Movers

Iowa to Georgia Moving Guide

Updated June 23, 2025

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Planning a 1,061 mile interstate move from Iowa to Georgia? This moving guide will help you compare living in Iowa vs Georgia across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like harsh winters vs mild climate), food & health (like Pork Tenderloin Sandwich vs Peach Cobbler), real estate & housing (prairie, craftsman vs colonial, craftsman), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Georgia), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Pork Tenderloin Sandwich and Grilled Pork Chops, but get your taste buds ready for Peach Cobbler & Fried Chicken
  • Georgia housing costs are 53% more expensive than they are in Iowa
  • Rent in Georgia is 68.03% more expensive than in Iowa
  • Moving from Iowa to Georgia will cost on average between $2,000 - $6,500
  • Our top recommended Iowa to Georgia movers is Adamantine Spine Moving

Iowa to Georgia Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Iowa to Georgia

ConsIowa iconIowa
  • Harsh winters
  • Limited job market
  • Flat landscape
  • Fewer entertainment venues
ProsGeorgia iconGeorgia
  • Mild climate
  • Diverse job opportunities
  • Scenic mountains
  • Vibrant nightlife

Georgia iconGeorgia
  • Higher living expenses
  • Heavier traffic
  • Urban sprawl
  • Dense population
Iowa iconIowa
  • Low cost of living
  • Friendly communities
  • Rural charm
  • Ample farmland

Pros of moving from Iowa to Georgia

  • Say goodbye to harsh winters and hello to a mild climate
  • Look forward to moving away from a limited job market and moving to Georgia with diverse job opportunities
  • Swap the flat landscape of Iowa for scenic mountains in Georgia
  • Get ready for a vibrant nightlife in Georgia

Cons of moving from Iowa to Georgia

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from a low cost of living in Iowa to live with higher living expenses in Georgia
  • You'll lose out on the pro of friendly communities and have to settle with the con of heavier traffic
  • Time to bid farewell to rural charm and get used to urban sprawl in Georgia
  • Swap ample farmland for a dense population

Iowa vs. Georgia: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonIowaGeorgia
Most iconic local food itemPork Tenderloin SandwichPeach Cobbler
Most popular meat dishGrilled Pork ChopsFried Chicken
Most popular street food itemSweet CornBoiled Peanuts
Most popular vegan foodBBQ JackfruitCollard Greens
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Zombie Burger
  • American Grill
  • The Summit
  • The Varsity
  • Mary Mac's Tea Room
  • Holman and Finch
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 Georgia, you will be trading the iconic Pork Tenderloin Sandwich of Iowa for the equally delicious Peach Cobbler of Georgia. And while the locals in Iowa rave about their flavorful Grilled Pork Chops and sumptuous Sweet Corn, Georgia residents know they have tasty Fried Chicken and Boiled Peanuts to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the BBQ Jackfruit they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Collard Greens of Georgia. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Iowa eateries like Zombie Burger, American Grill, and The Summit. After the boxes are unpacked in Georgia, don't wait too long before making your way to Georgia's acclaimed eateries like The Varsity, Mary Mac's Tea Room, and Holman and Finch.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Iowa and Georgia

ComparisonIowaGeorgia
Typical Architecture StylePrairie, CraftsmanColonial, Craftsman
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 backyards, energy efficiencyStainless steel appliances, hardwood floors
  • The Prairie and Craftsman architecture that Iowa is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Craftsman architecture typical of Georgia.
  • Compared to Iowa's real estate listings that commonly reference spacious backyards and energy efficiency, Georgia real estate listings often highlight features like stainless steel appliances and hardwood floors.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes; Georgia is more walkable than Iowa.
  • You might want to think twice before moving your bike; Georgia is less bike-friendly than Iowa.
  • Georgia has more of an urban feel than Iowa.
  • Georgia housing costs are 53% more expensive than they are in Iowa, with a median home price of $327,174 compared to Iowa’s $214,151.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Georgia have increased by 64% compared to a 36% increase in Iowa.
  • Rent in Georgia is 68.03% more expensive than in Iowa.

