Planning a 1,670 mile interstate move from Iowa to Oregon? This moving guide will help you compare living in Iowa vs Oregon across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like long, harsh winters vs mild oregon climate), food & health (like Pork Tenderloin Sandwich vs Marionberry Pie), real estate & housing (ranch and farmhouse vs craftsman and bungalow), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Oregon), politics & religion, and education.
Key Takeaways:
Say goodbye to Pork Tenderloin Sandwich and Grilled Pork Chops, but get your taste buds ready
for Marionberry Pie & Dungeness Crab
Oregon housing costs are 133% more expensive than they are in Iowa
Rent in Oregon is 63.40% more expensive than in Iowa
Moving from Iowa to Oregon will cost on average between $2,000 - $7,500
Read our in-depth analysis of the best Iowa to Oregon movers with detailed rankings, cost breakdowns, and reviews.
TOP PICK
Adamantine Spine Moving
Best moving company overall for Iowa to Oregon
9.54/10
Exceptional
RUNNER-UP
Pacific Northwest Moving
9.49/10
Exceptional
ALSO GREAT
Adamantine Spine Moving
9.44/10
Exceptional
Iowa to Oregon Moving Guide
Pros and Cons of Moving from Iowa to Oregon
ConsIowa
Long, harsh winters
Flat landscapes
Limited outdoor activities
Less cultural diversity
Distance from the coast
ProsOregon
Mild Oregon climate
Scenic mountains
Extensive outdoor opportunities
More diverse communities
Closer to Pacific Ocean
Oregon
Higher living expenses
More competitive job market
Congestion in cities
Higher education competition
Faster pace of life
Iowa
Lower cost of living
Friendly communities
Less traffic
Good local schools
Quieter pace
Pros of moving from Iowa to Oregon
Say goodbye to long, harsh winters and hello to the mild Oregon climate
Look forward to moving away from flat landscapes and moving to Oregon with scenic mountains
Swap the limited outdoor activities of Iowa for extensive outdoor opportunities in Oregon
Get ready for more diverse communities in Oregon
Cons of moving from Iowa to Oregon
Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the lower cost of living in Iowa to live with the higher living expenses in Oregon
You'll lose out on the pro of friendly communities and have to settle for the con of a more competitive job market
Time to bid farewell to less traffic and get used to the congestion in cities in Oregon
Swap good local schools for higher education competition
Iowa vs. Oregon: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene
Comparison
Iowa
Oregon
Most iconic local food item
Pork Tenderloin Sandwich
Marionberry Pie
Most popular meat dish
Grilled Pork Chops
Dungeness Crab
Most popular street food item
Breakfast Burrito
Food Truck Tacos
Most popular vegan food
Sweet Corn
Tempeh Reuben
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
The Machine Shed
Jethroβs BBQ
Amana Colonies
Voodoo Doughnut
Pok Pok
Screen Door
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness
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Abundance of Food Trucks
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Foodie Scene
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Vegan Friendly
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If you're moving from Iowa to Oregon, you will be trading the iconic Pork Tenderloin Sandwich of Iowa for the equally delicious Marionberry Pie of Oregon. And while the locals in Iowa rave about their flavorful Grilled Pork Chops and sumptuous Breakfast Burrito, Oregon residents know they have tasty Dungeness Crab and Food Truck Tacos to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Sweet Corn they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Tempeh Reuben of Oregon. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Iowa eateries like The Machine Shed, Jethroβs BBQ, and Amana Colonies. After the boxes are unpacked in Oregon, don't wait too long before making your way to Oregon's acclaimed eateries like Voodoo Doughnut, Pok Pok, and Screen Door.
When comparing lifestyles, Oregon shows a greater emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than Iowa. Food truck fans will discover a greater selection in Oregon compared to what you are used to in Iowa. Also, the overall foodie scene is more bustling in Oregon.
Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Iowa and Oregon
The Ranch and Farmhouse architecture that Iowa is known for will be replaced with the Craftsman and Bungalow architecture typical of Oregon.
Compared to Iowa's real estate listings that commonly reference spacious yards and quiet neighborhoods, Oregon real estate listings often highlight features like eco-friendly attributes and proximity to nature.
Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Oregon is more walkable than Iowa.
Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Oregon is more bike-friendly than Iowa.
Oregon has more of an urban feel than Iowa.
