Ames, IA → Peoria, IL · Regional long-distance move
About 266 road miles heading east. Typical two-bedroom cost $2,510–$3,740, delivery in 1–3 days, 55 carriers on the Ames side and 42 in Peoria.
The route from Ames, IA to Peoria, IL covers roughly 266 miles by road, a east-bound trip that falls into the regional long-distance move category for pricing purposes.
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 $2,510 to $3,740 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 5 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 42 around Peoria (29 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 Peoria.
Ames has a population of about 66,000 and Peoria about 110,920. The two cities have comparable density (2,355 and 2,357 people per square mile), so loading and unloading conditions are usually similar at both ends. 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 | $1,510 | $1,840 | $2,240 |
| 2 Bedrooms | 5,000 lb | $2,510 | $3,060 | $3,740 |
| 3 Bedrooms | 8,000 lb | $4,020 | $4,900 | $5,980 |
| 4+ Bedrooms | 11,000 lb | $5,530 | $6,740 | $8,220 |
$420–$600
One-way truck for the distance, mileage and fuel included; you load and drive.
$1,260–$1,850
Container delivered, you load, company transports; transit is slower than a mover.
$2,510–$3,740
Two-bedroom reference; crew loads, hauls and unloads.
Distance is pre-filled for Ames, IA → Peoria, 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
Legal name: Hometown Companies INC
Legal name: Strugglz Holdings Co
Typical full-service estimates for this route are $1,220 to $1,810 for a studio, $1,510 to $2,240 for a one-bedroom, $2,510 to $3,740 for a two-bedroom, $4,020 to $5,980 for a three-bedroom and $5,530 to $8,220 for four or more bedrooms. Packing, storage, stairs and specialty items add to these figures.
About 266 road miles (225 miles in a straight line). Driving without overnight stops takes roughly 5 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 $420 to $600 including mileage and fuel, and a portable container about $1,260 to $1,850. 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–Peoria corridor.