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

ComparisonIowaGeorgia
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 StormsHurricanes, Tornadoes
Air QualityGoodModerate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)82Β°F / 63Β°F89Β°F / 71Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)31Β°F / 14Β°F55Β°F / 33Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)36"50"
Annual Snowfall (Inches)32"1"
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from Iowa to Georgia. Georgia gets 6% more sunshine days than Iowa.
  • Georgia has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Iowa.
  • Say goodbye to the possible tornadoes and severe storms in Iowa, but be on the lookout for potential hurricanes and tornadoes in Georgia.
  • Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in Georgia is 7 degrees warmer than in Iowa.
  • The average winter lows are 19 degrees warmer than they are in Iowa.
  • Your umbrella might be more overworked in Georgia. Georgia receives 14 more inches of rain compared to Iowa.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Iowa and Georgia

ComparisonIowaGeorgia
Avg. Household Income$69,588$72,837
Cost of Living Index95.993.35
State Income Tax8.55.75
Avg. Property Tax1.500.93
Avg. Sales Tax6.947.31
Top 3 IndustriesAgriculture, Manufacturing, InsuranceReal Estate, Retail, Film Production
AffluenceModerateModerate
PovertyLowHigher
HomelessnessLowModerate
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Georgia tend to earn about 5% more than in Iowa
  • The COLI in Georgia will be 3% lower than what you are used to living in Iowa
  • The state income tax in GA is 5.75 compared to 8.5 in IA
  • The affluence in Georgia is moderate compared to moderate in Iowa
  • The poverty level is higher in Georgia compared to low in Iowa
  • In terms of homelessness, it is low in Iowa and moderate in Georgia

Political and Religious Climate in Iowa vs. Georgia

ComparisonIowaGeorgia
Political Make-upBattleground state, mixed political viewsTrending Democratic in recent elections
Local PoliticsVaries significantly between urban and rural areasUrban areas lean Democratic, rural areas lean Republican
ReligionChristianity dominates, with a significant Protestant presenceChristianity is predominant, with a notable Baptist influence
  • Iowa tends to lean as a battleground state with mixed political views in its political climate
  • Georgia, on the other hand, is often described as trending Democratic in recent elections
  • Georgia's religious environment can be described as Christianity being predominant with a notable Baptist influence
  • Iowa's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as Christianity dominating with a significant Protestant presence

Education Guide When Moving from Iowa to Georgia

ComparisonIowaGeorgia
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Iowa
Iowa State University
University of Northern Iowa
University of Georgia
Georgia Institute of Technology
Georgia State University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsWickham Elementary (Coralville)
Lincoln Elementary (Mount Vernon)
Roosevelt Elementary (Mason City)
Brandywine Elementary (Alpharetta)
Britt David Elementary (Columbus)
Austin Elementary (Dunwoody)
Top 3 Middle SchoolsNorth Central Junior High (North Liberty)
Ames Middle School (Ames)
South East Junior High (Iowa City)
South Forsyth Middle (Cumming)
Davidson Fine Arts (Augusta)
Riverwatch Middle (Suwanee)
Top 3 High School SchoolsAmes High School (Ames)
West High School (Iowa City)
Decorah High School (Decorah)
Northview High School (Johns Creek)
Walton High School (Marietta)
Columbus High School (Columbus)
Top 3 private high schoolsPhillips Academy (Exeter)
St. George's School (Newport)
Choate Rosemary Hall (Wallingford)
Westminster Schools (Atlanta)
Lovett School (Atlanta)
Pace Academy (Atlanta)
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsScattergood Friends School (West Branch)
Maharishi School (Fairfield)
Cedar Valley Christian School (Cedar Rapids)
Atlanta International School (Atlanta)
Woodward Academy (College Park)
Paideia School (Atlanta)
Top 3 School DistrictsIowa City Community School District
Ames Community School District
Cedar Falls Community School District
Fayette County Public Schools
Buford City Schools
Decatur City Schools

How Much Do Iowa to Georgia Movers Cost?

Moving 1,061 miles from Iowa to Georgia 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.

  • Expected Range: $2,500 - $6,500
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-3 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Atlanta Home Movers
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,804300 ft3$6.01
1 Bedroom$2,683450 ft3$5.96
2 Bedrooms$4,435750 ft3$5.91
3 Bedrooms$6,4501100 ft3$5.86
4 Bedrooms$9,3011600 ft3$5.81
5+ Bedrooms$10,3741800 ft3$5.76

Top Iowa to Georgia Movers

Read our in-depth analysis of the best Iowa to Georgia 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 Georgia

9.54/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Moving Etc

Moving Etc

9.50/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Adamantine Spine Moving featured image

Adamantine Spine Moving

9.44/10
ExceptionalView details
Top Iowa to Georgia Routes

Des Moines to Georgia