IA to CT Moving Specialists

Iowa to Connecticut Moving Guide

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Updated June 15, 2025

Planning a 1,168 mile interstate move from Iowa to Connecticut? This moving guide will help you compare living in Iowa vs Connecticut across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like harsh winters vs moderate climates), food & health (like Pork Tenderloin Sandwich vs Lobster Roll), real estate & housing (ranch, craftsman vs colonial, cape cod), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Connecticut), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Pork Tenderloin Sandwich and Iowa Chop (Pork Chop), but get your taste buds ready for Lobster Roll & New Haven-style Pizza
  • Connecticut housing costs are 84% more expensive than they are in Iowa
  • Rent in Connecticut is 84.56% more expensive than in Iowa
  • Moving from Iowa to Connecticut will cost on average between $2,000 - $6,500
  • Our top recommended Iowa to Connecticut movers is Adamantine Spine Moving
Iowa to Connecticut featured image

Top Iowa to Connecticut Movers

Read our in-depth analysis of the best Iowa to Connecticut movers with detailed rankings, cost breakdowns, and reviews.

TOP PICK
Adamantine Spine Moving featured image

Adamantine Spine Moving

Best moving company overall for Iowa to Connecticut

9.54/10
Exceptional
RUNNER-UP
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Adamantine Spine Moving

9.44/10
Exceptional
ALSO GREAT
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Best Move Inc

9.25/10
Exceptional

Iowa to Connecticut Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Iowa to Connecticut

ConsIowa iconIowa
  • Harsh winters
  • Limited job opportunities
  • Lack of coastline
  • Fewer cultural events
ProsConnecticut iconConnecticut
  • Moderate climates
  • Vibrant job market
  • Beautiful beaches
  • Diverse cultural scene

Connecticut iconConnecticut
  • Higher expenses
  • More transient populations
  • Limited open spaces
  • Denser traffic
Iowa iconIowa
  • Low cost of living
  • Close-knit communities
  • Easy outdoor access
  • Less traffic congestion

Pros of moving from Iowa to Connecticut

  • Say goodbye to harsh winters and hello to moderate climates
  • Look forward to moving away from limited job opportunities and moving to Connecticut with a vibrant job market
  • Swap the lack of coastline in Iowa for beautiful beaches in Connecticut
  • Get ready for a diverse cultural scene in Connecticut

Cons of moving from Iowa to Connecticut

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from a low cost of living in Iowa to live with higher expenses in Connecticut
  • You'll lose out on the pro of close-knit communities and have to settle for the con of more transient populations
  • Time to bid farewell to easy outdoor access and get used to limited open spaces in Connecticut
  • Swap less traffic congestion for denser traffic

Iowa vs. Connecticut: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonIowaConnecticut
Most iconic local food itemPork Tenderloin SandwichLobster Roll
Most popular meat dishIowa Chop (Pork Chop)New Haven-style Pizza
Most popular street food itemSweet CornSteamed Cheeseburgers
Most popular vegan foodTofu ScrambleSeitan Wings
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • The Iowa Stater
  • Zombie Burger
  • The Machine Shed
  • Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana
  • Sally's Apizza
  • Ted's Restaurant
Fitness/Health ConscientiousnessπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺ
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

If you're moving from Iowa to Connecticut, you will be trading the iconic Pork Tenderloin Sandwich of Iowa for the equally delicious Lobster Roll of Connecticut. And while the locals in Iowa rave about their flavorful Iowa Chop (Pork Chop) and sumptuous Sweet Corn, Connecticut residents know they have tasty New Haven-style Pizza and Steamed Cheeseburgers to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Tofu Scramble they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Seitan Wings of Connecticut. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Iowa eateries like The Iowa Stater, Zombie Burger, and The Machine Shed. After the boxes are unpacked in Connecticut, don't wait too long before making your way to Connecticut's acclaimed eateries like Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana, Sally's Apizza, and Ted's Restaurant.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Iowa and Connecticut

ComparisonIowaConnecticut
Typical Architecture StyleRanch, CraftsmanColonial, Cape Cod
WalkabilityπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘Ÿ
Bikeability🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban LifestyleπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈ
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingSpacious yards, quiet neighborhoodsProximity to schools, historic charm
  • The Ranch and Craftsman architecture that Iowa is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Cape Cod architecture typical of Connecticut.
  • Compared to Iowa's real estate listings that commonly reference spacious yards and quiet neighborhoods, Connecticut real estate listings often highlight features like proximity to schools and historic charm.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes; Connecticut is more walkable than Iowa.
  • Connecticut is similarly bike-friendly to Iowa.
  • Connecticut has more of an urban feel than Iowa.
  • Connecticut housing costs are 84% more expensive than they are in Iowa with a median home price of $393,802 compared to Iowa’s $214,151.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Connecticut have increased by 55% compared to a 36% increase in Iowa.
  • Rent in Connecticut is 84.56% more expensive than in Iowa.

