Movers

Iowa to Louisiana Moving Guide

Updated June 23, 2025

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Planning a 928 mile interstate move from Iowa to Louisiana? This moving guide will help you compare living in Iowa vs Louisiana across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like harsh winters vs mild winters), food & health (like Pork Tenderloin Sandwich vs Gumbo), real estate & housing (colonial revival vs creole and colonial), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Iowa), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Pork Tenderloin Sandwich and Iowa Chop (Pork Chop), but get your taste buds ready for Gumbo & Jambalaya
  • Louisiana housing costs are 7% less expensive than they are in Iowa
  • Rent in Louisiana is 21.80% more expensive than in Iowa
  • Moving from Iowa to Louisiana will cost on average between $1,500 - $6,000
  • Our top recommended Iowa to Louisiana movers is Adamantine Spine Moving

Iowa to Louisiana Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Iowa to Louisiana

ConsIowa iconIowa
  • Harsh winters
  • Flat landscapes
  • Limited cuisine
  • Fewer entertainment options
ProsLouisiana iconLouisiana
  • Mild winters
  • Cultural diversity
  • Culinary variety
  • Vibrant nightlife

Louisiana iconLouisiana
  • Higher crime rate
  • Higher humidity
  • Hurricane risk
  • Varied education quality
Iowa iconIowa
  • Low crime rate
  • Affordable living
  • Strong community spirit
  • Excellent schools

Pros of moving from Iowa to Louisiana

  • Say goodbye to harsh winters and hello to mild winters
  • Look forward to moving away from flat landscapes and moving to Louisiana with cultural diversity
  • Swap the limited cuisine of Iowa for culinary variety in Louisiana
  • Get ready for vibrant nightlife in Louisiana

Cons of moving from Iowa to Louisiana

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from a low crime rate in Iowa to live with a higher crime rate in Louisiana
  • You'll lose out on the pro of affordable living and have to settle for the con of higher humidity
  • Time to bid farewell to a strong community spirit and get used to hurricane risk in Louisiana
  • Swap excellent schools for varied education quality

Iowa vs. Louisiana: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonIowaLouisiana
Most iconic local food itemPork Tenderloin SandwichGumbo
Most popular meat dishIowa Chop (Pork Chop)Jambalaya
Most popular street food itemSweet CornPo'boys
Most popular vegan foodQuinoa SaladOkra Gumbo
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • The Summit Restaurant
  • Zombie Burger
  • A & A Pagoda
  • Commander's Palace
  • Emeril's New Orleans
  • Cochon
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 Louisiana, you will be trading the iconic Pork Tenderloin Sandwich of Iowa for the equally delicious Gumbo of Louisiana. And while the locals in Iowa rave about their flavorful Iowa Chop (Pork Chop) and sumptuous Sweet Corn, Louisiana residents know they have tasty Jambalaya and Po'boys to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Quinoa Salad they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Okra Gumbo of Louisiana. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Iowa eateries like The Summit Restaurant, Zombie Burger, and A & A Pagoda. After the boxes are unpacked in Louisiana, don't wait too long before making your way to Louisiana's acclaimed eateries like Commander's Palace, Emeril's New Orleans, and Cochon.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Iowa and Louisiana

ComparisonIowaLouisiana
Typical Architecture StyleColonial RevivalCreole and Colonial
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 Yards, BasementsOutdoor Living Spaces, Near Water
  • The Colonial Revival architecture that Iowa is known for will be replaced with the Creole and Colonial architecture typical of Louisiana.
  • Compared to Iowa's real estate listings that commonly reference spacious yards and basements, Louisiana real estate listings often highlight features like outdoor living spaces and being near water.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes; Louisiana is more walkable than Iowa.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike; Louisiana is more bike-friendly than Iowa.
  • Louisiana has more of an urban feel than Iowa.
  • Louisiana housing costs are 7% less expensive than they are in Iowa, with a median home price of $199,091 compared to Iowa’s $214,151.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Louisiana have increased 13%, compared to a 36% increase in Iowa.
  • Rent in Louisiana is 21.80% more expensive than in Iowa.

