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Delaware to Iowa Moving Guide

Updated June 18, 2025

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Planning a 1,080 mile interstate move from Delaware to Iowa? This moving guide will help you compare living in Delaware vs Iowa across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like high cost of living vs more affordable lifestyle), food & health (like Scrapple vs Corn on the cob), real estate & housing (colonial vs mid-century modern), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Delaware), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Scrapple and Fried chicken, but get your taste buds ready for Corn on the cob & Pork tenderloin sandwich
  • Iowa housing costs are 44% less expensive than they are in Delaware
  • Rent in Iowa is 41.62% more affordable than in Delaware
  • Moving from Delaware to Iowa will cost on average between $2,000 - $6,500
  • Our top recommended Delaware to Iowa movers is Adamantine Spine Moving

Delaware to Iowa Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Delaware to Iowa

ConsDelaware iconDelaware
  • High cost of living
  • Dense traffic
  • Limited land space
  • Hurricane risks
ProsIowa iconIowa
  • More affordable lifestyle
  • Less congestion
  • Spacious countryside
  • Milder weather

Iowa iconIowa
  • Far from major hubs
  • Landlocked state
  • Limited cuisine variety
  • Fewer historical landmarks
Delaware iconDelaware
  • Proximity to big cities
  • Beach access
  • Diverse dining scene
  • Rich history

Pros of moving from Delaware to Iowa

  • Say goodbye to the high cost of living and hello to a more affordable lifestyle
  • Look forward to moving away from dense traffic and moving to Iowa with less congestion
  • Swap the limited land space of Delaware for the spacious countryside in Iowa
  • Get ready for milder weather in Iowa

Cons of moving from Delaware to Iowa

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the proximity to big cities in Delaware to live far from major hubs in Iowa
  • You'll lose out on the pro of beach access and have to settle for the con of a landlocked state
  • Time to bid farewell to the diverse dining scene and get used to a limited cuisine variety in Iowa
  • Swap rich history for fewer historical landmarks

Delaware vs. Iowa: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonDelawareIowa
Most iconic local food itemScrappleCorn on the cob
Most popular meat dishFried chickenPork tenderloin sandwich
Most popular street food itemItalian water iceFried catfish
Most popular vegan foodSeitan cheesesteakTempeh reuben
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Restaurant A
  • Restaurant B
  • Restaurant C
  • Restaurant X
  • Restaurant Y
  • Restaurant Z
Fitness/Health ConscientiousnessπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺ
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

If you're moving from Delaware to Iowa, you will be trading the iconic scrapple of Delaware for the equally delicious corn on the cob of Iowa. And while the locals in Delaware rave about their flavorful fried chicken and sumptuous Italian water ice, Iowa residents know they have tasty pork tenderloin sandwiches and fried catfish to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the seitan cheesesteak they've grown to love, they can get ready for the tempeh reuben of Iowa. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Delaware eateries like Restaurant A, Restaurant B, and Restaurant C. After the boxes are unpacked in Iowa, don't wait too long before making your way to Iowa's acclaimed eateries like Restaurant X, Restaurant Y, and Restaurant Z.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Delaware and Iowa

ComparisonDelawareIowa
Typical Architecture StyleColonialMid-Century Modern
WalkabilityπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘Ÿ
Bikeability🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban LifestyleπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈ
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingClose to beachesSpacious backyards
  • The Colonial architecture that Delaware is known for will be replaced with the Mid-Century Modern architecture typical of Iowa.
  • Compared to Delaware's real estate listings that commonly reference proximity to beaches, Iowa real estate listings often highlight features like spacious backyards.
  • You can keep your walking shoes packed away; Iowa is less walkable than Delaware.
  • You might want to think twice before moving your bike; Iowa is less bike-friendly than Delaware.
  • Iowa has less of an urban feel than Delaware.
  • Iowa housing costs are 44% less expensive than they are in Delaware, with a median home price of $214,151 compared to Delaware’s $385,745.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Iowa have increased by 36% compared to a 42% increase in Delaware.
  • Rent in Iowa is 41.62% more affordable than in Delaware.

