Iowa to Virginia Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Iowa to Virginia

ConsIowa

• Harsh winters
• Flat landscapes
• Limited job market

ProsVirginia

• Milder climates
• Scenic mountains
• Diverse industries

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Virginia

• Higher living expenses
• Busier urban life
• Less farming land

Iowa

• Lower cost of living
• Friendly small towns
• Strong agricultural community

Pros of moving from Iowa to Virginia

• Say goodbye to harsh winters and hello to milder climates
• Look forward to moving away from flat landscapes and moving to Virginia with scenic mountains
• Swap the limited job market of Iowa for diverse industries in Virginia

Cons of moving from Iowa to Virginia

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the lower cost of living in Iowa to live with higher living expenses in Virginia
• You'll lose out on the pro of friendly small towns and have to settle for the con of busier urban life
• Time to bid farewell to a strong agricultural community and get used to less farming land in Virginia

Iowa vs. Virginia: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Iowa to Virginia, you will be trading the iconic Pork Tenderloin Sandwich of Iowa for the equally delicious Virginia Ham of Virginia. And while the locals in Iowa rave about their flavorful Corn-fed Beef and sumptuous State Fair Corn Dog, Virginia residents know they have tasty Chesapeake Bay Blue Crab and Soft Shell Crab Sandwich to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Grilled Sweet Corn they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Black-eyed Peas and Greens of Virginia. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Iowa eateries like The High Life Lounge, Zombie Burger, and The Machine Shed. After the boxes are unpacked in Virginia, don't wait too long before making your way to Virginia's acclaimed eateries like The Inn at Little Washington, Lemaire, and Sweet Green.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Iowa and Virginia

• The Ranch-style architecture that Iowa is known for will be replaced with the Colonial-style architecture typical of Virginia.
• Compared to Iowa's real estate listings that commonly reference spacious yards and quiet streets, Virginia real estate listings often highlight features like proximity to historical sites and modern amenities.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Virginia is more walkable than Iowa.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Virginia is more bike-friendly than Iowa.
• Virginia has more of an urban feel than Iowa.
• Virginia housing costs are 80% more expensive than they are in Iowa, with a median home price of $385,780 compared to Iowa’s $214,151.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Virginia have increased by 42% compared to a 36% increase in Iowa.
• Rent in Virginia is 69.39% more expensive than in Iowa.

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

• Break out the sunglasses for your move from Iowa to Virginia. Virginia gets 0% more sunshine days than Iowa.
• Virginia 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 hurricanes and earthquakes in Virginia.
• Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in Virginia is 5 degrees warmer than in Iowa.
• The average winter lows are 15 degrees warmer than they are in Iowa.
• Your umbrella might be more overworked in Virginia. Virginia receives 8 more inches of rain compared to Iowa.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Iowa and Virginia

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Virginia tend to earn about 23% more than in Iowa
• The COLI in Virginia will be 1% higher than what you are used to living in Iowa
• The state income tax in VA is 5.75 compared to 8.53 in IA
• The affluence in Virginia is high compared to moderate in Iowa
• The poverty level is low in Virginia compared to moderate in Iowa
• In terms of homelessness, it is low in Iowa and moderate in Virginia

Political and Religious Climate in Iowa vs. Virginia

• Iowa tends to lean battleground state and tends to swing in national elections in its political climate
• Virginia, on the other hand, is often described as leaning Democratic in recent national elections
• Virginia's religious environment can be described as religious diversity, including Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, and others, especially in urban areas
• Iowa's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as Christianity dominates with a significant evangelical presence

Education Guide When Moving from Iowa to Virginia

How Much Do Iowa to Virginia Movers Cost?

Moving 1,018 miles from Iowa to Virginia will typically cost between $2,500 and $6,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.