Iowa to Alabama Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Iowa to Alabama

ConsIowa

• Harsh winters
• Limited coastline
• Fewer cultural events
• Flat landscape

ProsAlabama

• Milder winters
• Gulf Coast beaches
• Richer cultural heritage
• Diverse geography

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Alabama

• Higher crime rates
• High humidity
• Higher insurance rates
• Limited public transport

Iowa

• Low crime rates
• Low humidity
• Affordable living
• Wide open spaces

Pros of moving from Iowa to Alabama

• Say goodbye to harsh winters and hello to milder winters
• Look forward to moving away from limited coastline and moving to Alabama with Gulf Coast beaches
• Swap the fewer cultural events of Iowa for a richer cultural heritage in Alabama
• Get ready for diverse geography in Alabama

Cons of moving from Iowa to Alabama

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from low crime rates in Iowa to live with higher crime rates in Alabama
• You'll lose out on the pro of low humidity and have to settle for the con of high humidity
• Time to bid farewell to affordable living and get used to higher insurance rates in Alabama
• Swap wide open spaces for limited public transport

Iowa vs. Alabama: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Iowa to Alabama, you will be trading the iconic Pork Tenderloin Sandwich of Iowa for the equally delicious Alabama Barbecue of Alabama. And while the locals in Iowa rave about their flavorful Corn-Fed Beef and sumptuous State Fair Corn Dogs, Alabama residents know they have tasty Pulled Pork and Boiled Peanuts to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Midwest Corn Salad they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Collard Greens of Alabama. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Iowa eateries like Jethro’s BBQ, Hickory Park Restaurant Co., and Mabe's Pizza. After the boxes are unpacked in Alabama, don't wait too long before making your way to Alabama's acclaimed eateries like Saw’s BBQ, Highlands Bar and Grill, and The Bright Star.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Iowa and Alabama

• The Farmhouse and Ranch architecture that Iowa is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Cottage architecture typical of Alabama.
• Compared to Iowa's real estate listings that commonly reference large yards and proximity to schools, Alabama real estate listings often highlight features like historic details and hardwood floors.
• You can keep your walking shoes packed away; Alabama is less walkable than Iowa.
• You might want to think twice before moving your bike; Alabama is less bike-friendly than Iowa.
• Alabama has less of an urban feel than Iowa.
• Alabama housing costs are 6% more expensive than they are in Iowa, with a median home price of $226,045 compared to Iowa’s $214,151.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Alabama have increased by 45% compared to a 36% increase in Iowa.
• Rent in Alabama is 36.42% more expensive than in Iowa.

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

• Break out the sunglasses for your move from Iowa to Alabama. Alabama gets 4% more sunshine days than Iowa.
• Alabama has higher humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Iowa.
• Say goodbye to the possible tornadoes and blizzards in Iowa, but be on the lookout for potential hurricanes and tornadoes in Alabama.
• Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in Alabama is 9 degrees warmer than in Iowa.
• The average winter lows are 22 degrees warmer than they are in Iowa.
• Your umbrella might be more overworked in Alabama. Alabama receives 22 more inches of rain compared to Iowa.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Iowa and Alabama

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Alabama tend to earn about 14% less than in Iowa
• The COLI in Alabama will be 5% lower than what you are used to living in Iowa
• The state income tax in AL is 5% compared to 6.5% in IA
• The affluence in Alabama is lower compared to moderate in Iowa
• The poverty level is high in Alabama compared to low in Iowa
• In terms of homelessness, it is rare in Iowa and common in Alabama

Political and Religious Climate in Iowa vs. Alabama

• Iowa tends to lean battleground State in its political climate
• Alabama, on the other hand, is often described as strongly Republican
• Alabama's religious environment can be described as a Protestant majority, notably Baptist, with one of the highest church attendances in the U.S.
• Iowa's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as a Protestant majority, with a significant Catholic minority

Education Guide When Moving from Iowa to Alabama

How Much Do Iowa to Alabama Movers Cost?

Moving 951 miles from Iowa to Alabama will typically cost between $2,500 and $6,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.