Movers

Kentucky to Iowa Moving Guide

Updated June 13, 2025

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Planning a 666 mile interstate move from Kentucky to Iowa? This moving guide will help you compare living in Kentucky vs Iowa across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like humid summers vs cooler climate), food & health (like Fried Chicken vs Corn on the Cob), real estate & housing (colonial, craftsman vs farmhouse, ranch), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Iowa), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Fried Chicken and Burgoo, but get your taste buds ready for Corn on the Cob & Pork Tenderloin Sandwich
  • Iowa housing costs are 6% more expensive than they are in Kentucky
  • Rent in Iowa is 17.47% more affordable than in Kentucky
  • Moving from Kentucky to Iowa will cost on average between $1,500 - $5,500
  • Our top recommended Kentucky to Iowa movers is Adamantine Spine Moving

Kentucky to Iowa Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Kentucky to Iowa

ConsKentucky iconKentucky
  • Humid summers
  • Tornado risks
  • Limited job market
ProsIowa iconIowa
  • Cooler climate
  • Fewer tornadoes
  • Expanding industries

Iowa iconIowa
  • Lacks bourbon culture
  • Fewer equestrian events
  • Less diverse scenery
Kentucky iconKentucky
  • Rich bourbon heritage
  • Renowned horse farms
  • Beautiful landscapes

Pros of moving from Kentucky to Iowa

  • Say goodbye to humid summers and hello to a cooler climate
  • Look forward to moving away from tornado risks and moving to Iowa with fewer tornadoes
  • Swap the limited job market of Kentucky for expanding industries in Iowa

Cons of moving from Kentucky to Iowa

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from a rich bourbon heritage in Kentucky to live with a lack of bourbon culture in Iowa
  • You'll lose out on the pro of renowned horse farms and have to settle for the con of fewer equestrian events
  • Time to bid farewell to beautiful landscapes and get used to less diverse scenery in Iowa

Kentucky vs. Iowa: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonKentuckyIowa
Most iconic local food itemFried ChickenCorn on the Cob
Most popular meat dishBurgooPork Tenderloin Sandwich
Most popular street food itemHot Brown SandwichTaco Pizza
Most popular vegan foodBBQ JackfruitVegan Corn Dogs
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • The Castle Post
  • Ramsi's Cafe on the World
  • Grayson's Tavern
  • American Grill
  • The Filling Station
  • Centro
Fitness/Health ConscientiousnessπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺ
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

If you're moving from Kentucky to Iowa, you will be trading the iconic Fried Chicken of Kentucky for the equally delicious Corn on the Cob of Iowa. And while the locals in Kentucky rave about their flavorful Burgoo and sumptuous Hot Brown Sandwich, Iowa residents know they have tasty Pork Tenderloin Sandwich and Taco Pizza to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the BBQ Jackfruit they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Vegan Corn Dogs of Iowa. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Kentucky eateries like The Castle Post, Ramsi's Cafe on the World, and Grayson's Tavern. After the boxes are unpacked in Iowa, don't wait too long before making your way to Iowa's acclaimed eateries like American Grill, The Filling Station, and Centro.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Kentucky and Iowa

ComparisonKentuckyIowa
Typical Architecture StyleColonial, CraftsmanFarmhouse, Ranch
WalkabilityπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘Ÿ
Bikeability🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban LifestyleπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈ
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingSpacious yards, privacyEnergy efficiency, community
  • The Colonial and Craftsman architecture that Kentucky is known for will be replaced with the Farmhouse and Ranch architecture typical of Iowa.
  • Compared to Kentucky's real estate listings that commonly reference spacious yards and privacy, Iowa real estate listings often highlight features like energy efficiency and community.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes; Iowa is more walkable than Kentucky.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike; Iowa is more bike-friendly than Kentucky.
  • Iowa has more of an urban feel than Kentucky.
  • Iowa housing costs are 6% more expensive than they are in Kentucky, with a median home price of $214,151 compared to Kentucky’s $201,332.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Iowa have increased by 36% compared to a 47% increase in Kentucky.
  • Rent in Iowa is 17.47% more affordable than in Kentucky.

