Iowa to West Virginia Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Iowa to West Virginia

ConsIowa

• Flat landscapes
• Harsh winters
• Limited outdoor activities
• Lack of Appalachian culture
• Fewer historical sites

ProsWest Virginia

• Scenic mountains
• Milder winters
• More hiking trails
• Rich cultural heritage
• Abundant historical landmarks

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West Virginia

• Higher cost of living
• Busier roads
• Economic challenges
• Rural isolation
• Complex bureaucracy

Iowa

• Low cost of living
• Less traffic
• Stable economy
• Community feeling
• Simpler lifestyle

Pros of moving from Iowa to West Virginia

• Say goodbye to flat landscapes and hello to scenic mountains
• Look forward to moving away from harsh winters and moving to West Virginia with milder winters
• Swap the limited outdoor activities of Iowa for more hiking trails in West Virginia
• Get ready for rich cultural heritage in West Virginia

Cons of moving from Iowa to West Virginia

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the low cost of living in Iowa to live with the higher cost of living in West Virginia
• You'll lose out on the pro of less traffic and have to settle for the con of busier roads
• Time to bid farewell to a stable economy and get used to economic challenges in West Virginia
• Swap the community feeling for rural isolation

Iowa vs. West Virginia: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Iowa to West Virginia, you will be trading the iconic Pork Tenderloin Sandwich of Iowa for the equally delicious Pepperoni Roll of West Virginia. And while the locals in Iowa rave about their flavorful Grilled Pork Chops and sumptuous Corn Dogs, West Virginia residents know they have tasty Country Ham and Hot Dogs with Sauce to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Quinoa Salad they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Vegetable Pasties of West Virginia. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Iowa eateries like Augusta Restaurant, Fong's Pizza, and High Life Lounge. After the boxes are unpacked in West Virginia, don't wait too long before making your way to West Virginia's acclaimed eateries like Custard Stand, Hillbilly Hot Dogs, and Pies & Pints.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Iowa and West Virginia

• The Colonial Revival and Ranch architecture that Iowa is known for will be replaced with the Colonial Revival and Craftsman architecture typical of West Virginia.
• Compared to Iowa's real estate listings that commonly reference spacious yards and proximity to schools, West Virginia real estate listings often highlight features like mountain views and private landscapes.
• You can keep your walking shoes packed away; West Virginia is less walkable than Iowa.
• You might want to think twice before moving your bike; West Virginia is less bike-friendly than Iowa.
• West Virginia has less of an urban feel than Iowa.
• West Virginia housing costs are 25% less expensive than they are in Iowa, with a median home price of $161,063 compared to Iowa’s $214,151.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in West Virginia have increased 37% compared to a 36% increase in Iowa.
• Rent in West Virginia is 7.54% more affordable than in Iowa.

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

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from Iowa to West Virginia. West Virginia gets 20% fewer sunshine days than Iowa.
• West Virginia has lower humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Iowa.
• Say goodbye to the possible tornadoes and severe storms in Iowa, but be on the lookout for potential floods and landslides in West Virginia.
• Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in West Virginia is 5 degrees colder than in Iowa.
• The average winter lows in West Virginia are 12 degrees warmer than they are in Iowa.
• Your umbrella might be more overworked in West Virginia. West Virginia receives 8 more inches of rain compared to Iowa.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Iowa and West Virginia

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in West Virginia tend to earn about 22% less than in Iowa
• The COLI in West Virginia is 1% lower than what you are used to living in Iowa
• The state income tax in WV is 6.50% compared to 8.53% in IA
• The affluence in West Virginia is low compared to moderate in Iowa
• The poverty level is moderate in West Virginia compared to low in Iowa
• In terms of homelessness, it is low in Iowa and moderate in West Virginia

Political and Religious Climate in Iowa vs. West Virginia

• Iowa tends to lean swing state in its political climate
• West Virginia, on the other hand, is often described as lean Republican
• West Virginia's religious environment can be described as Protestant
• Iowa's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as Protestant and Catholic

Education Guide When Moving from Iowa to West Virginia

How Much Do Iowa to West Virginia Movers Cost?

Moving 855 miles from Iowa to West Virginia 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.