Movers

Georgia to Iowa Moving Guide

Updated June 8, 2025

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Planning a 1,046 mile interstate move from Georgia to Iowa? This moving guide will help you compare living in Georgia vs Iowa across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like hot, humid summers vs milder temperatures), food & health (like Peach Cobbler vs Corn on the Cob), real estate & housing (colonial, craftsman vs farmhouse, ranch), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Georgia), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Peach Cobbler and Fried Chicken, but get your taste buds ready for Corn on the Cob & Pork Tenderloin Sandwich
  • Iowa housing costs are 35% less expensive than they are in Georgia
  • Rent in Iowa is 40.49% more affordable than in Georgia
  • Moving from Georgia to Iowa will cost on average between $2,000 - $6,500
  • Our top recommended Georgia to Iowa movers is Adamantine Spine Moving

Georgia to Iowa Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Georgia to Iowa

ConsGeorgia iconGeorgia
  • Hot, humid summers
  • Traffic congestion
  • High pollen counts
  • Busy city life
ProsIowa iconIowa
  • Milder temperatures
  • Easier commutes
  • Fresher air
  • Tranquil living

Iowa iconIowa
  • Limited cultural diversity
  • No ocean access
  • Newer development
  • Quieter evenings
Georgia iconGeorgia
  • Diverse culture
  • Coastal access
  • Rich history
  • Vibrant nightlife

Pros of moving from Georgia to Iowa

  • Say goodbye to hot, humid summers and hello to milder temperatures
  • Look forward to moving away from traffic congestion and moving to Iowa with easier commutes
  • Swap the high pollen counts of Georgia for fresher air in Iowa
  • Get ready for tranquil living in Iowa

Cons of moving from Georgia to Iowa

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from diverse culture in Georgia to live with limited cultural diversity in Iowa
  • You'll lose out on the pro of coastal access and have to settle with the con of no ocean access
  • Time to bid farewell to rich history and get used to newer developments in Iowa
  • Swap vibrant nightlife for quieter evenings

Georgia vs. Iowa: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonGeorgiaIowa
Most iconic local food itemPeach CobblerCorn on the Cob
Most popular meat dishFried ChickenPork Tenderloin Sandwich
Most popular street food itemBoiled PeanutsSweet Corn
Most popular vegan foodCollard GreensVegan Corn Dogs
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • The Lady and Sons
  • The Varsity
  • Mary Mac's Tea Room
  • Zombie Burger + Drink Lab
  • The Machine Shed Restaurant
  • Amana Colonies
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 Georgia to Iowa, you will be trading the iconic Peach Cobbler of Georgia for the equally delicious Corn on the Cob of Iowa. And while the locals in Georgia rave about their flavorful Fried Chicken and sumptuous Boiled Peanuts, Iowa residents know they have tasty Pork Tenderloin Sandwich and Sweet Corn to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Collard Greens they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Vegan Corn Dogs of Iowa. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Georgia eateries like The Lady and Sons, The Varsity, and Mary Mac's Tea Room. After the boxes are unpacked in Iowa, don't wait too long before making your way to Iowa's acclaimed eateries like Zombie Burger + Drink Lab, The Machine Shed Restaurant, and Amana Colonies.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Georgia and Iowa

ComparisonGeorgiaIowa
Typical Architecture StyleColonial, CraftsmanFarmhouse, Ranch
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 listingSpacious yards, Granite countertopsEnergy efficiency, Open floor plans
  • The Colonial and Craftsman architecture that Georgia is known for will be replaced with the Farmhouse and Ranch architecture typical of Iowa.
  • Compared to Georgia's real estate listings that commonly reference spacious yards and granite countertops, Iowa real estate listings often highlight features like energy efficiency and open floor plans.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes; Iowa is more walkable than Georgia.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike; Iowa is more bike-friendly than Georgia.
  • Iowa has less of an urban feel than Georgia.
  • Iowa housing costs are 35% less expensive than they are in Georgia, with a median home price of $214,151 compared to Georgia’s $327,174.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Iowa have increased by 36% compared to a 64% increase in Georgia.
  • Rent in Iowa is 40.49% more affordable than in Georgia.

