Iowa to Pennsylvania Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Iowa to Pennsylvania

ConsIowa

• Limited job market
• Harsh winters
• Lack of cultural diversity
• Few entertainment options

ProsPennsylvania

• Diverse job opportunities
• Milder climate
• Rich cultural diversity
• Vibrant entertainment scene

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Pennsylvania

• Higher cost of living
• Urban congestion
• Fast-paced lifestyle
• Limited green spaces

Iowa

• Lower cost of living
• Open spaces
• Community-oriented
• Natural beauty

Pros of moving from Iowa to Pennsylvania

• Say goodbye to limited job market and hello to diverse job opportunities
• Look forward to moving away from harsh winters and moving to Pennsylvania with milder climate
• Swap the lack of cultural diversity of Iowa for rich cultural diversity in Pennsylvania
• Get ready for vibrant entertainment scene in Pennsylvania

Cons of moving from Iowa to Pennsylvania

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from lower cost of living in Iowa to live with higher cost of living in Pennsylvania
• You'll lose out on the pro of open spaces and have to settle for the con of urban congestion
• Time to bid farewell to community-oriented lifestyle and get used to fast-paced lifestyle in Pennsylvania
• Swap natural beauty for limited green spaces

Iowa vs. Pennsylvania: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Iowa to Pennsylvania, you will be trading the iconic Pork Tenderloin Sandwich of Iowa for the equally delicious Philly Cheesesteak of Pennsylvania. And while the locals in Iowa rave about their flavorful Corn-fed Beef Steak and sumptuous Walking Taco, Pennsylvania residents know they have tasty Pittsburgh-style Sandwich and Soft Pretzel to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Grilled Corn they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Mushroom Soup of Pennsylvania. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Iowa eateries like Restaurant A, Restaurant B, and Restaurant C. After the boxes are unpacked in Pennsylvania, don't wait too long before making your way to Pennsylvania's acclaimed eateries like Restaurant D, Restaurant E, and Restaurant F.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Iowa and Pennsylvania

• The Colonial and Ranch architecture that Iowa is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Victorian architecture typical of Pennsylvania.
• Compared to Iowa's real estate listings that commonly reference spacious yards and quiet neighborhoods, Pennsylvania real estate listings often highlight features like historic homes and nearby amenities.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Pennsylvania is more walkable than Iowa.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Pennsylvania is more bike-friendly than Iowa.
• Pennsylvania has more of an urban feel than Iowa.
• Pennsylvania housing costs are 22% more expensive than they are in Iowa, with a median home price of $261,312 compared to Iowa’s $214,151.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Pennsylvania have increased by 43% compared to a 36% increase in Iowa.
• Rent in Pennsylvania is 37.33% more expensive than in Iowa.

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

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from Iowa to Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania gets 12% fewer sunshine days than Iowa.
• Pennsylvania 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 storms and floods in Pennsylvania.
• The average summer high temperature in Pennsylvania is the same as Iowa.
• The average winter lows are 9 degrees warmer than they are in Iowa.
• Your umbrella might be more overworked in Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania receives 6 more inches of rain compared to Iowa.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Iowa and Pennsylvania

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Pennsylvania tend to earn about 3% more than those in Iowa
• The COLI in Pennsylvania will be 4% higher than what you are used to living in Iowa
• The state income tax in PA is 3.07 compared to 8.53 in IA
• The affluence in Pennsylvania is high compared to moderate in Iowa
• The poverty level is low in Pennsylvania compared to moderate in Iowa
• In terms of homelessness, it is low in Iowa and moderate in Pennsylvania

Political and Religious Climate in Iowa vs. Pennsylvania

• Iowa tends to lean as a swing state with mixed political leanings in its political climate
• Pennsylvania, on the other hand, is often described as a swing state with areas of both strong Democratic and Republican support
• Pennsylvania's religious environment can be described as diverse with a mix of Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, and Muslim communities
• Iowa's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as primarily Christian with a significant Protestant population

Education Guide When Moving from Iowa to Pennsylvania

How Much Do Iowa to Pennsylvania Movers Cost?

Moving 907 miles from Iowa to Pennsylvania 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.