Iowa to New Mexico Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Iowa to New Mexico

ConsIowa

• Harsh winters
• Limited mountain scenery
• Humidity
• Lack of cultural diversity
• Flat terrain

ProsNew Mexico

• Mild climate
• Stunning landscapes
• Low humidity
• Rich cultural heritage
• Diverse terrain

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New Mexico

• Higher cost of living
• Less agriculture
• Less community feel
• Water scarcity
• Risk of wildfires

Iowa

• Lower cost of living
• Agriculture opportunities
• Midwestern friendliness
• Abundant freshwater
• Fewer natural disasters

Pros of moving from Iowa to New Mexico

• Say goodbye to harsh winters and hello to a mild climate
• Look forward to moving away from limited mountain scenery and moving to New Mexico with stunning landscapes
• Swap the humidity of Iowa for low humidity in New Mexico
• Get ready for a rich cultural heritage in New Mexico

Cons of moving from Iowa to New Mexico

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from a lower cost of living in Iowa to live with a higher cost of living in New Mexico
• You'll lose out on the pro of agricultural opportunities and have to settle with the con of less agriculture
• Time to bid farewell to Midwestern friendliness and get used to a less community feel in New Mexico
• Swap abundant freshwater for water scarcity

Iowa vs. New Mexico: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Iowa to New Mexico, you will be trading the iconic Pork Tenderloin of Iowa for the equally delicious Green Chile of New Mexico. And while the locals in Iowa rave about their flavorful Iowa Chop and sumptuous Sweet Corn, New Mexico residents know they have tasty Carne Adovada and Tacos to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Vegan Corn Dogs they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Calabacitas of New Mexico. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Iowa eateries like Machine Shed Restaurant, Zombie Burger + Drink Lab, and Aunt Maude's. After the boxes are unpacked in New Mexico, don't wait too long before making your way to New Mexico's acclaimed eateries like Sadie's of New Mexico, El Modelo Mexican Foods, and Frontier Restaurant.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Iowa and New Mexico

• The Prairie and Ranch architecture that Iowa is known for will be replaced with the Pueblo and Territorial architecture typical of New Mexico.
• Compared to Iowa's real estate listings that commonly reference spacious backyards and basements, New Mexico real estate listings often highlight features like views and solar panels.
• You can keep your walking shoes packed away; New Mexico is less walkable than Iowa.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike; New Mexico is more bike-friendly than Iowa.
• New Mexico has more of an urban feel than Iowa.
• New Mexico housing costs are 40% more expensive than they are in Iowa, with a median home price of $300,227 compared to Iowa’s $214,151.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in New Mexico have increased by 56% compared to a 36% increase in Iowa.
• Rent in New Mexico is 26.07% more expensive than in Iowa.

Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between Iowa and New Mexico

• Break out the sunglasses for your move from Iowa to New Mexico. New Mexico gets 37% more sunshine days than Iowa.
• New Mexico has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Iowa.
• Say goodbye to the possible tornadoes and floods in Iowa, but be on the lookout for potential wildfires and floods in New Mexico.
• Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in New Mexico is 7 degrees warmer than in Iowa.
• The average winter lows are 11 degrees warmer than they are in Iowa.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in New Mexico. New Mexico receives 20 fewer inches of rain compared to Iowa.

Political and Religious Climate in Iowa vs. New Mexico

• Iowa tends to lean swing State in its political climate
• New Mexico, on the other hand, is often described as leaning Democratic
• New Mexico's religious environment can be described as Christian Majority, but with more religious diversity
• Iowa's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as Christian Majority

Education Guide When Moving from Iowa to New Mexico

How Much Do Iowa to New Mexico Movers Cost?

Moving 930 miles from Iowa to New Mexico 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.