Iowa to Arizona Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Iowa to Arizona

ConsIowa

• Severe winters
• Limited job market
• Flat terrain
• Lack of big cities

ProsArizona

• Warmer climate
• Diverse opportunities
• Diverse landscapes
• Vibrant urban life

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Arizona

• Higher living costs
• Intense heat
• Busy traffic
• Limited water

Iowa

• Friendly communities
• Low crime rate
• Quiet lifestyle
• Rich agriculture

Pros of moving from Iowa to Arizona

• Say goodbye to severe winters and hello to a warmer climate
• Look forward to moving away from a limited job market and moving to Arizona with diverse opportunities
• Swap the flat terrain of Iowa for diverse landscapes in Arizona
• Get ready for a vibrant urban life in Arizona

Cons of moving from Iowa to Arizona

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from friendly communities in Iowa to live with higher living costs in Arizona
• You'll lose out on the pro of a low crime rate and have to settle with the con of intense heat
• Time to bid farewell to a quiet lifestyle and get used to busy traffic in Arizona
• Swap rich agriculture for limited water

Iowa vs. Arizona: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Iowa to Arizona, you will be trading the iconic Pork Tenderloin Sandwich of Iowa for the equally delicious Sonoran Hot Dog of Arizona. And while the locals in Iowa rave about their flavorful Grilled Pork Chops and sumptuous Sweet Corn, Arizona residents know they have tasty Carne Asada and Tacos to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Quinoa Salad they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Vegan Burrito of Arizona. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Iowa eateries like Jethro's BBQ, Zombie Burger, and A & A Pagoda. After the boxes are unpacked in Arizona, don't wait too long before making your way to Arizona's acclaimed eateries like Pizzicletta, Elote Cafe, and Bacanora.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Iowa and Arizona

• The Prairie and Ranch architecture that Iowa is known for will be replaced with the Spanish Colonial and Pueblo architecture typical of Arizona.
• Compared to Iowa's real estate listings, which commonly reference large yards and quiet neighborhoods, Arizona real estate listings often highlight features like pools and desert landscaping.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes; Arizona is more walkable than Iowa.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike; Arizona is more bike-friendly than Iowa.
• Arizona has more of an urban feel than Iowa.
• Arizona housing costs are 101% more expensive than they are in Iowa, with a median home price of $430,827 compared to Iowa’s $214,151.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Arizona have increased by 63% compared to a 36% increase in Iowa.
• Rent in Arizona is 77.11% more expensive than in Iowa.

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

• Break out the sunglasses for your move from Iowa to Arizona. Arizona gets 40% more sunshine days than Iowa.
• Arizona has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Iowa.
• Say goodbye to the possible tornadoes and floods in Iowa, but be on the lookout for potential wildfires and flash floods in Arizona.
• Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in Arizona is 20 degrees warmer than in Iowa.
• The average winter lows are 32 degrees warmer than they are in Iowa.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in Arizona. Arizona receives 21 fewer inches of rain compared to Iowa.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Iowa and Arizona

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Arizona tend to earn about 7% more than in Iowa
• The COLI in Arizona is 6% higher than what you are used to living in Iowa
• The state income tax in AZ is 4.50% compared to 8.53% in IA
• The affluence in Arizona is varied compared to moderate affluence in Iowa
• The poverty level is moderate in Arizona compared to low in Iowa
• In terms of homelessness, it is minimal in Iowa and noticeable in Arizona

Political and Religious Climate in Iowa vs. Arizona

• Iowa tends to lean varies and is a swing state in its political climate
• Arizona, on the other hand, is often described as likely leaning conservative and is a historically swing state
• Arizona's religious environment can be described as having a Christian plurality and a significant non-religious population
• Iowa's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as predominantly Christian with a Protestant majority

Education Guide When Moving from Iowa to Arizona

How Much Do Iowa to Arizona Movers Cost?

Moving 1,352 miles from Iowa to Arizona 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.