Movers

Iowa to Ohio Moving Guide

Updated June 22, 2025

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Planning a 616 mile interstate move from Iowa to Ohio? This moving guide will help you compare living in Iowa vs Ohio across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like fewer big cities vs vibrant urban life), food & health (like Pork Tenderloin Sandwich vs Buckeye Candy), real estate & housing (colonial and ranch vs colonial and craftsman), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Ohio), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Pork Tenderloin Sandwich and Corn-fed Beef, but get your taste buds ready for Buckeye Candy & Cincinnati Chili
  • Ohio housing costs are 4% more expensive than they are in Iowa
  • Rent in Ohio is 33.97% more expensive than in Iowa
  • Moving from Iowa to Ohio will cost on average between $1,500 - $5,500
  • Our top recommended Iowa to Ohio movers is Perrysburg Moving and Hauling LLC

Iowa to Ohio Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Iowa to Ohio

ConsIowa iconIowa
  • Fewer big cities
  • Harsh winters
  • Limited job options
  • Less cultural diversity
ProsOhio iconOhio
  • Vibrant urban life
  • Milder seasons
  • Diverse economy
  • Rich cultural scene

Ohio iconOhio
  • Higher living costs
  • Heavier traffic
  • Busier lifestyle
  • Expensive housing
Iowa iconIowa
  • Serene landscapes
  • Close-knitted communities
  • Less congestion
  • Affordable housing

Pros of moving from Iowa to Ohio

  • Say goodbye to fewer big cities and hello to vibrant urban life
  • Look forward to moving away from harsh winters and moving to Ohio with milder seasons
  • Swap the limited job options of Iowa for a diverse economy in Ohio
  • Get ready for a rich cultural scene in Ohio

Cons of moving from Iowa to Ohio

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from serene landscapes in Iowa to live with higher living costs in Ohio
  • You'll lose out on the pro of close-knit communities and have to settle with the con of heavier traffic
  • Time to bid farewell to less congestion and get used to a busier lifestyle in Ohio
  • Swap affordable housing for expensive housing

Iowa vs. Ohio: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonIowaOhio
Most iconic local food itemPork Tenderloin SandwichBuckeye Candy
Most popular meat dishCorn-fed BeefCincinnati Chili
Most popular street food itemFried Corn on the CobPolish Boy
Most popular vegan foodVegetarian ChiliBlack Bean Burgers
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Zombie Burger
  • Sushi Neko
  • Ping Pong Dim Sum
  • Schmidt's Sausage Haus
  • Melt Bar and Grilled
  • Terra Kitchen
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness (out of 10)πŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺ
Abundance of Food Trucks (out of 10)🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene (out of 10)🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly (out of 10)🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

If you're moving from Iowa to Ohio, you will be trading the iconic Pork Tenderloin Sandwich of Iowa for the equally delicious Buckeye Candy of Ohio. And while the locals in Iowa rave about their flavorful Corn-fed Beef and sumptuous Fried Corn on the Cob, Ohio residents know they have tasty Cincinnati Chili and Polish Boy 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 Black Bean Burgers of Ohio. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Iowa eateries like Zombie Burger, Sushi Neko, and Ping Pong Dim Sum. After the boxes are unpacked in Ohio, don't wait too long before making your way to Ohio's acclaimed eateries like Schmidt's Sausage Haus, Melt Bar and Grilled, and Terra Kitchen.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Iowa and Ohio

ComparisonIowaOhio
Typical Architecture StyleColonial and RanchColonial and Craftsman
WalkabilityπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘Ÿ
Bikeability🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban LifestyleπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈ
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingEnergy Efficiency, Large BackyardsHardwood Floors, Proximity to Schools
  • The Colonial and Ranch architecture that Iowa is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Craftsman architecture typical of Ohio.
  • Compared to Iowa's real estate listings that commonly reference energy efficiency and large backyards, Ohio real estate listings often highlight features like hardwood floors and proximity to schools.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes; Ohio is more walkable than Iowa.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike; Ohio is more bike-friendly than Iowa.
  • Ohio has more of an urban feel than Iowa.
  • Ohio housing costs are 4% more expensive than they are in Iowa, with a median home price of $223,135 compared to Iowa’s $214,151.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Ohio have increased by 49% compared to a 36% increase in Iowa.
  • Rent in Ohio is 33.97% more expensive than in Iowa.

