Florida to Iowa Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Florida to Iowa

ConsFlorida

• High humidity
• Hurricane risk
• Expensive housing
• High traffic
• Heavy tourism

ProsIowa

• Lower humidity
• Minimal natural disasters
• Affordable housing
• Less congestion
• Quieter lifestyle

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Iowa

• Cold winters
• Inland location
• Less diverse culture
• Seasonal activities
• Fewer urban options

Florida

• Warm winters
• Beach access
• Rich culture
• Year-round outdoor activities
• Big-city amenities

Pros of moving from Florida to Iowa

• Say goodbye to high humidity and hello to lower humidity
• Look forward to moving away from hurricane risk and moving to Iowa with minimal natural disasters
• Swap the expensive housing of Florida for affordable housing in Iowa
• Get ready for less congestion in Iowa

Cons of moving from Florida to Iowa

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from warm winters in Florida to live with cold winters in Iowa
• You'll lose out on the pro of beach access and have to settle for the con of an inland location
• Time to bid farewell to rich culture and get used to a less diverse culture in Iowa
• Swap year-round outdoor activities for seasonal activities

Florida vs. Iowa: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Florida to Iowa, you will be trading the iconic Key Lime Pie of Florida for the equally delicious Corn of Iowa. And while the locals in Florida rave about their flavorful Cuban Sandwich and sumptuous Empanadas, Iowa residents know they have tasty Pork Tenderloin Sandwich and Fried Snickers to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Jackfruit Tacos they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Veggie Corn Dogs of Iowa. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Florida eateries like Versailles Restaurant, Joe's Stone Crab, and Bern's Steak House. After the boxes are unpacked in Iowa, don't wait too long before making your way to Iowa's acclaimed eateries like Zombie Burger, The Summit, and The Ronneburg Restaurant.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Florida and Iowa

• The Mediterranean and Ranch architecture that Florida is known for will be replaced with the Craftsman and Ranch architecture typical of Iowa.
• Compared to Florida's real estate listings that commonly reference swimming pools and waterfront, Iowa real estate listings often highlight features like spacious backyards and energy efficiency.
• You can keep your walking shoes packed away. Iowa is less walkable than Florida.
• You might want to think twice before moving your bike. Iowa is less bike-friendly than Florida.
• Iowa has less of an urban feel than Florida.
• Iowa housing costs are 46% less expensive than they are in Florida with a median home price of $214,151 compared to Florida’s $397,137.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Iowa have increased by 36% compared to a 66% increase in Florida.
• Rent in Iowa is 51.43% more affordable than in Florida.

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

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from Florida to Iowa. Iowa gets 14% fewer sunshine days than Florida.
• Iowa has lower humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Florida.
• Say goodbye to the possible hurricanes and tropical storms in Florida, but be on the lookout for potential tornadoes and blizzards in Iowa.
• Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in Iowa is 5 degrees colder than in Florida.
• The average winter lows are 34 degrees colder than they are in Florida.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in Iowa. Iowa receives 14 fewer inches of rain compared to Florida.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Florida and Iowa

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Iowa tend to earn about 0% more than in Florida
• The COLI in Iowa will be 2% lower than what you are used to living in Florida
• Bummer... By moving from FL to IA, you'll now have a state income tax of 4.4%
• The affluence in Iowa is stable compared to moderate in Florida
• The poverty level is manageable in Iowa compared to concerning in Florida
• In terms of homelessness, it is widespread in Florida and limited in Iowa

Political and Religious Climate in Florida vs. Iowa

• Florida tends to lean mixed and leans slightly Republican in its political climate
• Iowa, on the other hand, is often described as a swing state with a current slight Republican lean
• Iowa's religious environment can be described as primarily Christian, including a significant Catholic and Protestant population
• Florida's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as a Christian majority with a significant number of non-religious individuals

How Much Do Florida to Iowa Movers Cost?

Moving 1,387 miles from Florida to Iowa will typically cost between $3,000 and $7,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.