Hawaii to Iowa Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Hawaii to Iowa

ConsHawaii

• High cost of living
• Isolated location
• Limited land
• Frequent tourist traffic

ProsIowa

• Affordable housing
• Easy U.S. access
• Ample farmland
• Quieter lifestyle

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Iowa

• Landlocked state
• Harsh winters
• Less cultural variety
• Flat terrain

Hawaii

• Beautiful beaches
• Year-round warm weather
• Rich cultural diversity
• Exotic landscapes

Pros of moving from Hawaii to Iowa

• Say goodbye to the high cost of living and hello to affordable housing
• Look forward to moving away from an isolated location and moving to Iowa with easy U.S. access
• Swap the limited land of Hawaii for ample farmland in Iowa
• Get ready for a quieter lifestyle in Iowa

Cons of moving from Hawaii to Iowa

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from beautiful beaches in Hawaii to live in a landlocked state in Iowa
• You'll lose out on the pro of year-round warm weather and have to settle for the con of harsh winters
• Time to bid farewell to rich cultural diversity and get used to less cultural variety in Iowa
• Swap exotic landscapes for flat terrain

Hawaii vs. Iowa: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Hawaii to Iowa, you will be trading the iconic Poke of Hawaii for the equally delicious Corn on the Cob of Iowa. And while the locals in Hawaii rave about their flavorful Kalua Pig and sumptuous Shave Ice, Iowa residents know they have tasty Pork Tenderloin Sandwich and Walking Tacos to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Acai Bowl they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Vegetarian Chili of Iowa. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Hawaii eateries like Helena's Hawaiian Food, Alan Wong's, and Roy's Hawaii. After the boxes are unpacked in Iowa, don't wait too long before making your way to Iowa's acclaimed eateries like The Iowa Stater, Jethro's BBQ, and The Ronneburg Restaurant.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Hawaii and Iowa

• The Plantation and Modern architecture that Hawaii is known for will be replaced with the Prairie and Craftsman architecture typical of Iowa.
• Compared to Hawaii's real estate listings that commonly reference ocean views and lanais, Iowa real estate listings often highlight features like spacious yards and basements.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Iowa is more walkable than Hawaii.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Iowa is more bike-friendly than Hawaii.
• Iowa has less of an urban feel than Hawaii.
• Iowa housing costs are 75% less expensive than they are in Hawaii, with a median home price of $214,151 compared to Hawaii’s $858,106.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Iowa have increased by 36% compared to a 38% increase in Hawaii.
• Rent in Iowa is 63.15% more affordable than in Hawaii.

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

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from Hawaii to Iowa. Iowa gets 27% fewer sunshine days than Hawaii.
• Iowa has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Hawaii.
• Say goodbye to the possible hurricanes and tsunamis in Hawaii, but be on the lookout for potential tornadoes and blizzards in Iowa.
• The average summer high temperature in Iowa is the same as Hawaii.
• The average winter lows are 49 degrees colder than they are in Hawaii.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in Iowa. Iowa receives 29.7 fewer inches of rain compared to Hawaii.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Hawaii and Iowa

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Iowa tend to earn about 25% less than in Hawaii
• The COLI in Iowa will be 42% lower than what you are used to living in Hawaii
• The state income tax in IA is 0.33% - 8.53% compared to 1.4% - 11% in HI
• The affluence in Iowa is moderate compared to moderate affluence in Hawaii
• The poverty level is low in Iowa compared to moderate poverty in Hawaii
• In terms of homelessness, it is high in Hawaii and low in Iowa

Political and Religious Climate in Hawaii vs. Iowa

• Hawaii tends to lean strong Democratic preference in its political climate with long-standing dominance by Democratic candidates, and urban and neighbor island areas largely voting blue.
• Iowa, on the other hand, is often described as historically a swing state, and in recent cycles shows a Republican edge in statewide and federal races. Urban centers and university towns lean Democratic, while many rural areas are Republican.
• Iowa's religious environment can be described as predominantly Christian, largely Protestant and Catholic, with smaller representation of non-Christian faiths and a meaningful but smaller unaffiliated share compared with national urban centers.
• Hawaii's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as a diverse landscape with a Christian plurality alongside notable Buddhist, Shinto, and other Asian and Pacific traditions, and a relatively higher share of the religiously unaffiliated compared with many states.