Iowa to Mississippi Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Iowa to Mississippi

ConsIowa

• Brutal winters
• Flat terrain
• Limited beaches
• Higher taxes
• Limited cultural diversity

ProsMississippi

• Mild winters
• Scenic landscapes
• Gulf access
• Lower taxes
• Rich culture

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Mississippi

• Higher crime rates
• Varied school quality
• Fewer parks
• Lesser agriculture focus
• Less urban development

Iowa

• Low crime rates
• Strong public schools
• Family-friendly parks
• Thriving farming industry
• Community-centric cities

Pros of moving from Iowa to Mississippi

• Say goodbye to brutal winters and hello to mild winters
• Look forward to moving away from flat terrain and moving to Mississippi with scenic landscapes
• Swap the limited beaches of Iowa for Gulf access in Mississippi
• Get ready for lower taxes in Mississippi

Cons of moving from Iowa to Mississippi

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from low crime rates in Iowa to live with higher crime rates in Mississippi
• You'll lose out on the pro of strong public schools and have to settle for the con of varied school quality
• Time to bid farewell to family-friendly parks and get used to fewer parks in Mississippi
• Swap a thriving farming industry for a lesser agricultural focus

Iowa vs. Mississippi: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Iowa to Mississippi, you will be trading the iconic Pork Tenderloin Sandwich of Iowa for the equally delicious Catfish of Mississippi. And while the locals in Iowa rave about their flavorful Iowa Chops and sumptuous Sweet Corn, Mississippi residents know they have tasty Mississippi BBQ Ribs and Po'boy Sandwiches to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Vegetarian Chili they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Okra Gumbo of Mississippi. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Iowa eateries like Jethro’s BBQ, Zombie Burger, and Ox Yoke Inn. After the boxes are unpacked in Mississippi, don't wait too long before making your way to Mississippi's acclaimed eateries like Mayflower Cafe, Weidmann's, and The Shed BBQ and Blues Joint.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Iowa and Mississippi

• The Prairie School and Craftsman architecture that Iowa is known for will be replaced with the Antebellum and Colonial Revival architecture typical of Mississippi.
• Compared to Iowa's real estate listings that commonly reference spacious backyards and energy efficiency, Mississippi real estate listings often highlight features like large porches and historic details.
• You can keep your walking shoes packed away; Mississippi is less walkable than Iowa.
• You might want to think twice before moving your bike; Mississippi is less bike-friendly than Iowa.
• Mississippi has less of an urban feel than Iowa.
• Mississippi housing costs are 17% less expensive than they are in Iowa, with a median home price of $178,490 compared to Iowa’s $214,151.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Mississippi have increased by 31% compared to a 36% increase in Iowa.
• Rent in Mississippi is 26.70% more expensive than in Iowa.

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

• Break out the sunglasses for your move from Iowa to Mississippi. Mississippi gets 7% more sunshine days than Iowa.
• Mississippi has higher humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Iowa.
• Say goodbye to the possible tornadoes and blizzards in Iowa, but be on the lookout for potential hurricanes and tornadoes in Mississippi.
• Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in Mississippi is 9 degrees warmer than in Iowa.
• The average winter lows are 20 degrees warmer than they are in Iowa.
• Your umbrella might be more overworked in Mississippi. Mississippi receives 23 more inches of rain compared to Iowa.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Iowa and Mississippi

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Mississippi tend to earn about 24% less than in Iowa
• The COLI in Mississippi is 4% lower than what you are used to living in Iowa
• The state income tax in MS is 5% compared to 4.82% in IA
• The affluence in Mississippi is low compared to moderate affluence in Iowa
• The poverty level is high in Mississippi compared to moderate poverty in Iowa
• In terms of homelessness, it is lower in Iowa and higher in Mississippi

Political and Religious Climate in Iowa vs. Mississippi

• Iowa tends to lean swing state, fluctuating between Democrat and Republican in its political climate
• Mississippi, on the other hand, is often described as strongly Republican
• Mississippi's religious environment can be described as Protestant, with a significant Baptist presence
• Iowa's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as Protestant and Catholic

Education Guide When Moving from Iowa to Mississippi

How Much Do Iowa to Mississippi Movers Cost?

Moving 830 miles from Iowa to Mississippi 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.