Community, 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 Montanaβs $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
Comparison | Montana | Iowa |
---|---|---|
Days of Sunshine per Year | βοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈ | βοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈ |
Avg. Annual Humidity | π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦ | π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦ |
Avg. UV Index | πΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈ | πΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈ |
Natural Disasters | Wildfires, Snowstorms | Tornadoes, Flooding |
Air Quality | Good | Variable |
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F) | 82Β°F / 45Β°F | 85Β°F / 63Β°F |
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F) | 34Β°F / 17Β°F | 31Β°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
Comparison | Montana | Iowa |
---|---|---|
Avg. Household Income | $67,631 | $69,588 |
Cost of Living Index | 99.4 | 95.9 |
State Income Tax | 6.9% | 8.53% |
Avg. Property Tax | 0.85% | 1.29% |
Avg. Sales Tax | 0% | 6% |
Top 3 Industries | Agriculture, Tourism, Mining | Manufacturing, Insurance, Agriculture |
Affluence | Moderate | Moderate |
Poverty | Low | Low |
Homelessness | Low | Low |
- 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
Comparison | Montana | Iowa |
---|---|---|
Political Make-up | Lean Republican | Swing State |
Local Politics | Libertarian Influence | Community-Oriented |
Religion | Christian Majority | Christian 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
Comparison | Montana | Iowa |
---|---|---|
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 Schools | Chief Joseph Elementary - Bozeman Hawthorne Elementary - Bozeman Meadowlark Elementary - Billings | Wickham Elementary - Coralville Lincoln Elementary - Mount Vernon Grant Ragan Elementary - Waukee |
Top 3 Middle Schools | Sacajawea 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 Schools | Bozeman 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 schools | Mount 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 schools | Petra 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 Districts | Bozeman 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 SIZE | MOVING COST | VOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3) | $/FT3 |
---|---|---|---|
Studio | $1,836 | 300 ft3 | $6.12 |
1 Bedroom | $2,732 | 450 ft3 | $6.07 |
2 Bedrooms | $4,516 | 750 ft3 | $6.02 |
3 Bedrooms | $6,568 | 1100 ft3 | $5.97 |
4 Bedrooms | $9,474 | 1600 ft3 | $5.92 |
5+ Bedrooms | $10,568 | 1800 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.

Adamantine Spine Moving
Best moving company overall for Montana to Iowa