Iowa to Oregon Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Iowa to Oregon

ConsIowa

• Long, harsh winters
• Flat landscapes
• Limited outdoor activities
• Less cultural diversity
• Distance from the coast

ProsOregon

• Mild Oregon climate
• Scenic mountains
• Extensive outdoor opportunities
• More diverse communities
• Closer to Pacific Ocean

---

Oregon

• Higher living expenses
• More competitive job market
• Congestion in cities
• Higher education competition
• Faster pace of life

Iowa

• Lower cost of living
• Friendly communities
• Less traffic
• Good local schools
• Quieter pace

Pros of moving from Iowa to Oregon

• Say goodbye to long, harsh winters and hello to the mild Oregon climate
• Look forward to moving away from flat landscapes and moving to Oregon with scenic mountains
• Swap the limited outdoor activities of Iowa for extensive outdoor opportunities in Oregon
• Get ready for more diverse communities in Oregon

Cons of moving from Iowa to Oregon

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the lower cost of living in Iowa to live with the higher living expenses in Oregon
• You'll lose out on the pro of friendly communities and have to settle for the con of a more competitive job market
• Time to bid farewell to less traffic and get used to the congestion in cities in Oregon
• Swap good local schools for higher education competition

Iowa vs. Oregon: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Iowa to Oregon, you will be trading the iconic Pork Tenderloin Sandwich of Iowa for the equally delicious Marionberry Pie of Oregon. And while the locals in Iowa rave about their flavorful Grilled Pork Chops and sumptuous Breakfast Burrito, Oregon residents know they have tasty Dungeness Crab and Food Truck Tacos to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Sweet Corn they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Tempeh Reuben of Oregon. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Iowa eateries like The Machine Shed, Jethro’s BBQ, and Amana Colonies. After the boxes are unpacked in Oregon, don't wait too long before making your way to Oregon's acclaimed eateries like Voodoo Doughnut, Pok Pok, and Screen Door.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Iowa and Oregon

• The Ranch and Farmhouse architecture that Iowa is known for will be replaced with the Craftsman and Bungalow architecture typical of Oregon.
• Compared to Iowa's real estate listings that commonly reference spacious yards and quiet neighborhoods, Oregon real estate listings often highlight features like eco-friendly attributes and proximity to nature.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Oregon is more walkable than Iowa.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Oregon is more bike-friendly than Iowa.
• Oregon has more of an urban feel than Iowa.
• Oregon housing costs are 133% more expensive than they are in Iowa, with a median home price of $497,946 compared to Iowa’s $214,151.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Oregon have increased by 39% compared to a 36% increase in Iowa.
• Rent in Oregon is 63.40% more expensive than in Iowa.

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

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from Iowa to Oregon. Oregon gets 29% fewer sunshine days than Iowa.
• Oregon has higher 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 earthquakes and wildfires in Oregon.
• Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in Oregon is 4 degrees colder than in Iowa.
• The average winter lows are 21 degrees warmer than they are in Iowa.
• Your umbrella might be more overworked in Oregon. Oregon receives 8 more inches of rain compared to Iowa.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Iowa and Oregon

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Oregon tend to earn about 9% more than those in Iowa
• The COLI in Oregon will be 15% higher than what you are used to living in Iowa
• The state income tax in OR is 9.9% compared to 6.5% in IA
• The affluence in Oregon is high compared to moderate affluence in Iowa
• The poverty level is moderate in Oregon compared to low in Iowa
• In terms of homelessness, it is low in Iowa and high in Oregon

Political and Religious Climate in Iowa vs. Oregon

• Iowa tends to lean a swing state with a mix of Democratic and Republican representation in its political climate
• Oregon, on the other hand, is often described as largely Democratic, especially in urban areas
• Oregon's religious environment can be described as one of the most unaffiliated states religiously in the U.S.
• Iowa's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as predominantly Christianity, with a mix of Protestant and Catholic faiths

Education Guide When Moving from Iowa to Oregon

How Much Do Iowa to Oregon Movers Cost?

Moving 1,670 miles from Iowa to Oregon will typically cost between $3,000 and $7,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.