Iowa to Idaho Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Iowa to Idaho

ConsIowa

• Harsh winters
• Flat landscapes
• Limited recreation
• Less diverse cuisine

ProsIdaho

• Milder winters
• Scenic mountains
• Outdoor activities
• Varied dining options

---

Idaho

• Higher cost of living
• Less farmland
• Fewer urban areas
• Seasonal economic shifts

Iowa

• Affordable living
• Rich farming heritage
• Larger cities
• Stable economy

Pros of moving from Iowa to Idaho

• Say goodbye to harsh winters and hello to milder winters
• Look forward to moving away from flat landscapes and moving to Idaho with scenic mountains
• Swap the limited recreation of Iowa for outdoor activities in Idaho
• Get ready for varied dining options in Idaho

Cons of moving from Iowa to Idaho

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from affordable living in Iowa to live with a higher cost of living in Idaho
• You'll lose out on the pro of a rich farming heritage and have to settle with the con of less farmland
• Time to bid farewell to larger cities and get used to fewer urban areas in Idaho
• Swap a stable economy for seasonal economic shifts

Iowa vs. Idaho: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Iowa to Idaho, you will be trading the iconic Pork Tenderloin Sandwich of Iowa for the equally delicious Idaho Potatoes of Idaho. And while the locals in Iowa rave about their flavorful Iowa Chop (Pork Chop) and sumptuous Sweet Corn, Idaho residents know they have tasty Boise Brisket and Finger Steaks 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 Vegan Huckleberry Muffins of Idaho. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Iowa eateries like Zombie Burger + Drink Lab, The Machine Shed Restaurant, and Amana Colonies. After the boxes are unpacked in Idaho, don't wait too long before making your way to Idaho's acclaimed eateries like Chandlers Steakhouse, Westside Drive-In, and The Basque Market.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Iowa and Idaho

• The Prairie School and Ranch architecture that Iowa is known for will be replaced with the Craftsman and Ranch architecture typical of Idaho.
• Compared to Iowa's real estate listings that commonly reference spacious backyards and proximity to schools, Idaho real estate listings often highlight features like views of nature and access to outdoor activities.
• You can keep your walking shoes packed away. Idaho is less walkable than Iowa.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Idaho is more bike-friendly than Iowa.
• Idaho has more of an urban feel than Iowa.
• Idaho housing costs are 111% more expensive than they are in Iowa, with a median home price of $451,298 compared to Iowa’s $214,151.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Idaho have increased by 69% compared to a 36% increase in Iowa.
• Rent in Idaho is 49.50% more expensive than in Iowa.

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

• Break out the sunglasses for your move from Iowa to Idaho. Idaho gets 1% more sunshine days than Iowa.
• Idaho 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 wildfires and earthquakes in Idaho.
• The average summer high temperature in Idaho is 1 degree colder than Iowa.
• The average winter lows in Idaho are 5 degrees warmer than they are in Iowa.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in Idaho as it receives 18 fewer inches of rain compared to Iowa.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Iowa and Idaho

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Idaho tend to earn about 5% more than in Iowa
• The COLI in Idaho is 5% lower than what you are used to living in Iowa
• The state income tax in ID is 6.93% compared to 8.53% in IA
• The affluence in Idaho is growing compared to moderate affluence in Iowa
• The poverty level is moderate in Idaho compared to low poverty in Iowa
• In terms of homelessness, it is manageable in Iowa and increasing in Idaho

Political and Religious Climate in Iowa vs. Idaho

• Iowa tends to lean battleground in its political climate
• Idaho, on the other hand, is often described as heavily Republican
• Idaho's religious environment can be described as majority Protestant with a large LDS (Mormon) community
• Iowa's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as Protestant with a significant Catholic minority

Education Guide When Moving from Iowa to Idaho

How Much Do Iowa to Idaho Movers Cost?

Moving 1,405 miles from Iowa to Idaho 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.