Cedar Rapids, IA → Ames, IA · Short-haul move
About 118 road miles heading west. Typical two-bedroom cost $1,860–$2,770, delivery in 1–2 days, 96 carriers on the Cedar Rapids side and 55 in Ames.
The route from Cedar Rapids, IA to Ames, IA covers roughly 118 miles by road, a west-bound trip that falls into the short-haul move category for pricing purposes.
Because the two cities are close together, most companies quote this move by the hour: a crew of two to four movers plus a truck, with the drive of about 2 h 44 min counted as billable travel time. A typical two-bedroom household lands between $1,860 and $2,770, before packing or storage.
On the Cedar Rapids side there are 96 household-goods carriers registered with the FMCSA in and around the city (57 of them authorized for interstate work), and 55 around Ames (25 interstate). For an in-state 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 Ames.
Cedar Rapids has a population of about 137,935 and Ames about 66,000. The two cities have comparable density (1,910 and 2,355 people per square mile), so loading and unloading conditions are usually similar at both ends.
| Home size | Est. weight | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | 2,000 lb | $1,140 | $1,400 | $1,700 |
| 1 Bedroom | 3,000 lb | $1,140 | $1,400 | $1,700 |
| 2 Bedrooms | 5,000 lb | $1,860 | $2,270 | $2,770 |
| 3 Bedrooms | 8,000 lb | $2,980 | $3,640 | $4,440 |
| 4+ Bedrooms | 11,000 lb | $4,100 | $5,000 | $6,100 |
$270–$380
One-way truck for the distance, mileage and fuel included; you load and drive.
$1,130–$1,650
Container delivered, you load, company transports; transit is slower than a mover.
$1,860–$2,770
Two-bedroom reference; crew loads, hauls and unloads.
Distance is pre-filled for Cedar Rapids, IA → Ames, IA. 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: Crst Expedited INC
Legal name: Berns Moving INC
Legal name: Wgm Logistic Group INC
Legal name: Central Iowa Towing And Recovery INC
Legal name: Myers & Associates LLC
Typical full-service estimates for this route are $1,140 to $1,700 for a studio, $1,140 to $1,700 for a one-bedroom, $1,860 to $2,770 for a two-bedroom, $2,980 to $4,440 for a three-bedroom and $4,100 to $6,100 for four or more bedrooms. Packing, storage, stairs and specialty items add to these figures.
About 118 road miles (100 miles in a straight line). Driving without overnight stops takes roughly 2 h 44 min.
Expect a delivery window of 1 to 2 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.
No. Because both Cedar Rapids and Ames are in Iowa, this is an intrastate move regulated by the state rather than the FMCSA. Still, choosing a carrier with an active USDOT number is the easiest way to confirm the company is a registered motor carrier with insurance on file.
A one-way rental truck for this distance typically runs $270 to $380 including mileage and fuel, and a portable container about $1,130 to $1,650. 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 Cedar Rapids–Ames corridor.