Colorado to Iowa Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Colorado to Iowa

ConsColorado

• High cost of living
• Traffic congestion
• Dense urban areas
• Dry climate

ProsIowa

• Affordable housing
• Less traffic
• Open spaces
• Rich farmlands

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Iowa

• Flat landscapes
• Fewer entertainment options
• Restrictive cannabis laws
• Harsh winters

Colorado

• Mountain activities
• Vibrant cultural scene
• Legal cannabis
• Milder winters

Pros of moving from Colorado to Iowa

• Say goodbye to the high cost of living and hello to affordable housing
• Look forward to moving away from traffic congestion and moving to Iowa with less traffic
• Swap the dense urban areas of Colorado for open spaces in Iowa
• Get ready for rich farmlands in Iowa

Cons of moving from Colorado to Iowa

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the mountain activities in Colorado to live with flat landscapes in Iowa
• You'll lose out on the pro of a vibrant cultural scene and have to settle with the con of fewer entertainment options
• Time to bid farewell to legal cannabis and get used to restrictive cannabis laws in Iowa
• Swap milder winters for harsh winters

Colorado vs. Iowa: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Colorado to Iowa, you will be trading the iconic Rocky Mountain Oysters of Colorado for the equally delicious Loose Meat Sandwich of Iowa. And while the locals in Colorado rave about their flavorful Bison Burger and sumptuous Green Chili, Iowa residents know they have tasty Pork Tenderloin and Corn Dogs to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Quinoa Salad they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Black Bean Burger of Iowa. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Colorado eateries like The Buckhorn Exchange, Beau Jo's Pizza, and Frasca Food and Wine. After the boxes are unpacked in Iowa, don't wait too long before making your way to Iowa's acclaimed eateries like The Machine Shed Restaurant, Zombie Burger + Drink Lab, and The Ronneburg Restaurant.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Colorado and Iowa

• The Mountain Rustic and Modern architecture that Colorado is known for will be replaced with the Prairie and Craftsman architecture typical of Iowa.
• Compared to Colorado's real estate listings that commonly reference mountain views and outdoor space, Iowa real estate listings often highlight features like family-friendly and spacious lots.
• You can keep your walking shoes packed away; Iowa is less walkable than Colorado.
• You might want to think twice before moving your bike; Iowa is less bike-friendly than Colorado.
• Iowa has less of an urban feel than Colorado.
• Iowa housing costs are 61% less expensive than they are in Colorado, with a median home price of $214,151 compared to Colorado’s $549,126.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Iowa have increased by 36% compared to a 40% increase in Colorado.
• Rent in Iowa is 46.68% more affordable than in Colorado.

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

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from Colorado to Iowa. Iowa gets 17% fewer sunshine days than Colorado.
• Iowa has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Colorado.
• Say goodbye to the possible wildfires and floods in Colorado, but be on the lookout for potential tornadoes and floods in Iowa.
• The average summer high temperature in Iowa is 1 degree warmer than in Colorado.
• The average winter lows are 4 degrees colder than they are in Colorado.
• Your umbrella might be more overworked in Iowa. Iowa receives 20.4 more inches of rain compared to Colorado.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Colorado and Iowa

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Iowa tend to earn about 22% less than those in Colorado
• The COLI in Iowa will be 2% lower than what you are used to living in Colorado
• The state income tax in IA is 4.82% compared to 4.55% in CO
• The affluence in Iowa is moderate compared to high in Colorado
• The poverty level is moderate in Iowa compared to low in Colorado
• In terms of homelessness, it is high in Colorado and low in Iowa

Political and Religious Climate in Colorado vs. Iowa

• Colorado tends to lean moderately liberal in its political climate
• Iowa, on the other hand, is often described as a swing state
• Iowa's religious environment can be described as more religiously affiliated
• Colorado's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as less religious overall

Education Guide When Moving from Colorado to Iowa

How Much Do Colorado to Iowa Movers Cost?

Moving 778 miles from Colorado to Iowa will typically cost between $2,500 and $6,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.