Iowa to California Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Iowa to California

ConsIowa

• Harsh winters
• Lack of beaches
• Limited job market
• Few entertainment options

ProsCalifornia

• Mild climate
• Beach access
• Thriving opportunities
• Vibrant entertainment scene

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California

• High living expenses
• Dense population
• Significant congestion
• Urban sprawl

Iowa

• Low cost of living
• Community feel
• Less traffic
• Local agriculture

Pros of moving from Iowa to California

• Say goodbye to harsh winters and hello to a mild climate
• Look forward to moving away from a lack of beaches and moving to California with beach access
• Swap the limited job market of Iowa for thriving opportunities in California
• Get ready for a vibrant entertainment scene in California

Cons of moving from Iowa to California

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from a low cost of living in Iowa to live with high living expenses in California
• You'll lose out on the pro of a community feel and have to settle for the con of a dense population
• Time to bid farewell to less traffic and get used to significant congestion in California
• Swap local agriculture for urban sprawl

Iowa vs. California: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Iowa to California, you will be trading the iconic Pork Tenderloin Sandwich of Iowa for the equally delicious California Roll of California. And while the locals in Iowa rave about their flavorful Iowa Chop and sumptuous Deep Fried Butter, California residents know they have tasty Tri-tip Steak and Fish 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 Avocado Toast of California. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Iowa eateries like The Machine Shed, Flying Mango, and Zombie Burger + Drink Lab. After the boxes are unpacked in California, don't wait too long before making your way to California's acclaimed eateries like Chez Panisse, Spago, and La Esquina.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Iowa and California

• The Modern Farmhouse architecture that Iowa is known for will be replaced with the Spanish Revival architecture typical of California.
• Compared to Iowa's real estate listings that commonly reference large yards and quiet streets, California real estate listings often highlight features like proximity to the beach and modern amenities.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. California is more walkable than Iowa.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike. California is more bike-friendly than Iowa.
• California has more of an urban feel than Iowa.
• California housing costs are 266% more expensive than they are in Iowa, with a median home price of $783,666 compared to Iowa’s $214,151.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in California have increased 42% compared to a 36% increase in Iowa.
• Rent in California is 152.32% more expensive than in Iowa.

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

• Break out the sunglasses for your move from Iowa to California. California gets 39% more sunshine days than Iowa.
• California 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 earthquakes and wildfires in California.
• The average summer high temperature in California is 3 degrees warmer than in Iowa.
• The average winter lows are 34 degrees warmer than they are in Iowa.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in California. California receives 12 fewer inches of rain compared to Iowa.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Iowa and California

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in California tend to earn about 32% more than in Iowa
• The COLI in California is 42% higher than what you are used to living in Iowa
• The state income tax in CA is 13.3% compared to 8.53% in IA
• The affluence in California is high compared to moderate in Iowa
• The poverty level is moderate in California compared to low in Iowa
• In terms of homelessness, it is very low in Iowa and high in California

Political and Religious Climate in Iowa vs. California

• Iowa tends to lean mixed and tends to swing between parties in its political climate
• California, on the other hand, is often described as strongly Democratic
• California's religious environment can be described as diverse with significant numbers of non-religious residents
• Iowa's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as predominantly Christianity with diverse religious communities

Education Guide When Moving from Iowa to California

How Much Do Iowa to California Movers Cost?

Moving 1,851 miles from Iowa to California will typically cost between $3,500 and $8,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.