DC to Iowa Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from DC to Iowa

ConsDC

• High cost of living
• Heavy traffic
• Higher taxes
• Limited space
• Fast-paced life

ProsIowa

• Lower cost of living
• Less congestion
• Lower taxes
• More open land
• Slower, relaxed pace

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Iowa

• Less cultural diversity
• Fewer job options
• Fewer historical landmarks
• Fewer museums
• Limited transport options

DC

• Vibrant culture
• Professional opportunities
• Rich history
• Great museums
• Efficient public transport

Pros of moving from DC to Iowa

• Say goodbye to the high cost of living and hello to the lower cost of living
• Look forward to moving away from heavy traffic and moving to Iowa with less congestion
• Swap the higher taxes of DC for the lower taxes in Iowa
• Get ready for more open land in Iowa

Cons of moving from DC to Iowa

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the vibrant culture in DC to live with less cultural diversity in Iowa
• You'll lose out on the pro of professional opportunities and have to settle for the con of fewer job options
• Time to bid farewell to the rich history and get used to fewer historical landmarks in Iowa
• Swap great museums for fewer museums

DC vs. Iowa: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from DC to Iowa, you will be trading the iconic Half-smoke of DC for the equally delicious Pork tenderloin sandwich of Iowa. And while the locals in DC rave about their flavorful Mumbo sauce with wings and sumptuous Jumbo slice pizza, Iowa residents know they have tasty Grilled pork chops and Sweet corn to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Vegetable curry 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 DC eateries like Ben's Chili Bowl, Rosa's Thai Cafe, and Le Diplomate. After the boxes are unpacked in Iowa, don't wait too long before making your way to Iowa's acclaimed eateries like The Iowa Machine Shed, Zombie Burger + Drink Lab, and A Dong Restaurant.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between DC and Iowa

• The Federal and Victorian architecture that DC is known for will be replaced with the Colonial Revival and Craftsman architecture typical of Iowa.
• Compared to DC's real estate listings that commonly reference proximity to metro stations and rooftop decks, Iowa real estate listings often highlight features like large yards and spacious garages.
• You can keep your walking shoes packed away; Iowa is less walkable than DC.
• You might want to think twice before moving your bike; Iowa is less bike-friendly than DC.
• Iowa has less of an urban feel than DC.
• Iowa housing costs are 65% less expensive than they are in DC, with a median home price of $214,151 compared to DC’s $619,320.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Iowa have increased by 36% compared to an 8% increase in DC.
• Rent in Iowa is 54.97% more affordable than in DC.

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

• Break out the sunglasses for your move from DC to Iowa. Iowa gets 0% more sunshine days than DC.
• Iowa has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to DC.
• Say goodbye to the possible hurricanes and floods in DC, but be on the lookout for potential tornadoes and floods in Iowa.
• The average summer high temperature in Iowa is 3 degrees colder than in DC.
• The average winter lows are 15 degrees colder than they are in DC.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in Iowa. Iowa receives 4 fewer inches of rain compared to DC.

Financial & Community Snapshot: DC and Iowa

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Iowa tend to earn about 31% less than those in DC
• The COLI in Iowa will be 32% lower than what you are used to living in DC
• The state income tax in IA is 8.53% compared to 6% in DC
• The affluence in Iowa is moderate compared to high in DC
• The poverty level is low in Iowa compared to moderate in DC
• In terms of homelessness, it is noticeable in DC and less noticeable in Iowa

Political and Religious Climate in DC vs. Iowa

• DC tends to lean heavily Democratic in its political climate
• Iowa, on the other hand, is often described as a swing state
• Iowa's religious environment can be described as primarily Christian with a strong evangelical presence
• DC's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as diverse and less religious overall

Education Guide When Moving from DC to Iowa

How Much Do DC to Iowa Movers Cost?

Moving 996 miles from DC to Iowa will typically cost between $2,500 and $6,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.