Illinois to Iowa Moving Guide

Illinois vs. Iowa: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Illinois to Iowa, you will be trading the iconic Chicago-style deep dish pizza of Illinois for the equally delicious Iowa pork tenderloin of Iowa. And while the locals in Illinois rave about their flavorful Italian beef and sumptuous Chicago-style hot dog, Iowa residents know they have tasty grilled pork chop and sweet corn to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the seitan dishes they've grown to love, they can get ready for the black bean burger of Iowa. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Illinois eateries like Lou Malnati's Pizzeria, Alinea, and Portillo's. After the boxes are unpacked in Iowa, don't wait too long before making your way to Iowa's acclaimed eateries like Jethro's BBQ, Zombie Burger + Drink Lab, and The Sumatanga.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Illinois and Iowa

• The Prairie and Chicago School architecture that Illinois is known for will be replaced with the Craftsman and Ranch architecture typical of Iowa.
• Compared to Illinois's real estate listings that commonly reference hardwood floors and granite countertops, Iowa real estate listings often highlight features like energy efficiency and spacious backyards.
• You can keep your walking shoes packed away. Iowa is less walkable than Illinois.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Iowa is more bike-friendly than Illinois.
• Iowa has less of an urban feel than Illinois.
• Iowa housing costs are 17% less expensive than they are in Illinois, with a median home price of $214,151 compared to Illinois’s $257,738.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Iowa have increased by 36% compared to a 35% increase in Illinois.
• Rent in Iowa is 38.28% more affordable than in Illinois.

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

• Break out the sunglasses for your move from Illinois to Iowa. Iowa gets 8% more sunshine days than Illinois.
• Iowa has higher humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Illinois.
• Say goodbye to the possible tornadoes and floods in Illinois, but be on the lookout for potential tornadoes and blizzards in Iowa.
• The average summer high temperature in Iowa is 1 degree warmer than in Illinois.
• The average winter lows are 6 degrees colder than they are in Illinois.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in Iowa. Iowa receives 3 fewer inches of rain compared to Illinois.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Illinois and Iowa

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Iowa tend to earn about 9% less than in Illinois
• The COLI in Iowa will be 2% higher than what you are used to living in Illinois
• The state income tax in IA is 8.53% compared to 4.95% in IL
• The affluence in Iowa is steady compared to prosperous in Illinois
• The poverty level is low in Iowa compared to moderate in Illinois
• In terms of homelessness, it is visible in Illinois and rare in Iowa

Political and Religious Climate in Illinois vs. Iowa

• Illinois tends to lean Democratic in its political climate
• Iowa, on the other hand, is often described as a swing state
• Iowa's religious environment can be described as primarily Protestant, with Catholic, Jewish, and Muslim communities
• Illinois' residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as Christian (Catholic and Protestant), Jewish, and Muslim communities

Education Guide When Moving from Illinois to Iowa

How Much Do Illinois to Iowa Movers Cost?

Moving 260 miles from Illinois to Iowa 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.