California to Iowa Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from California to Iowa

ConsCalifornia

• High cost of living
• Heavy traffic
• Wildfire risks
• Crowded cities
• High taxes

ProsIowa

• Affordable housing
• Less congestion
• Safer environment
• Spacious landscapes
• Lower taxes

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Iowa

• Harsh winters
• Less diversity
• Fewer job opportunities
• Landlocked
• Limited dining options

California

• Mild climate
• Cultural diversity
• Tech industry hub
• Beautiful coastlines
• Variety of restaurants

Pros of moving from California to Iowa

• Say goodbye to the high cost of living and hello to affordable housing
• Look forward to moving away from heavy traffic and moving to Iowa with less congestion
• Swap the wildfire risks of California for a safer environment in Iowa
• Get ready for spacious landscapes in Iowa

Cons of moving from California to Iowa

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the mild climate in California to live with harsh winters in Iowa
• You'll lose out on the pro of cultural diversity and have to settle for the con of less diversity
• Time to bid farewell to the tech industry hub and get used to fewer job opportunities in Iowa
• Swap beautiful coastlines for being landlocked

California vs. Iowa: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from California to Iowa, you will be trading the iconic Sushi of California for the equally delicious Corn on the Cob of Iowa. And while the locals in California rave about their flavorful Tri-tip BBQ and sumptuous Taco Trucks, Iowa residents know they have tasty Pork Tenderloin Sandwich and State Fair Corn Dogs to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Avocado Toast they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Vegan Corn Chowder of Iowa. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic California eateries like Chez Panisse, Nobu Malibu, and The French Laundry. After the boxes are unpacked in Iowa, don't wait too long before making your way to Iowa's acclaimed eateries like The Iowa Pork Tent, Zombie Burger + Shake Lab, and The Ronneburg Restaurant.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between California and Iowa

• The Modern and Spanish architecture that California is known for will be replaced with the Ranch and Craftsman architecture typical of Iowa.
• Compared to California's real estate listings that commonly reference proximity to beaches and solar panels, Iowa real estate listings often highlight features like spacious backyards and proximity to nature.
• You can keep your walking shoes packed away; Iowa is less walkable than California.
• You might want to think twice before moving your bike; Iowa is less bike-friendly than California.
• Iowa has less of an urban feel than California.
• Iowa housing costs are 73% less expensive than they are in California, with a median home price of $214,151 compared to California’s $783,666.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Iowa have increased by 36% compared to a 42% increase in California.
• Rent in Iowa is 60.37% more affordable than in California.

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

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from California to Iowa. Iowa gets 28% fewer sunshine days than California.
• Iowa has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to California.
• Say goodbye to the possible earthquakes and wildfires in California, but be on the lookout for potential tornadoes and blizzards in Iowa.
• The average summer high temperature in Iowa is the same as California.
• The average winter lows in Iowa are 34 degrees colder than they are in California.
• Your umbrella might be more overworked in Iowa. Iowa receives 14 more inches of rain compared to California.

Financial & Community Snapshot: California and Iowa

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Iowa tend to earn about 24% less than those in California
• The COLI in Iowa will be 30% lower than what you are used to living in California
• The state income tax in IA is 8.53% compared to 13.3% in CA
• The affluence in Iowa is moderate compared to high in California
• The poverty level is moderate in Iowa compared to significant in California
• In terms of homelessness, it is high in California and low in Iowa

Political and Religious Climate in California vs. Iowa

• California tends to lean Liberal/Democratic in its political climate
• Iowa, on the other hand, is often described as a swing state that leans Republican
• Iowa's religious environment can be described as largely Christian with a Protestant majority
• California's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as diverse, with no single dominant religion

Education Guide When Moving from California to Iowa

How Much Do California to Iowa Movers Cost?

Moving 1,855 miles from California to Iowa will typically cost between $3,500 and $8,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.