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

ComparisonIowaConnecticut
Days of Sunshine per Yearβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈ
Avg. Annual HumidityπŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦
Avg. UV IndexπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈ
Natural DisastersTornadoes, Severe StormsWinter Storms, Hurricanes
Air QualityGoodModerate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)85/6383/62
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)31/1435/18
Annual Rainfall (Inches)3650
Annual Snowfall (Inches)3540
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from Iowa to Connecticut. Connecticut gets 1% fewer sunshine days than Iowa.
  • Connecticut has lower humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Iowa.
  • Say goodbye to the possible tornadoes and severe storms in Iowa, but be on the lookout for potential winter storms and hurricanes in Connecticut.
  • The average summer high temperature in Connecticut is 2 degrees colder than in Iowa.
  • The average winter lows are 4 degrees warmer than they are in Iowa.
  • Your umbrella might be more overworked in Connecticut. Connecticut receives 14 more inches of rain compared to Iowa.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Iowa and Connecticut

ComparisonIowaConnecticut
Avg. Household Income$69,588$88,429
Cost of Living Index95.9122.1
State Income Tax8.53%6.99%
Avg. Property Tax1.53%2.14%
Avg. Sales Tax6.94%6.35%
Top 3 IndustriesAgriculture, Manufacturing, FinanceFinance, Insurance, Real Estate
AffluenceModerateHigh
PovertyModerateLow
HomelessnessLowModerate
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Connecticut tend to earn about 27% more than those in Iowa
  • The COLI in Connecticut will be 27% higher than what you are used to living in Iowa
  • The state income tax in CT is 6.99% compared to 8.53% in IA
  • The affluence in Connecticut is high compared to moderate in Iowa
  • The poverty level is low in Connecticut compared to moderate in Iowa
  • In terms of homelessness, it is low in Iowa and moderate in Connecticut

Political and Religious Climate in Iowa vs. Connecticut

ComparisonIowaConnecticut
Political Make-upMixed, leanings can vary significantly by regionLean more Democratic
Local PoliticsVaried; influenced by rural vs. urban settingsDiverse but with a strong Democratic presence in cities
ReligionProtestant, CatholicCatholic, with a mix of other faiths
  • Iowa tends to lean mixed, with leanings that can vary significantly by region in its political climate
  • Connecticut, on the other hand, is often described as leaning more Democratic
  • Connecticut's religious environment can be described as Catholic, with a mix of other faiths
  • Iowa's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as Protestant and Catholic

Education Guide When Moving from Iowa to Connecticut

ComparisonIowaConnecticut
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Iowa
Iowa City
Iowa State University
Ames
University of Northern Iowa
Cedar Falls
University of Connecticut
Storrs
Yale University
New Haven
Quinnipiac University
Hamden
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsGilbert Elementary School
Ames
Van Allen Elementary School
North Liberty
Beaver Creek Elementary
Johnston
Greenwich Academy Lower School
Greenwich
King School
Stamford
Weston Intermediate School
Weston
Top 3 Middle SchoolsAmes Middle School
Ames
Northwest Junior High
Coralville
Waukee Middle School
Waukee
Hopkins School
New Haven
Eastern Middle School
Riverside
Amity Middle School
Bethany
Top 3 High SchoolsAmes High School
Ames
Johnston High School
Johnston
Cedar Falls High School
Cedar Falls
Hopkins School
New Haven
Staples High School
Westport
Greenwich High School
Greenwich
Top 3 private high schoolsRivermont Collegiate
Bettendorf
The Wilberforce School
Princeton
Maharishi School
Fairfield
Choate Rosemary Hall
Wallingford
Hotchkiss School
Lakeville
Westminster School
Simsbury
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsDes Moines Christian School
Urbandale
Pella Christian High School
Pella
Iowa City Regina Schools
Iowa City
Greenwich Academy
Greenwich
King School
Stamford
The Taft School
Watertown
Top 3 School DistrictsCollege Community School District
Cedar Rapids
Ames Community School District
Ames
Winterset Community School District
Winterset
Westport School District
Westport
Wilton School District
Wilton
Madison School District
Madison

How Much Do Iowa to Connecticut Movers Cost?

Moving 1,168 miles from Iowa to Connecticut will typically cost between $3,000 and $6,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $3,000 - $6,500
  • Expected Time To Complete: 5-9 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Hemmen Moving
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,865300 ft3$6.22
1 Bedroom$2,774450 ft3$6.17
2 Bedrooms$4,587750 ft3$6.12
3 Bedrooms$6,6721100 ft3$6.07
4 Bedrooms$9,6251600 ft3$6.02
5+ Bedrooms$10,7381800 ft3$5.97
Top Iowa to Connecticut Routes

Des Moines to Connecticut