Iowa to DC Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Iowa to DC

ConsIowa

• Limited job market
• Harsh winters
• Fewer cultural events
• Rural setting
• Lack of public transportation

ProsDC

• Diverse job opportunities
• Milder climate
• Vibrant cultural scene
• Urban lifestyle
• Extensive public transit

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DC

• Higher living expenses
• Fast-paced lifestyle
• Congested roads
• Air pollution
• Limited green areas

Iowa

• Lower cost of living
• Friendly communities
• Less traffic
• Clean air
• Open spaces

Pros of moving from Iowa to DC

• Say goodbye to the limited job market and hello to diverse job opportunities
• Look forward to moving away from harsh winters and moving to DC with a milder climate
• Swap the fewer cultural events of Iowa for a vibrant cultural scene in DC
• Get ready for an urban lifestyle in DC

Cons of moving from Iowa to DC

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the lower cost of living in Iowa to live with the higher living expenses in DC
• You'll lose out on the pro of friendly communities and have to settle with the con of a fast-paced lifestyle
• Time to bid farewell to less traffic and get used to congested roads in DC
• Swap clean air for air pollution

Iowa vs. DC: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Iowa to DC, you will be trading the iconic Pork Tenderloin Sandwich of Iowa for the equally delicious Half Smoke of DC. And while the locals in Iowa rave about their flavorful Iowa Chop (Pork) and sumptuous Grilled Corn, DC residents know they have tasty Mumbo Sauce on Chicken and Jumbo Slice Pizza 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 Impossible Burger of DC. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Iowa eateries like Zombie Burger, The Steakhouse, and The Summit. After the boxes are unpacked in DC, don't wait too long before making your way to DC's acclaimed eateries like Ben's Chili Bowl, Le Diplomate, and Zaytinya.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Iowa and DC

• The Traditional and Farmhouse architecture that Iowa is known for will be replaced with the Victorian and Federal architecture typical of DC.
• Compared to Iowa's real estate listings that commonly reference spacious yards and quiet neighborhoods, DC real estate listings often highlight features like proximity to the metro and rooftop decks.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes; DC is more walkable than Iowa.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike; DC is more bike-friendly than Iowa.
• DC has more of an urban feel than Iowa.
• DC housing costs are 189% more expensive than they are in Iowa, with a median home price of $619,320 compared to Iowa’s $214,151.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in DC have increased by 8% compared to a 36% increase in Iowa.
• Rent in DC is 122.07% more expensive than in Iowa.

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

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from Iowa to DC. DC gets 0% fewer sunshine days than Iowa.
• DC 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 hurricanes and floods in DC.
• Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in DC is 7 degrees warmer than in Iowa.
• The average winter lows are 16 degrees warmer than they are in Iowa.
• Your umbrella might be more overworked in DC. DC receives 4 more inches of rain compared to Iowa.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Iowa and DC

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in DC tend to earn about 45% more than in Iowa
• The COLI in DC will be 46% higher than what you are used to living in Iowa
• The state income tax in DC is 10.75 compared to 8.53 in IA
• The affluence in DC is high compared to moderate in Iowa
• The poverty level is moderate in DC compared to low in Iowa
• In terms of homelessness, it is low in Iowa and high in DC

Political and Religious Climate in Iowa vs. DC

• Iowa tends to lean swing State, Republican and Democrat in its political climate
• DC, on the other hand, is often described as strongly Democrat
• DC's religious environment can be described as diverse, with no single majority
• Iowa's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as Christian majority and diverse

Education Guide When Moving from Iowa to DC

How Much Do Iowa to DC Movers Cost?

Moving 997 miles from Iowa to DC will typically cost between $2,500 and $6,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.