Alaska to Iowa Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Alaska to Iowa

ConsAlaska

• Long, dark winters
• Isolation from continental U.S.
• High cost of living
• Limited road connectivity
• Remote healthcare services

ProsIowa

• Ample sunlight year-round
• Central U.S. location
• More affordable lifestyle
• Comprehensive road networks
• Access to larger hospitals

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Iowa

• Flat landscapes
• Fewer wildlife varieties
• Less cultural diversity
• Higher urbanization
• Fewer extreme sports

Alaska

• Scenic wilderness
• Abundant wildlife
• Rich indigenous culture
• Low population density
• Adventure opportunities

Pros of moving from Alaska to Iowa

• Say goodbye to long dark winters and hello to ample sunlight year-round
• Look forward to moving away from isolation from the continental U.S. and moving to Iowa with a central U.S. location
• Swap the high cost of living in Alaska for a more affordable lifestyle in Iowa
• Get ready for comprehensive road networks in Iowa

Cons of moving from Alaska to Iowa

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the scenic wilderness in Alaska to live with flat landscapes in Iowa
• You'll lose out on the pro of abundant wildlife and have to settle for the con of fewer wildlife varieties
• Time to bid farewell to the rich indigenous culture and get used to less cultural diversity in Iowa
• Swap low population density for higher urbanization

Alaska vs. Iowa: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Alaska to Iowa, you will be trading the iconic Salmon of Alaska for the equally delicious Corn of Iowa. And while the locals in Alaska rave about their flavorful Reindeer Sausage and sumptuous King Crab Legs, Iowa residents know they have tasty Pork Tenderloin Sandwich and Taco Truck Tacos to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Wild Berry Bowl they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Vegetarian Chili of Iowa. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Alaska eateries like Simon & Seafort's, The Saltry, and Snow City Cafe. After the boxes are unpacked in Iowa, don't wait too long before making your way to Iowa's acclaimed eateries like Augusta Restaurant, The High Life Lounge, and Zombie Burger.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Alaska and Iowa

• The Cabin and Craftsman architecture that Alaska is known for will be replaced with the Farmhouse and Ranch architecture typical of Iowa.
• Compared to Alaska's real estate listings that commonly reference scenic views and proximity to nature, Iowa real estate listings often highlight features like family-friendly and spacious backyards.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes; Iowa is more walkable than Alaska.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike; Iowa is more bike-friendly than Alaska.
• Iowa has more of an urban feel than Alaska.
• Iowa housing costs are 40% less expensive than they are in Alaska, with a median home price of $214,151 compared to Alaska’s $354,563.
• Over the prior 9 years, home prices in Iowa have increased by 62% compared to a 34% increase in Alaska.
• Rent in Iowa is 37.97% more affordable than in Alaska.

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

• Break out the sunglasses for your move from Alaska to Iowa. Iowa gets 37% more sunshine days than Alaska.
• Iowa has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Alaska.
• Say goodbye to the possible earthquakes and avalanches in Alaska, but be on the lookout for potential tornadoes and blizzards in Iowa.
• Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in Iowa is 22 degrees warmer than in Alaska.
• The average winter lows are 24 degrees warmer than they are in Alaska.
• Your umbrella might be more overworked in Iowa. Iowa receives 12 more inches of rain compared to Alaska.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Alaska and Iowa

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Iowa tend to earn about 21% less than those in Alaska
• The cost of living index in Iowa will be 28% lower than what you are used to living in Alaska
• Bummer... By moving from AK to IA, you'll now have a state income tax of 4.4% to 8.53%
• The affluence in Iowa is balanced compared to moderate in Alaska
• The poverty level is relatively low in Iowa compared to manageable in Alaska
• In terms of homelessness, it is moderate in Alaska and low in Iowa

Political and Religious Climate in Alaska vs. Iowa

• Alaska tends to lean mixed and leans Republican in its political climate
• Iowa, on the other hand, is often described as a swing state with a slight Republican lean
• Iowa's religious environment can be described as largely Christian, with a significant Catholic population
• Alaska's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as Christianity prevalent and diverse beliefs

Education Guide When Moving from Alaska to Iowa