Iowa to Tennessee Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Iowa to Tennessee

ConsIowa

• Harsh winters
• Flat landscapes
• Limited entertainment
• Fewer job opportunities

ProsTennessee

• Mild winters
• Scenic mountains
• Vibrant music scene
• Growing job market

---

Tennessee

• Higher living expenses
• More transient population
• Heavier traffic
• Less farmland

Iowa

• Lower cost of living
• Strong community ties
• Less traffic congestion
• Rich agricultural setting

Pros of moving from Iowa to Tennessee

• Say goodbye to harsh winters and hello to mild winters
• Look forward to moving away from flat landscapes and moving to Tennessee with scenic mountains
• Swap the limited entertainment of Iowa for a vibrant music scene in Tennessee
• Get ready for a growing job market in Tennessee

Cons of moving from Iowa to Tennessee

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from a lower cost of living in Iowa to live with higher living expenses in Tennessee
• You'll lose out on the pro of strong community ties and have to settle for the con of a more transient population
• Time to bid farewell to less traffic congestion and get used to heavier traffic in Tennessee
• Swap a rich agricultural setting for less farmland

Iowa vs. Tennessee: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Iowa to Tennessee, you will be trading the iconic Pork Tenderloin Sandwich of Iowa for the equally delicious Barbecue Ribs of Tennessee. And while the locals in Iowa rave about their flavorful Grilled Pork Chops & sumptuous Sweet Corn, Tennessee residents know they have tasty Hot Chicken and BBQ Nachos to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Roasted Vegetables they've grown to love, they can get ready for the BBQ Jackfruit of Tennessee. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Iowa eateries like The Iowa Stater Restaurant, Zombie Burger + Drink Lab, and Machine Shed Restaurant. After the boxes are unpacked in Tennessee, don't wait too long before making your way to Tennessee's acclaimed eateries like Rendezvous, Hattie B's Hot Chicken, and Loveless Cafe.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Iowa and Tennessee

• The Craftsman and Ranch architecture that Iowa is known for will be replaced with the Colonial, Tudor, and Ranch architecture typical of Tennessee.
• Compared to Iowa's real estate listings that commonly reference spacious yards and family-friendly features, Tennessee real estate listings often highlight attributes like scenic views and proximity to nature.
• You can keep your walking shoes packed away. Tennessee is less walkable than Iowa.
• You might want to think twice before moving your bike. Tennessee is less bike-friendly than Iowa.
• Tennessee has more of an urban feel than Iowa.
• Tennessee housing costs are 48% more expensive than those in Iowa, with a median home price of $317,482 compared to Iowa’s $214,151.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Tennessee have increased by 63% compared to a 36% increase in Iowa.
• Rent in Tennessee is 55.59% more expensive than in Iowa.

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

• Break out the sunglasses for your move from Iowa to Tennessee. Tennessee gets 1% more sunshine days than Iowa.
• Tennessee has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Iowa.
• Say goodbye to the possible tornadoes and severe storms in Iowa, but be on the lookout for potential tornadoes, earthquakes, and floods in Tennessee.
• Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in Tennessee is 6 degrees warmer than in Iowa.
• The average winter lows are 16 degrees warmer than they are in Iowa.
• Your umbrella might be more overworked in Tennessee. Tennessee receives 17 more inches of rain compared to Iowa.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Iowa and Tennessee

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Tennessee tend to earn about 6% less than in Iowa
• The COLI in Tennessee will be 7% lower than what you are used to living in Iowa
• Hooray, moving to TN means you'll no longer have state income taxes
• The affluence in Tennessee is moderate compared to moderate in Iowa
• The poverty level is moderate in Tennessee compared to low in Iowa
• In terms of homelessness, it is low in Iowa and moderate in Tennessee

Political and Religious Climate in Iowa vs. Tennessee

• Iowa tends to lean swing State in its political climate
• Tennessee, on the other hand, is often described as lean Conservative
• Tennessee's religious environment can be described as Christian (Predominantly Evangelical)
• Iowa's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as Christian (Predominantly Protestant)

Education Guide When Moving from Iowa to Tennessee

How Much Do Iowa to Tennessee Movers Cost?

Moving 721 miles from Iowa to Tennessee 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.