Ames, IA → Aurora, IL · Regional long-distance move
About 324 road miles heading east. Typical two-bedroom cost $2,720–$4,050, delivery in 1–3 days, 55 carriers on the Ames side and 824 in Aurora.
Aurora sits about 324 miles east of Ames, which makes this an interstate relocation from Iowa to Illinois that most movers classify as a regional long-distance move.
At this distance carriers price by shipment weight and mileage rather than by the hour. A two-bedroom home (around 5,000 lb of goods) typically costs $2,720 to $4,050 with a full-service mover, and delivery usually takes 1 to 3 days after pickup because long-haul trucks consolidate several households per trip. Driving it yourself takes about 6 h 17 min.
On the Ames side there are 55 household-goods carriers registered with the FMCSA in and around the city (25 of them authorized for interstate work), and 824 around Aurora (675 interstate). For an interstate move you can book from either end; movers near the origin handle loading and are usually the better first call, while a destination-side company can be useful if you need storage or delivery-day help in Aurora.
Ames has a population of about 66,000 and Aurora about 181,505. Aurora is the denser city (4,012 people per square mile versus 2,355 in Ames), which often means shuttle trucks, parking restrictions or building move-in windows on delivery day. Illinois is a higher-cost state than Iowa, so budget a little more for destination-side help, deposits and first-month expenses.
| Home size | Est. weight | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | 2,000 lb | $1,220 | $1,490 | $1,810 |
| 1 Bedroom | 3,000 lb | $1,630 | $1,990 | $2,430 |
| 2 Bedrooms | 5,000 lb | $2,720 | $3,320 | $4,050 |
| 3 Bedrooms | 8,000 lb | $4,350 | $5,310 | $6,470 |
| 4+ Bedrooms | 11,000 lb | $5,980 | $7,300 | $8,900 |
$480–$680
One-way truck for the distance, mileage and fuel included; you load and drive.
$1,310–$1,930
Container delivered, you load, company transports; transit is slower than a mover.
$2,720–$4,050
Two-bedroom reference; crew loads, hauls and unloads.
Distance is pre-filled for Ames, IA → Aurora, IL. Adjust the other options to see your range.
Typical full-service range.
Estimates use market baselines described on the cost guide; your quotes will vary by inventory, access and date.
Legal name: Central Iowa Towing And Recovery INC
Legal name: Myers & Associates LLC
Typical full-service estimates for this route are $1,220 to $1,810 for a studio, $1,630 to $2,430 for a one-bedroom, $2,720 to $4,050 for a two-bedroom, $4,350 to $6,470 for a three-bedroom and $5,980 to $8,900 for four or more bedrooms. Packing, storage, stairs and specialty items add to these figures.
About 324 road miles (275 miles in a straight line). Driving without overnight stops takes roughly 6 h 17 min.
Expect a delivery window of 1 to 3 days after pickup. Carriers give a spread rather than a fixed date because long-distance trucks carry several shipments; a dedicated truck or expedited service shortens the window for an extra fee.
Yes. Crossing from Iowa into Illinois makes this an interstate move, so the carrier must hold active FMCSA operating authority (an MC number) in addition to its USDOT number. The company cards on this page flag which carriers are authorized for interstate work.
A one-way rental truck for this distance typically runs $480 to $680 including mileage and fuel, and a portable container about $1,310 to $1,930. Both save money versus a full-service crew but you do the loading, and container transit can take longer than a mover's delivery window.
Rates are highest in summer and around the last days of any month, when demand peaks. Mid-month, mid-week and winter dates are usually quoted below the standard rate. Booking four to eight weeks ahead gives you the widest choice of carriers on the Ames–Aurora corridor.