Iowa to Florida Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Iowa to Florida

ConsIowa

• Harsh winters
• Few beaches
• Limited diversity
• Small-town lifestyle
• Flat landscape

ProsFlorida

• Sunny year-round
• Beautiful coastlines
• Cultural melting pot
• Vibrant cities
• Picturesque scenery

---

Florida

• Higher cost of living
• Hurricane threat
• Tourist congestion
• Busy urban areas
• Transient lifestyle

Iowa

• Low cost of living
• Low hurricane risk
• Fewer crowds
• Quiet neighborhoods
• Midwestern charm

Pros of moving from Iowa to Florida

• Say goodbye to harsh winters and hello to sunny year-round
• Look forward to moving away from few beaches and moving to Florida with beautiful coastlines
• Swap the limited diversity of Iowa for a cultural melting pot in Florida
• Get ready for vibrant cities in Florida

Cons of moving from Iowa to Florida

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the low cost of living in Iowa to live with the higher cost of living in Florida
• You'll lose out on the pro of low hurricane risk and have to settle for the con of hurricane threat
• Time to bid farewell to fewer crowds and get used to tourist congestion in Florida
• Swap quiet neighborhoods for busy urban areas

Iowa vs. Florida: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Iowa to Florida, you will be trading the iconic Pork Tenderloin Sandwich of Iowa for the equally delicious Key Lime Pie of Florida. And while the locals in Iowa rave about their flavorful Iowa Chops and sumptuous Sweet Corn, Florida residents know they have tasty Cuban Sandwich and Arepa 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 Black Bean Burger of Florida. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Iowa eateries like Jethro's BBQ, Zombie Burger, and The Summit. After the boxes are unpacked in Florida, don't wait too long before making your way to Florida's acclaimed eateries like Bern's Steak House, Joe's Stone Crab, and The Floridian.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Iowa and Florida

• The Colonial and Ranch architecture that Iowa is known for will be replaced with the Mediterranean and Modern architecture typical of Florida.
• Compared to Iowa's real estate listings that commonly reference spacious yards and quiet neighborhoods, Florida real estate listings often highlight features like waterfront properties and tropical landscaping.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Florida is more walkable than Iowa.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Florida is more bike-friendly than Iowa.
• Florida has more of an urban feel than Iowa.
• Florida housing costs are 85% more expensive than they are in Iowa, with a median home price of $397,137 compared to Iowa’s $214,151.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Florida have increased by 66% compared to a 36% increase in Iowa.
• Rent in Florida is 105.90% more expensive than in Iowa.

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

• Break out the sunglasses for your move from Iowa to Florida. Florida gets 16% more sunshine days than Iowa.
• Florida has higher humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Iowa.
• Say goodbye to the possible tornadoes and blizzards in Iowa, but be on the lookout for potential hurricanes and flooding in Florida.
• Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in Florida is 9 degrees warmer than in Iowa.
• The average winter lows are 35 degrees warmer than they are in Iowa.
• Your umbrella might be more overworked in Florida. Florida receives 14 more inches of rain compared to Iowa.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Iowa and Florida

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Florida tend to earn about 0% less than in Iowa
• The COLI in Florida is 2% higher than what you are used to living in Iowa
• Hooray, moving to FL means you'll no longer have state income taxes
• The affluence in Florida is varied compared to moderate in Iowa
• The poverty level is higher in Florida compared to moderate in Iowa
• In terms of homelessness, it is low in Iowa and higher in Florida

Political and Religious Climate in Iowa vs. Florida

• Iowa tends to lean Republican in its political climate
• Florida, on the other hand, is often described as a swing state, recently leaning Republican in federal elections
• Florida's religious environment can be described as a diverse religious landscape, with a significant Catholic population
• Iowa's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as dominated by Christianity, with a Protestant majority

Education Guide When Moving from Iowa to Florida

How Much Do Iowa to Florida Movers Cost?

Moving 1,402 miles from Iowa to Florida 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.