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

ComparisonGeorgiaIowa
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, TornadoesTornadoes, Blizzards
Air QualityGoodVariable
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)89/6886/63
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)52/3331/14
Annual Rainfall (Inches)5036
Annual Snowfall (Inches)136
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from Georgia to Iowa. Iowa gets 6% fewer sunshine days than Georgia.
  • Iowa has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Georgia.
  • Say goodbye to the possible hurricanes and tornadoes in Georgia, but be on the lookout for potential tornadoes and blizzards in Iowa.
  • The average summer high temperature in Iowa is 3 degrees colder than in Georgia.
  • The average winter lows are 19 degrees colder than they are in Georgia.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in Iowa. Iowa receives 14 fewer inches of rain compared to Georgia.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Georgia and Iowa

ComparisonGeorgiaIowa
Avg. Household Income$72,837$69,588
Cost of Living Index93.3595.9
State Income Tax5.75%8.53%
Avg. Property Tax0.92%1.53%
Avg. Sales Tax7.25%6.94%
Top 3 IndustriesFinance, Film, AgricultureAgriculture, Manufacturing, Finance
AffluenceModerateHigh
PovertyModerateLow
HomelessnessModerateLow
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Iowa tend to earn about 4% less than in Georgia
  • The COLI in Iowa will be 3% higher than what you are used to living in Georgia
  • The state income tax in IA is 8.53% compared to 5.75% in GA
  • The affluence in Iowa is high compared to moderate in Georgia
  • The poverty level is low in Iowa compared to moderate in Georgia
  • In terms of homelessness, it is moderate in Georgia and low in Iowa

Political and Religious Climate in Georgia vs. Iowa

ComparisonGeorgiaIowa
Political Make-upSwing State, leans towards DemocraticSwing State, leans towards Republican
Local PoliticsMixture of urban liberal & rural conservativeRural conservative with urban liberal pockets
ReligionProtestant, Evangelical strong influenceProtestant, Catholic strong presence
  • Georgia tends to lean swing State and leans towards Democratic in its political climate
  • Iowa, on the other hand, is often described as swing State and leans towards Republican
  • Iowa's religious environment can be described as Protestant with a strong Catholic presence
  • Georgia's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as Protestant with a strong Evangelical influence

Education Guide When Moving from Georgia to Iowa

ComparisonGeorgiaIowa
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Georgia
Georgia State University
Georgia Institute of Technology
University of Iowa
Iowa State University
University of Northern Iowa
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsBrandon Elementary School
Atlanta; Kittredge Magnet School
Atlanta; Lake Windward Elementary
Alpharetta
Wickham Elementary
Coralville; Roosevelt Elementary
Ames; Grant Wood Elementary
Bettendorf
Top 3 Middle SchoolsSouth Forsyth Middle School
Cumming; Riverwatch Middle School
Suwanee; Dickerson Middle School
Marietta
Ames Middle School
Ames; North Central Junior High
North Liberty; Bettendorf Middle School
Bettendorf
Top 3 High School SchoolsNorthview High School
Johns Creek; Walton High School
Marietta; Lambert High School
Suwanee
West High School
Iowa City; Ames High School
Ames; Pleasant Valley High School
Bettendorf
Top 3 private high schoolsThe Westminster Schools
Atlanta; Pace Academy
Atlanta; The Lovett School
Atlanta
Phillips Academy
Andover; The Blake School
Minneapolis; Breck School
Golden Valley
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsAtlanta International School
Atlanta; Holy Innocents' Episcopal School
Atlanta; Woodward Academy
College Park
Maharishi School
Fairfield; Scattergood Friends School
West Branch; Cedar Valley Christian School
Cedar Rapids
Top 3 School DistrictsForsyth County Schools; Fulton County Schools; Gwinnett County Public SchoolsIowa City Community School District; Ames Community School District; Des Moines Public Schools

How Much Do Georgia to Iowa Movers Cost?

Moving 1,046 miles from Georgia 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 - $6,500
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-3 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Atlanta Home Movers
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,795300 ft3$5.98
1 Bedroom$2,671450 ft3$5.93
2 Bedrooms$4,414750 ft3$5.88
3 Bedrooms$6,4181100 ft3$5.83
4 Bedrooms$9,2561600 ft3$5.78
5+ Bedrooms$10,3231800 ft3$5.73

Top Georgia to Iowa Movers

Read our in-depth analysis of the best Georgia 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 Georgia to Iowa

9.54/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Moving Etc

Moving Etc

9.50/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Adamantine Spine Moving featured image

Adamantine Spine Moving

9.44/10
ExceptionalView details
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