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

ComparisonIowaLouisiana
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, floods
Air QualityGoodVariable
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)82Β°F/63Β°F91Β°F/73Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)31Β°F/14Β°F62Β°F/42Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)36"60"
Annual Snowfall (Inches)33"<1"
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from Iowa to Louisiana. Louisiana gets 6% more sunshine days than Iowa.
  • Louisiana has higher 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 floods in Louisiana.
  • Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in Louisiana is 9 degrees warmer than Iowa.
  • The average winter lows are 28 degrees warmer than they are in Iowa.
  • Your umbrella might be more overworked in Louisiana. Louisiana receives 24 more inches of rain compared to Iowa.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Iowa and Louisiana

ComparisonIowaLouisiana
Avg. Household Income$69,588$55,416
Cost of Living Index95.996
State Income Tax8.53%6%
Avg. Property Tax1.53%0.55%
Avg. Sales Tax6%9.45%
Top 3 IndustriesAgriculture, Manufacturing, FinanceOil, Fishing, Tourism
AffluenceModerateVaried
PovertyLowHigh
HomelessnessLowModerate
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Louisiana tend to earn about 20% less than those in Iowa
  • The COLI in Louisiana will be 0% higher than what you are used to living in Iowa
  • The state income tax in LA is 6% compared to 8.53% in IA
  • The affluence in Louisiana is varied compared to moderate in Iowa
  • The poverty level is high in Louisiana compared to low in Iowa
  • In terms of homelessness, it is low in Iowa and moderate in Louisiana

Political and Religious Climate in Iowa vs. Louisiana

ComparisonIowaLouisiana
Political Make-upModerately swing state, leans RepublicanStrongly Republican, especially in rural areas
Local PoliticsCivic engagement and community initiatives activeDiverse political views with a focus on local governance
ReligionMainly Protestant with a significant Catholic minorityPrimarily Catholic, reflective of its French and Spanish heritage
  • Iowa tends to lean moderately as a swing state and leans Republican in its political climate
  • Louisiana, on the other hand, is often described as strongly Republican, especially in rural areas
  • Louisiana's religious environment can be described as primarily Catholic, reflective of its French and Spanish heritage
  • Iowa's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as mainly Protestant with a significant Catholic minority

Education Guide When Moving from Iowa to Louisiana

ComparisonIowaLouisiana
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Iowa
Iowa State University
University of Northern Iowa
Louisiana State University
Tulane University
University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsWickham Elementary (Coralville)
Roosevelt Elementary (Ames)
Hoover Elementary (Iowa City)
Lusher Charter School (New Orleans)
South Highlands Elementary Magnet (Shreveport)
Baton Rouge Foreign Language Academic Immersion Magnet (Baton Rouge)
Top 3 Middle SchoolsAmes Middle School (Ames)
Northwest Junior High (Coralville)
North Central Junior High (North Liberty)
Caddo Middle Magnet (Shreveport)
Lusher Charter School (New Orleans)
Youngsville Middle School (Youngsville)
Top 3 High SchoolsWest High School (Iowa City)
Ames High School (Ames)
Decorah High School (Decorah)
Benjamin Franklin High School (New Orleans)
Haynes Academy for Advanced Studies (Metairie)
Patrick F. Taylor Science & Technology Academy (Jefferson)
Top 3 private high schoolsPhillips Academy (Exeter)
The Thacher School (Ojai)
St. Paul's School (Concord)
Louisiana School for Math
Science
and the Arts (Natchitoches)
Episcopal High School (Baton Rouge)
Isidore Newman School (New Orleans)
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsMaharishi School (Fairfield)
Scattergood Friends School (West Branch)
Rivermont Collegiate (Bettendorf)
Mt. Carmel Academy (New Orleans)
St. Martin's Episcopal School (Metairie)
The Dunham School (Baton Rouge)
Top 3 School DistrictsIowa City Community School District
Ames Community School District
Des Moines Public Schools
Zachary Community School District
Central Community School System
Orleans Parish School Board

How Much Do Iowa to Louisiana Movers Cost?

Moving 928 miles from Iowa to Louisiana will typically cost between $2,500 and $6,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $2,500 - $6,000
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-2 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Hemmen Moving
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,729300 ft3$5.76
1 Bedroom$2,570450 ft3$5.71
2 Bedrooms$4,246750 ft3$5.66
3 Bedrooms$6,1731100 ft3$5.61
4 Bedrooms$8,8991600 ft3$5.56
5+ Bedrooms$9,9221800 ft3$5.51

Top Iowa to Louisiana Movers

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

9.54/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Adamantine Spine Moving featured image

Adamantine Spine Moving

9.44/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Best Move Inc featured image

Best Move Inc

9.25/10
ExceptionalView details
Top Iowa to Louisiana Routes

Des Moines to Louisiana