Iowa to Colorado Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Iowa to Colorado

ConsIowa

• Extreme winter cold
• Flat landscapes
• Limited outdoor activities
• Fewer job opportunities

ProsColorado

• Milder winter climate
• Mountain views
• Hiking and skiing
• Diverse job market

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Colorado

• Higher living expenses
• Denver traffic jam
• Busy city atmosphere
• More transient communities

Iowa

• Lower cost of living
• Less traffic congestion
• Quiet rural life
• Close-knit communities

Pros of moving from Iowa to Colorado

• Say goodbye to extreme winter cold and hello to milder winter climate
• Look forward to moving away from flat landscapes and moving to Colorado with mountain views
• Swap the limited outdoor activities of Iowa for hiking and skiing in Colorado
• Get ready for a diverse job market in Colorado

Cons of moving from Iowa to Colorado

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the lower cost of living in Iowa to live with higher living expenses in Colorado
• You'll lose out on the pro of less traffic congestion and have to settle for the con of Denver traffic jams
• Time to bid farewell to quiet rural life and get used to a busy city atmosphere in Colorado
• Swap close-knit communities for more transient communities

Iowa vs. Colorado: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Iowa to Colorado, you will be trading the iconic Pork Tenderloin Sandwich of Iowa for the equally delicious Green Chili (Chile Verde) of Colorado. And while the locals in Iowa rave about their flavorful Grilled Pork Chops and sumptuous Sweet Corn, Colorado residents know they have tasty Bison Burgers and Tacos to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Vegan Corn Dogs they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Quinoa Salads of Colorado. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Iowa eateries like Zombie Burger + Drink Lab, The Machine Shed Restaurant, and Amana Colonies’ Restaurants. After the boxes are unpacked in Colorado, don't wait too long before making your way to Colorado's acclaimed eateries like Frasca Food and Wine, Snooze, an A.M. Eatery, and The Sink.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Iowa and Colorado

• The Ranch and Craftsman architecture that Iowa is known for will be replaced with the Mountain and Modern architecture typical of Colorado.
• Compared to Iowa's real estate listings that commonly reference spacious backyards and central locations, Colorado real estate listings often highlight features like scenic views and proximity to nature.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes; Colorado is more walkable than Iowa.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike; Colorado is more bike-friendly than Iowa.
• Colorado has more of an urban feel than Iowa.
• Colorado housing costs are 156% more expensive than they are in Iowa, with a median home price of $549,126 compared to Iowa’s $214,151.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Colorado have increased 40% compared to a 36% increase in Iowa.
• Rent in Colorado is 87.56% more expensive than in Iowa.

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

• Break out the sunglasses for your move from Iowa to Colorado. Colorado gets 20% more sunshine days than Iowa.
• Colorado 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 avalanches in Colorado.
• The average summer high temperature in Colorado is the same as Iowa.
• The average winter lows are 4 degrees warmer than they are in Iowa.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in Colorado. Colorado receives 20.4 fewer inches of rain compared to Iowa.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Iowa and Colorado

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Colorado tend to earn about 28% more than in Iowa
• The COLI in Colorado is 3% higher than what you are used to living in Iowa
• The state income tax in CO is 4.63% compared to 6.5% in IA
• The affluence in Colorado is high compared to moderate in Iowa
• The poverty level is moderate in Colorado compared to low in Iowa
• In terms of homelessness, it is low in Iowa and moderate in Colorado

Political and Religious Climate in Iowa vs. Colorado

• Iowa tends to lean swing state, with a slight lean towards conservative in its political climate
• Colorado, on the other hand, is often described as lean Democratic, especially in urban areas like Denver and Boulder
• Colorado's religious environment can be described as less religious overall, with a significant portion of residents identifying as unaffiliated
• Iowa's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as Christian majority, with a significant Protestant presence

Education Guide When Moving from Iowa to Colorado

How Much Do Iowa to Colorado Movers Cost?

Moving 773 miles from Iowa to Colorado 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.