Iowa to Hawaii Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Iowa to Hawaii

ConsIowa

• Harsh winters
• Limited ocean access
• Flat landscapes
• Severe thunderstorms
• Monotonous scenery

ProsHawaii

• Warm climate year-round
• Stunning beaches
• Scenic mountains
• Fewer natural disasters
• Diverse ecosystems

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Hawaii

• High cost of housing
• Island isolation
• Limited land availability
• Expensive imports
• Limited agricultural space

Iowa

• Lower cost of living
• Community vibe
• Agricultural resources
• Affordable local produce
• Expansive farmland

Pros of moving from Iowa to Hawaii

• Say goodbye to harsh winters and hello to a warm climate year-round
• Look forward to moving away from limited ocean access and moving to Hawaii with stunning beaches
• Swap the flat landscapes of Iowa for scenic mountains in Hawaii
• Get ready for fewer natural disasters in Hawaii

Cons of moving from Iowa to Hawaii

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from a lower cost of living in Iowa to live with a high cost of housing in Hawaii
• You'll lose out on the pro of a community vibe and have to settle with the con of island isolation
• Time to bid farewell to agricultural resources and get used to limited land availability in Hawaii
• Swap affordable local produce for expensive imports

Iowa vs. Hawaii: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Iowa to Hawaii, you will be trading the iconic Corn of Iowa for the equally delicious Poke of Hawaii. And while the locals in Iowa rave about their flavorful Pork Tenderloin Sandwich and sumptuous Taco Trucks, Hawaii residents know they have tasty Kalua Pig and Shave Ice to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Grain Bowls they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Acai Bowls of Hawaii. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Iowa eateries like The Machine Shed, Zombie Burger, and Auld Public Library. After the boxes are unpacked in Hawaii, don't wait too long before making your way to Hawaii's acclaimed eateries like Helena's Hawaiian Food, Ono Hawaiian Foods, and Rainbow Drive-In.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Iowa and Hawaii

• The Craftsman and Ranch architecture that Iowa is known for will be replaced with the Plantation and Modern architecture typical of Hawaii.
• Compared to Iowa's real estate listings that commonly reference spacious backyards and garages, Hawaii real estate listings often highlight features like ocean views and energy efficiency.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes; Hawaii is more walkable than Iowa.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike; Hawaii is more bike-friendly than Iowa.
• Hawaii has more of an urban feel than Iowa.
• Hawaii housing costs are 301% more expensive than they are in Iowa, with a median home price of $858,106 compared to Iowa’s $214,151.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Hawaii have increased by 38% compared to a 36% increase in Iowa.
• Rent in Hawaii is 171.39% more expensive than in Iowa.

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

• Break out the sunglasses for your move from Iowa to Hawaii. Hawaii gets 32% more sunshine days than Iowa.
• Hawaii has higher 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 volcanic eruptions and tsunamis in Hawaii.
• Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in Hawaii is 6 degrees warmer than in Iowa.
• The average winter lows are 49 degrees warmer than they are in Iowa.
• Your umbrella might be more overworked in Hawaii. Hawaii receives 29 more inches of rain compared to Iowa.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Iowa and Hawaii

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Hawaii tend to earn about 33% more than in Iowa
• The COLI in Hawaii will be 73% higher than what you are used to living in Iowa
• The state income tax in HI is 8.25% compared to 6.5% in IA
• The affluence in Hawaii is high compared to moderate affluence in Iowa
• The poverty level is moderate in Hawaii compared to low in Iowa
• In terms of homelessness, it is low in Iowa and high in Hawaii

Political and Religious Climate in Iowa vs. Hawaii

• Iowa tends to lean conservative in its political climate.
• Hawaii, on the other hand, is often described as strongly Democratic.
• Hawaii's religious environment can be described as religiously diverse, with a high share of unaffiliated residents, as Christianity is present alongside notable Buddhist communities and other Asian and Native Hawaiian traditions.
• Iowa's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as majority Christian, with sizable Protestant and Roman Catholic communities, along with notable evangelical and mainline traditions; a growing share of residents are religiously unaffiliated.