Iowa to Minnesota Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Iowa to Minnesota

ConsIowa

• Severe winter storms
• Limited job market
• Flat landscapes
• Fewer cultural events
• Humid summers

ProsMinnesota

• Less severe winters
• Thriving job opportunities
• Picturesque scenery
• Vibrant cultural scene
• Moderate summer climate

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Minnesota

• Higher cost of living
• Urban congestion
• More traffic
• Expensive housing market
• Higher dining costs

Iowa

• Friendly communities
• Rich agriculture
• Less traffic
• Affordable housing
• Local dining gems

Pros of moving from Iowa to Minnesota

• Say goodbye to severe winter storms and hello to less severe winters
• Look forward to moving away from a limited job market and moving to Minnesota with thriving job opportunities
• Swap the flat landscapes of Iowa for picturesque scenery in Minnesota
• Get ready for a vibrant cultural scene in Minnesota

Cons of moving from Iowa to Minnesota

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from friendly communities in Iowa to live with a higher cost of living in Minnesota
• You'll lose out on the pro of rich agriculture and have to settle for the con of urban congestion
• Time to bid farewell to less traffic and get used to more traffic in Minnesota
• Swap affordable housing for an expensive housing market

Iowa vs. Minnesota: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Iowa to Minnesota, you will be trading the iconic Pork Tenderloin Sandwich of Iowa for the equally delicious Walleye of Minnesota. And while the locals in Iowa rave about their flavorful Iowa Chops and sumptuous Sweet Corn, Minnesota residents know they have tasty Wild Rice and Chicken Soup and Jucy Lucy 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 Hotdish of Minnesota. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Iowa eateries like The Iowa Cafe, Zombie Burger, and Olde Main Brewing Co. After the boxes are unpacked in Minnesota, don't wait too long before making your way to Minnesota's acclaimed eateries like Matt's Bar, Spoon and Stable, and Birchwood Cafe.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Iowa and Minnesota

• The Colonial Revival architecture that Iowa is known for will be replaced with the Modern and Lake-style architecture typical of Minnesota.
• Compared to Iowa's real estate listings that commonly reference large backyards and quiet neighborhoods, Minnesota real estate listings often highlight features like proximity to lakes and green living.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Minnesota is more walkable than Iowa.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Minnesota is more bike-friendly than Iowa.
• Minnesota has more of an urban feel than Iowa.
• Minnesota housing costs are 55% more expensive than they are in Iowa, with a median home price of $331,117 compared to Iowa’s $214,151.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Minnesota have increased 33% compared to a 36% increase in Iowa.
• Rent in Minnesota is 54.22% more expensive than in Iowa.

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

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from Iowa to Minnesota. Minnesota gets 3% fewer sunshine days than Iowa.
• Minnesota 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 tornadoes in Minnesota.
• The average summer high temperature in Minnesota is 2 degrees colder than in Iowa.
• The average winter lows are 7 degrees colder than they are in Iowa.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in Minnesota. Minnesota receives 4 fewer inches of rain compared to Iowa.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Iowa and Minnesota

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Minnesota tend to earn about 18% more than those in Iowa
• The COLI in Minnesota is 3% higher than what you are used to living in Iowa
• The state income tax in MN is 9.85% compared to 8.53% in IA
• The affluence in Minnesota is high compared to moderate affluence in Iowa
• The poverty level is moderate in Minnesota compared to low in Iowa
• In terms of homelessness, it is low in Iowa and moderate in Minnesota

Political and Religious Climate in Iowa vs. Minnesota

• Iowa tends to lean mixed in its political climate
• Minnesota, on the other hand, is often described as leaning Democratic in national elections
• Minnesota's religious environment can be described as Christian-majority with a notable Muslim community
• Iowa's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as Christian-majority with diverse religious communities

Education Guide When Moving from Iowa to Minnesota

How Much Do Iowa to Minnesota Movers Cost?

Moving 409 miles from Iowa to Minnesota will typically cost between $2,000 and $5,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.