Oregon housing costs are 133% more expensive than they are in Iowa, with a median home price of $497,946 compared to Iowaβs $214,151.
Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Oregon have increased by 39% compared to a 36% increase in Iowa.
Rent in Oregon is 63.40% more expensive than in Iowa.
Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between Iowa and Oregon
The shades won't be used as much for your move from Iowa to Oregon. Oregon gets 29% fewer sunshine days than Iowa.
Oregon 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 earthquakes and wildfires in Oregon.
Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in Oregon is 4 degrees colder than in Iowa.
The average winter lows are 21 degrees warmer than they are in Iowa.
Your umbrella might be more overworked in Oregon. Oregon receives 8 more inches of rain compared to Iowa.
Financial & Community Snapshot: Iowa and Oregon
Comparison
Iowa
Oregon
Avg. Household Income
$69,588
$75,657
Cost of Living Index
95.9
110.55
State Income Tax
6.5%
9.9%
Avg. Property Tax
1.56%
0.97%
Avg. Sales Tax
6.94%
0%
Top 3 Industries
Agriculture, Manufacturing, Finance
Technology, Forestry, Tourism
Affluence
Moderate
High
Poverty
Low
Moderate
Homelessness
Low
High
When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Oregon tend to earn about 9% more than those in Iowa
The COLI in Oregon will be 15% higher than what you are used to living in Iowa
The state income tax in OR is 9.9% compared to 6.5% in IA
The affluence in Oregon is high compared to moderate affluence in Iowa
The poverty level is moderate in Oregon compared to low in Iowa
In terms of homelessness, it is low in Iowa and high in Oregon
Political and Religious Climate in Iowa vs. Oregon
Comparison
Iowa
Oregon
Political Make-up
Swing state, with a mix of Democratic and Republican representation
Largely Democratic, especially in urban areas
Local Politics
Moderate to conservative in rural areas
Progressive in urban centers like Portland
Religion
Christianity predominant, with a mix of Protestant and Catholic faiths
One of the most unaffiliated states religiously in the U.S.
Iowa tends to lean a swing state with a mix of Democratic and Republican representation in its political climate
Oregon, on the other hand, is often described as largely Democratic, especially in urban areas
Oregon's religious environment can be described as one of the most unaffiliated states religiously in the U.S.
Iowa's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as predominantly Christianity, with a mix of Protestant and Catholic faiths
Education Guide When Moving from Iowa to Oregon
Comparison
Iowa
Oregon
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)
University of Iowa Iowa State University University of Northern Iowa
University of Oregon Oregon State University Portland State University
Top 3 Elementary Schools
Wickham Elementary (Coralville) Roosevelt Elementary (Ames) Lincoln Elementary (Mount Pleasant)
Ainsworth Elementary (Portland) Findley Elementary (Beaverton) Jacob Wismer Elementary (Portland)
Top 3 Middle Schools
Ames Middle School (Ames) North Central Junior High (North Liberty) Southeast Junior High (Iowa City)
Lake Oswego Junior High (Lake Oswego) Stoller Middle School (Portland) Cedar Park Middle School (Beaverton)
Top 3 High Schools
West High School (Iowa City) Ames High School (Ames) Cedar Rapids Kennedy High School (Cedar Rapids)
International School of Beaverton (Beaverton) Lake Oswego High School (Lake Oswego) School of Science & Technology (Beaverton)
Top 3 private high schools
Scattergood Friends School (West Branch) Maharishi School (Fairfield) Dowling Catholic High School (West Des Moines)
Catlin Gabel School (Portland) Oregon Episcopal School (Portland) Valley Catholic School (Beaverton)
Top 3 private K-12 schools
Maharishi School (Fairfield) Scattergood Friends School (West Branch) Cedar Valley Christian School (Cedar Rapids)
Catlin Gabel School (Portland) Oregon Episcopal School (Portland) Delphian School (Sheridan)
Top 3 School Districts
Iowa City Community School District Ames Community School District Linn-Mar Community School District
Lake Oswego School District Beaverton School District Riverdale School District
How Much Do Iowa to Oregon Movers Cost?
Moving 1,670 miles from Iowa to Oregon will typically cost between $3,000 and $7,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.
Expected Range: $3,000 - $7,500
Expected Time To Complete: 2-2.5 days
Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Portland Movers Company
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