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

ComparisonIowaOhio
Days of Sunshine per Yearβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈ
Avg. Annual HumidityπŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦
Avg. UV IndexπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈ
Natural DisastersTornadoes, FloodsTornadoes, Severe Storms
Air QualityGoodModerate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)85/6383/63
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)31/1436/19
Annual Rainfall (Inches)3639
Annual Snowfall (Inches)2828
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from Iowa to Ohio. Ohio gets 13% fewer sunshine days than Iowa.
  • Ohio 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 tornadoes and severe storms in Ohio.
  • The average summer high temperature in Ohio is 2 degrees colder than in Iowa.
  • The average winter lows are 5 degrees warmer than they are in Iowa.
  • Your umbrella might be more overworked in Ohio. Ohio receives 3 more inches of rain compared to Iowa.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Iowa and Ohio

ComparisonIowaOhio
Avg. Household Income$69,588$65,720
Cost of Living Index95.992.85
State Income Tax8.53%5.75%
Avg. Property Tax1.53%1.48%
Avg. Sales Tax6.94%7.17%
Top 3 IndustriesAgriculture, Manufacturing, FinanceManufacturing, Finance, Healthcare
AffluenceModerateModerate-Low
PovertyModerate-LowModerate
HomelessnessLowModerate
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Ohio tend to earn about 6% less than those in Iowa
  • The COLI in Ohio is 3% lower than what you are used to living in Iowa
  • The state income tax in OH is 5.75% compared to 8.53% in IA
  • The affluence in Ohio is moderate-low compared to moderate in Iowa
  • The poverty level is moderate in Ohio compared to moderate-low in Iowa
  • In terms of homelessness, it is low in Iowa and moderate in Ohio

Political and Religious Climate in Iowa vs. Ohio

ComparisonIowaOhio
Political Make-upSwing State, leans slightly RepublicanSwing State, leans slightly Republican
Local PoliticsConservative rural areas, liberal urban centersConservative rural areas, liberal urban centers
ReligionChristianity predominant, diverse religious communities in urban areasChristianity predominant, diverse religious communities in urban areas
  • Iowa tends to lean swing State and leans slightly Republican in its political climate
  • Ohio, on the other hand, is often described as swing State and leans slightly Republican
  • Ohio's religious environment can be described as Christianity predominant with diverse religious communities in urban areas
  • Iowa's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as Christianity predominant with diverse religious communities in urban areas

Education Guide When Moving from Iowa to Ohio

ComparisonIowaOhio
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Iowa
Iowa State University
University of Northern Iowa
Ohio State University
University of Cincinnati
Ohio University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsWickham Elementary (Coralville)
Grant Wood Elementary (Bettendorf)
Roosevelt Elementary (Ames)
Mason Elementary (Mason)
Granville Elementary (Granville)
Indian Hill Primary School (Cincinnati)
Top 3 Middle SchoolsNorth Central Junior High (North Liberty)
Ames Middle School (Ames)
South East Junior High (Iowa City)
Bexley Middle School (Bexley)
Hudson Middle School (Hudson)
Mariemont Junior High School (Cincinnati)
Top 3 High School SchoolsWest High School (Iowa City)
Ames High School (Ames)
Decorah High School (Decorah)
Bexley High School (Bexley)
Walnut Hills High School (Cincinnati)
Solon High School (Solon)
Top 3 private high schoolsPhillips Academy (Exira)
Scattergood Friends School (West Branch)
Maharishi School (Fairfield)
Hawken School (Gates Mills)
Columbus Academy (Gahanna)
Western Reserve Academy (Hudson)
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsMaharishi School (Fairfield)
Rivermont Collegiate (Bettendorf)
Scattergood Friends School (West Branch)
Gilmour Academy (Gates Mills)
Columbus School for Girls (Columbus)
The Seven Hills School (Cincinnati)
Top 3 School DistrictsIowa City Community School District
Ames Community School District
Decorah Community School District
Indian Hill Exempted Village School District
Solon City School District
Bexley City School District

How Much Do Iowa to Ohio Movers Cost?

Moving 616 miles from Iowa to Ohio 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.

  • Expected Range: $2,500 - $5,500
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-3 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Perrysburg Moving and Hauling LLC
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,552300 ft3$5.17
1 Bedroom$2,305450 ft3$5.12
2 Bedrooms$3,804750 ft3$5.07
3 Bedrooms$5,5251100 ft3$5.02
4 Bedrooms$7,9561600 ft3$4.97
5+ Bedrooms$8,8601800 ft3$4.92

Top Iowa to Ohio Movers

Read our in-depth analysis of the best Iowa to Ohio movers with detailed rankings, cost breakdowns, and reviews.

TOP PICK
Perrysburg Moving and Hauling LLC featured image

Perrysburg Moving and Hauling LLC

Best moving company overall for Iowa to Ohio

9.81/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Blue Men Moving LLC featured image

Blue Men Moving LLC

9.57/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Adamantine Spine Moving featured image

Adamantine Spine Moving

9.54/10
ExceptionalView details