Iowa to Wisconsin Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Iowa to Wisconsin

ConsIowa

• Harsh winters
• Limited nightlife
• Flat landscapes

ProsWisconsin

• More winter activities
• Vibrant Madison scene
• Varied terrains

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Wisconsin

• Higher housing costs
• Busy tourist town
• More crowded cities

Iowa

• Lower cost of living
• Fewer tourists
• Quieter cities

Pros of moving from Iowa to Wisconsin

• Say goodbye to harsh winters and hello to more winter activities
• Look forward to moving away from limited nightlife and moving to Wisconsin with its vibrant Madison scene
• Swap the flat landscapes of Iowa for varied terrains in Wisconsin

Cons of moving from Iowa to Wisconsin

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the lower cost of living in Iowa to live with the higher housing costs in Wisconsin
• You'll lose out on the pro of fewer tourists and have to settle with the con of a busy tourist town
• Time to bid farewell to quieter cities and get used to the more crowded cities in Wisconsin

Iowa vs. Wisconsin: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Iowa to Wisconsin, you will be trading the iconic Corn of Iowa for the equally delicious Cheese Curds of Wisconsin. And while the locals in Iowa rave about their flavorful Pork Tenderloin Sandwich and sumptuous Taco Trucks, Wisconsin residents know they have tasty Bratwurst and Food Trucks with Cheese Curds to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Vegan Corn Tacos they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Vegan Cheese Options of Wisconsin. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Iowa eateries like Zombie Burger, Fong's Pizza, and Amana Colonies. After the boxes are unpacked in Wisconsin, don't wait too long before making your way to Wisconsin's acclaimed eateries like The Old Fashioned, Mickies Dairy Bar, and Culver's.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Iowa and Wisconsin

• The Modern Farmhouse architecture that Iowa is known for will be replaced with the Colonial Revival architecture typical of Wisconsin.
• Compared to Iowa's real estate listings that commonly reference spacious yards and three-car garages, Wisconsin real estate listings often highlight features like lakeside views and proximity to breweries.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Wisconsin is more walkable than Iowa.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Wisconsin is more bike-friendly than Iowa.
• Wisconsin has more of an urban feel than Iowa.
• Wisconsin housing costs are 38% more expensive than they are in Iowa with a median home price of $294,909 compared to Iowa’s $214,151.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Wisconsin have increased 47% compared to a 36% increase in Iowa.
• Rent in Wisconsin is 15.71% more expensive than in Iowa.

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

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from Iowa to Wisconsin. Wisconsin gets 8% fewer sunshine days than Iowa.
• Wisconsin has similar 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 snowstorms and cold waves in Wisconsin.
• The average summer high temperature in Wisconsin is 3 degrees colder than Iowa.
• The average winter lows are 1 degree colder than they are in Iowa.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in Wisconsin. Wisconsin receives 2 fewer inches of rain compared to Iowa.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Iowa and Wisconsin

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Wisconsin tend to earn about 2% more than in Iowa
• The COLI in Wisconsin is 0% lower than what you are used to living in Iowa
• The state income tax in WI is 7.65 compared to 8.53 in IA
• The affluence in Wisconsin is moderately high compared to moderate in Iowa
• The poverty level is moderate in Wisconsin compared to low in Iowa
• In terms of homelessness, it is low in Iowa and moderate in Wisconsin

Political and Religious Climate in Iowa vs. Wisconsin

• Iowa tends to lean swing state with recent leanings towards the Republican Party in its political climate
• Wisconsin, on the other hand, is often described as swing state with a history of close contests in both state and national elections
• Wisconsin's religious environment can be described as varied, with a larger percentage of Catholic residents compared to Iowa
• Iowa's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as Christianity is predominant, with a significant presence of evangelical Protestants

Education Guide When Moving from Iowa to Wisconsin

How Much Do Iowa to Wisconsin Movers Cost?

Moving 319 miles from Iowa to Wisconsin will typically cost between $2,000 and $5,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.