Movers

Louisiana to Iowa Moving Guide

Updated June 5, 2025

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Planning a 931 mile interstate move from Louisiana to Iowa? This moving guide will help you compare living in Louisiana vs Iowa across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like high humidity vs less humidity), food & health (like Gumbo vs Corn), real estate & housing (french colonial, creole vs prairie, farmhouse), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Louisiana), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Gumbo and Jambalaya, but get your taste buds ready for Corn & Pork Tenderloin Sandwich
  • Iowa housing costs are 8% more expensive than they are in Louisiana
  • Rent in Iowa is 17.90% more affordable than in Louisiana
  • Moving from Louisiana to Iowa will cost on average between $1,500 - $6,000
  • Our top recommended Louisiana to Iowa movers is Adamantine Spine Moving

Louisiana to Iowa Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Louisiana to Iowa

ConsLouisiana iconLouisiana
  • High humidity
  • Hurricane risk
  • Dense population
  • Traffic congestion
  • Hot summers
ProsIowa iconIowa
  • Less humidity
  • Fewer natural disasters
  • Open spaces
  • Less traffic
  • Milder summers

Iowa iconIowa
  • Less diversity
  • Fewer dining options
  • Fewer festivals
  • Fewer historic landmarks
  • Quieter evenings
Louisiana iconLouisiana
  • Cultural diversity
  • Rich cuisine
  • Mardi Gras events
  • Historic sites
  • Vibrant nightlife

Pros of moving from Louisiana to Iowa

  • Say goodbye to high humidity and hello to less humidity
  • Look forward to moving away from hurricane risk and moving to Iowa with fewer natural disasters
  • Swap the dense population of Louisiana for open spaces in Iowa
  • Get ready for less traffic in Iowa

Cons of moving from Louisiana to Iowa

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from cultural diversity in Louisiana to live with less diversity in Iowa
  • You'll lose out on the pro of rich cuisine and have to settle for the con of fewer dining options
  • Time to bid farewell to Mardi Gras events and get used to fewer festivals in Iowa
  • Swap historic sites for fewer historic landmarks

Louisiana vs. Iowa: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonLouisianaIowa
Most iconic local food itemGumboCorn
Most popular meat dishJambalayaPork Tenderloin Sandwich
Most popular street food itemPo'boyState Fair Corn Dog
Most popular vegan foodOkra GumboVegetarian Corn Taco
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Commander's Palace
  • Dooky Chase's Restaurant
  • Antoine's Restaurant
  • The IowaStater Restaurant
  • A & A Pagliai's Pizza
  • Zombie Burger + Drink Lab
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness (out of 10)πŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺ
Abundance of Food Trucks (out of 10)🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene (out of 10)🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly (out of 10)🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

If you're moving from Louisiana to Iowa, you will be trading the iconic Gumbo of Louisiana for the equally delicious Corn of Iowa. And while the locals in Louisiana rave about their flavorful Jambalaya and sumptuous Po'boy, Iowa residents know they have tasty Pork Tenderloin Sandwich and State Fair Corn Dog to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Okra Gumbo they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Vegetarian Corn Taco of Iowa. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Louisiana eateries like Commander's Palace, Dooky Chase's Restaurant, and Antoine's Restaurant. After the boxes are unpacked in Iowa, don't wait too long before making your way to Iowa's acclaimed eateries like The IowaStater Restaurant, A & A Pagliai's Pizza, and Zombie Burger + Drink Lab.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Louisiana and Iowa

ComparisonLouisianaIowa
Typical Architecture StyleFrench Colonial, CreolePrairie, Farmhouse
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 listingLarge yards, proximity to waterEnergy efficiency, space for gardening
  • The French Colonial and Creole architecture that Louisiana is known for will be replaced with the Prairie and Farmhouse architecture typical of Iowa.
  • Compared to Louisiana's real estate listings that commonly reference large yards and proximity to water, Iowa real estate listings often highlight features like energy efficiency and space for gardening.
  • You can keep your walking shoes packed away. Iowa is less walkable than Louisiana.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Iowa is more bike-friendly than Louisiana.
  • Iowa has less of an urban feel than Louisiana.
  • Iowa housing costs are 8% more expensive than they are in Louisiana, with a median home price of $214,151 compared to Louisiana’s $199,091.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Iowa have increased by 36% compared to a 13% increase in Louisiana.
  • Rent in Iowa is 17.90% more affordable than in Louisiana.