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

ComparisonDelawareIowa
Days of Sunshine per Yearβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈ
Avg. Annual HumidityπŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦
Avg. UV IndexπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈ
Natural DisastersHurricanes, Nor'eastersTornadoes, Blizzards
Air QualityGoodModerate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)85Β°F/66Β°F86Β°F/63Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)44Β°F/28Β°F31Β°F/14Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)45"36"
Annual Snowfall (Inches)20"33"
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from Delaware to Iowa. Iowa gets 3% more sunshine days than Delaware.
  • Iowa has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Delaware.
  • Say goodbye to the possible hurricanes and nor'easters in Delaware, but be on the lookout for potential tornadoes and blizzards in Iowa.
  • The average summer high temperature in Iowa is 1 degree warmer than in Delaware.
  • The average winter lows in Iowa are 14 degrees colder than they are in Delaware.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in Iowa. Iowa receives 9 fewer inches of rain compared to Delaware.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Delaware and Iowa

ComparisonDelawareIowa
Avg. Household Income$82,174$69,588
Cost of Living Index102.4595.9
State Income Tax2.2% - 6.6%0.33% - 8.53%
Avg. Property Tax0.56%1.57%
Avg. Sales Tax0%6%
Top 3 IndustriesFinance, Healthcare, ManufacturingAgriculture, Manufacturing, Services
AffluenceModerateModest
PovertyAveragedLowered
HomelessnessLowVery Low
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Iowa tend to earn about 15% less than those in Delaware
  • The COLI in Iowa will be 6% lower than what you are used to living in Delaware
  • The state income tax in IA is 0.33% - 8.53% compared to 2.2% - 6.6% in DE
  • The affluence in Iowa is modest compared to moderate affluence in Delaware
  • The poverty level is lower in Iowa compared to an average level in Delaware
  • In terms of homelessness, it is low in Delaware and very low in Iowa

Political and Religious Climate in Delaware vs. Iowa

ComparisonDelawareIowa
Political Make-upLean DemocraticSwing State
Local Politics<a href="https://elections.delaware.gov/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Delaware Elections</a><a href="https://sos.iowa.gov/elections/voterinformation/index.html" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Iowa Voter Information</a>
ReligionChristianity predominant, diverse religious presenceChristianity predominant, notable religious variety
  • Delaware tends to lean 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 predominantly christianity with notable religious variety
  • Delaware's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as predominantly christianity with a diverse religious presence

Education Guide When Moving from Delaware to Iowa

ComparisonDelawareIowa
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Delaware
Delaware State University
Wilmington University
University of Iowa
Iowa State University
University of Northern Iowa
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsCharter School of Wilmington
Star Hill Elementary
Newark Charter Jr/Sr High
Wickham Elementary
Borlaug Elementary
Norman Borlaug Elementary
Top 3 Middle SchoolsCharter School of Wilmington
Cab Calloway School of the Arts
Sussex Academy
Ames Middle School
North Central Junior High
South East Junior High
Top 3 High School SchoolsDelaware Military Academy
Newark Charter High
Charter School of Wilmington
West Senior High
Ames High
Decorah High School
Top 3 private high schoolsTower Hill School
St. Andrews School
Archmere Academy
The Scattergood Friends School
Maharishi School
Dowling Catholic High School
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsTower Hill School
Archmere Academy
Wilmington Friends School
Maharishi School
Scattergood Friends School
Des Moines Christian School
Top 3 School DistrictsAppoquinimink School District
Cape Henlopen School District
Brandywine School District
Iowa City Community School District
Ames Community School District
West Des Moines Community Schools

How Much Do Delaware to Iowa Movers Cost?

Moving 1,080 miles from Delaware 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.

  • Expected Range: $2,500 - $6,500
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Hemmen Moving
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,815300 ft3$6.05
1 Bedroom$2,700450 ft3$6.00
2 Bedrooms$4,462750 ft3$5.95
3 Bedrooms$6,4891100 ft3$5.90
4 Bedrooms$9,3591600 ft3$5.85
5+ Bedrooms$10,4391800 ft3$5.80

Top Delaware to Iowa Movers

Read our in-depth analysis of the best Delaware to Iowa movers with detailed rankings, cost breakdowns, and reviews.

TOP PICK
Adamantine Spine Moving featured image

Adamantine Spine Moving

Best moving company overall for Delaware to Iowa

9.54/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Adamantine Spine Moving featured image

Adamantine Spine Moving

9.44/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
SSW Moving & Junk Removal featured image

SSW Moving & Junk Removal

9.08/10
ExceptionalView details
Top Delaware to Iowa Routes

Wilmington to Iowa