Kansas to Iowa Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Kansas to Iowa

ConsKansas

• Tornado frequency
• Flat terrain
• Limited job market
• Far from major cities
• Less cultural activities

ProsIowa

• Milder weather conditions
• Rolling hills
• Growing job opportunities
• Closer to Chicago
• Vibrant art scenes

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Iowa

• Higher cost of living
• Higher property taxes
• Fewer big cities
• Less BBQ culture
• Less sports enthusiasm

Kansas

• Friendly communities
• Affordable housing
• Diverse landscapes
• Renowned BBQ cuisine
• Great local sports

Pros of moving from Kansas to Iowa

• Say goodbye to tornado frequency and hello to milder weather conditions
• Look forward to moving away from flat terrain and moving to Iowa with rolling hills
• Swap the limited job market of Kansas for growing job opportunities in Iowa
• Get ready for being closer to Chicago in Iowa

Cons of moving from Kansas to Iowa

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from friendly communities in Kansas to live with a higher cost of living in Iowa
• You'll lose out on the pro of affordable housing and have to settle for the con of higher property taxes
• Time to bid farewell to diverse landscapes and get used to fewer big cities in Iowa
• Swap renowned BBQ cuisine for a less vibrant BBQ culture

Kansas vs. Iowa: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Kansas to Iowa, you will be trading the iconic BBQ Ribs of Kansas for the equally delicious Corn on the Cob of Iowa. And while the locals in Kansas rave about their flavorful Smoked Brisket and sumptuous Beef Sliders, Iowa residents know they have tasty Pork Tenderloin Sandwich and Fried Candy Bars to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Kale Salad they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Grain Bowl of Iowa. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Kansas eateries like Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que, YaYa’s Euro Bistro, and The Mockingbird Lounge. After the boxes are unpacked in Iowa, don't wait too long before making your way to Iowa's acclaimed eateries like The High Life Lounge, Fong's Pizza, and Albatroz Brazilian Steakhouse.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Kansas and Iowa

• The Ranch-style homes architecture that Kansas is known for will be replaced with the Craftsman-style homes architecture typical of Iowa.
• Compared to Kansas's real estate listings that commonly reference large yards and basements, Iowa real estate listings often highlight features like energy efficiency and open concept designs.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Iowa is more walkable than Kansas.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Iowa is more bike-friendly than Kansas.
• Iowa has less of an urban feel than Kansas.
• Iowa housing costs are 4% less expensive than they are in Kansas, with a median home price of $214,151 compared to Kansas’s $223,883.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Iowa have increased by 36% compared to a 49% increase in Kansas.
• Rent in Iowa is 1.52% more affordable than in Kansas.

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

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from Kansas to Iowa. Iowa gets 11% fewer sunshine days than Kansas.
• Iowa has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Kansas.
• Say goodbye to the possible tornadoes and storms in Kansas, but be on the lookout for potential tornadoes and blizzards in Iowa.
• Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in Iowa is 4 degrees colder than in Kansas.
• The average winter lows are 6 degrees colder than they are in Kansas.
• Your umbrella might be more overworked in Iowa. Iowa receives 5.1 more inches of rain compared to Kansas.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Kansas and Iowa

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Iowa tend to earn about 1% more than in Kansas
• The COLI in Iowa will be 4% higher than what you are used to living in Kansas
• The state income tax in IA is 0.33% to 8.53% compared to 3.1% to 5.7% in KS
• The affluence in Iowa is moderate compared to moderate in Kansas
• The poverty level is low in Iowa compared to moderate in Kansas
• In terms of homelessness, it is low in Kansas and low in Iowa

Political and Religious Climate in Kansas vs. Iowa

• Kansas tends to lean traditionally Republican in its political climate
• Iowa, on the other hand, is often described as a mixed swing state
• Iowa's religious environment can be described as primarily Christian, with a mix of Protestant and Catholic majorities
• Kansas' residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as primarily Christian, with a variety of denominations

Education Guide When Moving from Kansas to Iowa

How Much Do Kansas to Iowa Movers Cost?

Moving 469 miles from Kansas 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.