Iowa to Massachusetts Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Iowa to Massachusetts

ConsIowa

• Harsh winters
• Limited job market
• Rural isolation
• Lack of diversity
• Sparse attractions

ProsMassachusetts

• Milder climate
• Thriving economy
• Urban opportunities
• Cultural richness
• Historic landmarks

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Massachusetts

• Higher living costs
• Congested roads
• Expensive real estate
• Increased crime rate
• Fast-paced lifestyle

Iowa

• Close-knit communities
• Low traffic
• Affordable housing
• Low crime rates
• Simple lifestyle

Pros of moving from Iowa to Massachusetts

• Say goodbye to harsh winters and hello to a milder climate
• Look forward to moving away from a limited job market and moving to Massachusetts with a thriving economy
• Swap the rural isolation of Iowa for urban opportunities in Massachusetts
• Get ready for cultural richness in Massachusetts

Cons of moving from Iowa to Massachusetts

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from close-knit communities in Iowa to live with higher living costs in Massachusetts
• You'll lose out on the pro of low traffic and have to settle for the con of congested roads
• Time to bid farewell to affordable housing and get used to expensive real estate in Massachusetts
• Swap low crime rates for increased crime rates

Iowa vs. Massachusetts: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Iowa to Massachusetts, you will be trading the iconic Pork Tenderloin Sandwich of Iowa for the equally delicious Clam Chowder of Massachusetts. And while the locals in Iowa rave about their flavorful Iowa Chops and sumptuous Fried Sweet Corn, Massachusetts residents know they have tasty Lobster Roll and Fried Clams 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 Tofu Scramble of Massachusetts. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Iowa eateries like Zombie Burger + Drink Lab, Flying Mango, and The High Ground Cafe. After the boxes are unpacked in Massachusetts, don't wait too long before making your way to Massachusetts' acclaimed eateries like Woodman's of Essex, Legal Sea Foods, and Union Oyster House.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Iowa and Massachusetts

• The Ranch and Craftsman architecture that Iowa is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Victorian architecture typical of Massachusetts.
• Compared to Iowa's real estate listings that commonly reference spacious yards and family-friendly features, Massachusetts real estate listings often highlight aspects like proximity to public transportation and eco-friendly upgrades.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Massachusetts is more walkable than Iowa.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Massachusetts is more bike-friendly than Iowa.
• Massachusetts has more of an urban feel than Iowa.
• Massachusetts housing costs are 186% more expensive than they are in Iowa, with a median home price of $612,509 compared to Iowa’s $214,151.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Massachusetts have increased 46% compared to a 36% increase in Iowa.
• Rent in Massachusetts is 134.97% more expensive than in Iowa.

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

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from Iowa to Massachusetts. Massachusetts gets 2% fewer sunshine days than Iowa.
• Massachusetts has lower humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Iowa.
• Say goodbye to the possible tornadoes and floods in Iowa, but be on the lookout for potential blizzards and nor'easters in Massachusetts.
• Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in Massachusetts is 5 degrees colder than in Iowa.
• The average winter lows in Massachusetts are 8 degrees warmer than they are in Iowa.
• Your umbrella might be more overworked in Massachusetts. Massachusetts receives 13 more inches of rain compared to Iowa.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Iowa and Massachusetts

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Massachusetts tend to earn about 36% more than in Iowa
• The COLI in Massachusetts will be 27% higher than what you are used to living in Iowa
• The state income tax in MA is 5.00% compared to 8.53% in IA
• The affluence in Massachusetts is affluent compared to moderate in Iowa
• The poverty level is moderate in Massachusetts compared to low in Iowa
• In terms of homelessness, it is low in Iowa and moderate in Massachusetts

Political and Religious Climate in Iowa vs. Massachusetts

• Iowa tends to lean moderately Republican in its political climate
• Massachusetts, on the other hand, is often described as strongly Democratic
• Massachusetts' religious environment can be described as a Catholic majority with significant Islamic and Jewish communities
• Iowa's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as Protestantism and Catholicism being predominant, with a vibrant interfaith community

Education Guide When Moving from Iowa to Massachusetts

How Much Do Iowa to Massachusetts Movers Cost?

Moving 1,271 miles from Iowa to Massachusetts 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.