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

ComparisonLouisianaIowa
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 DisastersHurricanes, FloodsTornadoes, Blizzards
Air QualityGood to ModerateGood to Moderate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)91Β°F / 73Β°F85Β°F / 65Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)62Β°F / 43Β°F31Β°F / 14Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)6036
Annual Snowfall (Inches)<133
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from Louisiana to Iowa. Iowa gets 5% fewer sunshine days than Louisiana.
  • Iowa has lower humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Louisiana.
  • Say goodbye to the possible hurricanes and floods in Louisiana, 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 6 degrees colder than in Louisiana.
  • The average winter lows in Iowa are 29 degrees colder than they are in Louisiana.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in Iowa. Iowa receives 24 fewer inches of rain compared to Louisiana.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Louisiana and Iowa

ComparisonLouisianaIowa
Avg. Household Income$55,416$69,588
Cost of Living Index9695.9
State Income Tax2-6%0.33-8.53%
Avg. Property Tax0.53%1.53%
Avg. Sales Tax9.52%6%
Top 3 IndustriesOil, Natural Gas, AgricultureFinance, Insurance, Manufacturing
AffluenceModerateStable
PovertyHighModerate
HomelessnessNoticeableLower
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Iowa tend to earn about 26% more than those in Louisiana
  • The COLI in Iowa will be 0% lower than what you are used to living in Louisiana
  • The state income tax in Iowa is 0.33-8.53% compared to 2-6% in Louisiana
  • The affluence in Iowa is stable compared to moderate affluence in Louisiana
  • The poverty level is moderate in Iowa compared to high in Louisiana
  • In terms of homelessness, it is noticeable in Louisiana and lower in Iowa

Political and Religious Climate in Louisiana vs. Iowa

ComparisonLouisianaIowa
Political Make-upMixed; tends to lean Republican in federal electionsSwing state; varies between Republican and Democrat in federal elections
Local PoliticsDiverse, with significant local impacts on policy and lifestyleCommunity-focused, local politics play a key role in day-to-day life
ReligionPrimarily Christian, with a significant Catholic populationPrimarily Protestant, but with a diverse range of religious beliefs
  • Louisiana tends to lean mixed and tends to lean Republican in federal elections in its political climate
  • Iowa, on the other hand, is often described as a swing state and varies between Republican and Democrat in federal elections
  • Iowa's religious environment can be described as primarily Protestant but with a diverse range of religious beliefs
  • Louisiana's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as primarily Christian with a significant Catholic population

Education Guide When Moving from Louisiana to Iowa

ComparisonLouisianaIowa
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)Louisiana State University
Tulane University
University of Louisiana
University of Iowa
Iowa State University
University of Northern Iowa
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsSouth Highlands Elementary Magnet
Shreveport; Baton Rouge FLAIM
Baton Rouge; Lusher Charter
New Orleans
Wickham Elementary
Coralville; Roosevelt Elementary
Ames; Lincoln Elementary
Mount Vernon
Top 3 Middle SchoolsCaddo Parish Middle Magnet
Shreveport; Glasgow Middle
Baton Rouge; Lusher Charter
New Orleans
Ames Middle School
Ames; North Central Junior High
Coralville; Northwest Junior High
Coralville
Top 3 High School SchoolsBenjamin Franklin High School
New Orleans; Haynes Academy School for Advanced Studies
Metairie; Baton Rouge Magnet High School
Baton Rouge
West High School
Iowa City; Ames High School
Ames; Roosevelt High School
Des Moines
Top 3 private high schoolsIsidore Newman School
New Orleans; Metairie Park Country Day School
Metairie; Episcopal School of Baton Rouge
Baton Rouge
The Scattergood Friends School
West Branch; Maharishi School
Fairfield; Cedar Valley Christian School
Cedar Rapids
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsLouise S. McGehee School
New Orleans; Ridgewood Preparatory School
Metairie; Catholic High School
Baton Rouge
Maharishi School
Fairfield; Scattergood Friends School
West Branch; Des Moines Christian School
Urbandale
Top 3 School DistrictsZachary Community School District
Zachary; Central Community School System
Baton Rouge; Plaquemines Parish School Board
Belle Chasse
Iowa City Community School District
Iowa City; West Des Moines Community Schools
West Des Moines; Ames Community School District
Ames

How Much Do Louisiana to Iowa Movers Cost?

Moving 931 miles from Louisiana to Iowa 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.

  • Expected Range: $2,500 - $6,000
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-2 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Hemmen Moving
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,730300 ft3$5.77
1 Bedroom$2,573450 ft3$5.72
2 Bedrooms$4,251750 ft3$5.67
3 Bedrooms$6,1791100 ft3$5.62
4 Bedrooms$8,9081600 ft3$5.57
5+ Bedrooms$9,9321800 ft3$5.52

Top Louisiana to Iowa Movers

Read our in-depth analysis of the best Louisiana 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 Louisiana to Iowa

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

Adamantine Spine Moving

9.44/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Henry Hauling LLC featured image

Henry Hauling LLC

9.22/10
ExceptionalView details
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