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

ComparisonKentuckyIowa
Days of Sunshine per Yearβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈ
Avg. Annual HumidityπŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦
Avg. UV IndexπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈ
Natural DisastersTornadoes, FloodsTornadoes, Blizzards
Air QualityGoodVariable
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)87/6685/63
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)41/2431/14
Annual Rainfall (Inches)4836
Annual Snowfall (Inches)1235
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from Kentucky to Iowa. Iowa gets 5% more sunshine days than Kentucky.
  • Iowa has higher humidity and a similar average UV index compared to Kentucky.
  • Say goodbye to the possible tornadoes and floods in Kentucky, but be on the lookout for potential tornadoes and blizzards in Iowa.
  • The average summer high temperature in Iowa is 2 degrees colder than in Kentucky.
  • The average winter lows are 10 degrees colder than they are in Kentucky.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in Iowa. Iowa receives 12 fewer inches of rain compared to Kentucky.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Kentucky and Iowa

ComparisonKentuckyIowa
Avg. Household Income$59,341$69,588
Cost of Living Index87.895.9
State Income Tax5%8.53%
Avg. Property Tax0.83%1.50%
Avg. Sales Tax6%6%
Top 3 IndustriesManufacturing, Healthcare, RetailAgriculture, Manufacturing, Retail
AffluenceModerateModerate
PovertyHighModerate
HomelessnessModerateLow
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Iowa tend to earn about 17% more than those in Kentucky
  • The COLI in Iowa will be 9% higher than what you are used to living in Kentucky
  • The state income tax in IA is 8.53% compared to 5% in KY
  • The affluence in Iowa is moderate compared to moderate in Kentucky
  • The poverty level is moderate in Iowa compared to high in Kentucky
  • In terms of homelessness, it is moderate in Kentucky and low in Iowa

Political and Religious Climate in Kentucky vs. Iowa

ComparisonKentuckyIowa
Political Make-upLeans RepublicanSwing State
Local PoliticsConservative in rural areasMixture of conservative and liberal
ReligionChristianity predominantChristianity predominant
  • Kentucky tends to lean Republican in its political climate
  • Iowa, on the other hand, is often described as a swing state
  • Iowa's religious environment can be described as predominantly Christianity
  • Kentucky's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as predominantly Christianity

Education Guide When Moving from Kentucky to Iowa

ComparisonKentuckyIowa
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Kentucky
University of Louisville
Western Kentucky University
University of Iowa
Iowa State University
University of Northern Iowa
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsRosa Parks Elementary (Lexington)
Stopher Elementary (Louisville)
Brandeis Elementary (Louisville)
Roosevelt Elementary (Ames)
Wickham Elementary (Coralville)
Lincoln Elementary (Mount Vernon)
Top 3 Middle SchoolsBarret Traditional Middle School (Louisville)
Beaumont Middle School (Lexington)
North Oldham Middle School (Goshen)
Ames Middle School (Ames)
North Central Junior High (North Liberty)
South East Junior High (Iowa City)
Top 3 High School SchoolsDuPont Manual High (Louisville)
Highlands High (Fort Thomas)
Gatton Academy (Bowling Green)
West High School (Iowa City)
Ames High School (Ames)
Pleasant Valley High School (Bettendorf)
Top 3 private high schoolsSacred Heart Academy (Louisville)
Lexington Catholic High (Lexington)
Trinity High School (Louisville)
Dowling Catholic High School (West Des Moines)
Xavier High School (Cedar Rapids)
Regina High School (Iowa City)
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsChristian Academy of Louisville
Lexington Christian Academy
Kentucky Country Day School (Louisville)
Scattergood Friends School (West Branch)
Maharishi School (Fairfield)
Cedar Valley Christian School (Cedar Rapids)
Top 3 School DistrictsOldham County Schools
Fayette County Public Schools
Fort Thomas Independent Schools
Iowa City Community School District
Ames Community School District
Pleasant Valley Community School District

How Much Do Kentucky to Iowa Movers Cost?

Moving 666 miles from Kentucky to Iowa will typically cost between $2,500 and $5,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $2,500 - $5,500
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-3 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Smooth Move Relocation Services
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,580300 ft3$5.27
1 Bedroom$2,348450 ft3$5.22
2 Bedrooms$3,875750 ft3$5.17
3 Bedrooms$5,6291100 ft3$5.12
4 Bedrooms$8,1071600 ft3$5.07
5+ Bedrooms$9,0301800 ft3$5.02

Top Kentucky to Iowa Movers

Read our in-depth analysis of the best Kentucky to Iowa movers with detailed rankings, cost breakdowns, and reviews.

TOP PICK
Adamantine Spine Moving featured image

Adamantine Spine Moving

Best moving company overall for Kentucky to Iowa

9.54/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Adamantine Spine Moving featured image

Adamantine Spine Moving

9.44/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
From Here to There featured image

From Here to There

9.16/10
ExceptionalView details

Louisville to Iowa

Lexington to Iowa