Iowa to Michigan Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Iowa to Michigan

ConsIowa

• Harsh winters
• Limited job market
• Rural areas
• Flat landscapes
• Fewer cultural events

ProsMichigan

• Moderate winters
• Diverse job opportunities
• Urban attractions
• Scenic Great Lakes
• Rich cultural scene

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Michigan

• Fast-paced lifestyle
• Higher living expenses
• Heavy traffic
• High crime rates
• Less farm-fresh options

Iowa

• Community feel
• Low cost of living
• Less traffic
• Safe neighborhoods
• Local produce

Pros of moving from Iowa to Michigan

• Say goodbye to harsh winters and hello to moderate winters
• Look forward to moving away from a limited job market and moving to Michigan with diverse job opportunities
• Swap the rural areas of Iowa for urban attractions in Michigan
• Get ready for the scenic Great Lakes in Michigan

Cons of moving from Iowa to Michigan

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the community feel in Iowa to live with a fast-paced lifestyle in Michigan
• You'll lose out on the pro of a low cost of living and have to settle with the con of higher living expenses
• Time to bid farewell to less traffic and get used to heavy traffic in Michigan
• Swap safe neighborhoods for high crime rates

Iowa vs. Michigan: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Iowa to Michigan, you will be trading the iconic Pork Tenderloin Sandwich of Iowa for the equally delicious Cherry Pie of Michigan. And while the locals in Iowa rave about their flavorful Iowa Chop (Pork Chop) and sumptuous Sweet Corn, Michigan residents know they have tasty Pasties and Coney Dogs to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Grain Bowl they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Vegan Coney Dogs of Michigan. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Iowa eateries like The Machine Shed, Zombie Burger, and Amana Colonies Restaurants. After the boxes are unpacked in Michigan, don't wait too long before making your way to Michigan's acclaimed eateries like Zingerman's Delicatessen, American Coney Island, and Cliff Bell's.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Iowa and Michigan

• The Colonial Revival architecture that Iowa is known for will be replaced with the Bungalow/Craftsman architecture typical of Michigan.
• Compared to Iowa's real estate listings that commonly reference large yards and garages, Michigan real estate listings often highlight features like lake access and historic charm.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Michigan is more walkable than Iowa.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Michigan is more bike-friendly than Iowa.
• Michigan has more of an urban feel than Iowa.
• Michigan housing costs are 12% more expensive than they are in Iowa, with a median home price of $239,770 compared to Iowa’s $214,151.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Michigan have increased 45% compared to a 36% increase in Iowa.
• Rent in Michigan is 34.24% more expensive than in Iowa.

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

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from Iowa to Michigan. Michigan gets 17% fewer sunshine days than Iowa.
• Michigan 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 snowstorms and floods in Michigan.
• Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in Michigan is 4 degrees colder than Iowa.
• The average winter lows are 3 degrees warmer than they are in Iowa.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in Michigan. Michigan receives 2 fewer inches of rain compared to Iowa.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Iowa and Michigan

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Michigan tend to earn about 4% less than in Iowa
• The COLI in Michigan will be 5% lower than what you are used to living in Iowa
• The state income tax in MI is 4.25% compared to 4.5% in IA
• The affluence in Michigan is diverse compared to moderate in Iowa
• The poverty level is moderate in Michigan compared to low in Iowa
• In terms of homelessness, it is low in Iowa and concerning in Michigan

Political and Religious Climate in Iowa vs. Michigan

• Iowa tends to lean mixed and leans slightly Republican in its political climate
• Michigan, on the other hand, is often described as mixed with a slight Democratic lean in major urban areas
• Michigan's religious environment can be described as Christianity prevalent and having a diverse religious presence in urban centers
• Iowa's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as Christianity dominant and having significant Catholic and Protestant populations

Education Guide When Moving from Iowa to Michigan

How Much Do Iowa to Michigan Movers Cost?

Moving 581 miles from Iowa to Michigan will typically cost between $2,500 and $5,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.