Massachusetts to Iowa Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Massachusetts to Iowa

ConsMassachusetts

• Expensive housing
• Heavy traffic
• High taxes
• Cold winters
• Dense population

ProsIowa

• Affordable housing
• Less traffic
• Lower taxes
• Milder winters
• More space

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Iowa

• Fewer historical sites
• Less diversity
• Limited higher education
• Fewer hospitals
• Landlocked geography

Massachusetts

• Rich history
• Cultural diversity
• Excellent education
• Top-tier healthcare
• Scenic coastlines

Pros of moving from Massachusetts to Iowa

• Say goodbye to expensive housing and hello to affordable housing
• Look forward to moving away from heavy traffic and moving to Iowa with less traffic
• Swap the high taxes of Massachusetts for lower taxes in Iowa
• Get ready for milder winters in Iowa

Cons of moving from Massachusetts to Iowa

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from rich history in Massachusetts to live with fewer historical sites in Iowa
• You'll lose out on the pro of cultural diversity and have to settle for the con of less diversity
• Time to bid farewell to excellent education and get used to limited higher education in Iowa
• Swap top-tier healthcare for fewer hospitals

Massachusetts vs. Iowa: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Massachusetts to Iowa, you will be trading the iconic Clam Chowder of Massachusetts for the equally delicious Corn on the Cob of Iowa. And while the locals in Massachusetts rave about their flavorful Lobster Roll and sumptuous Fried Clams, Iowa residents know they have tasty Pork Tenderloin Sandwich and Walking Taco to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Black Bean Burger they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Sweet Corn Gazpacho of Iowa. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Massachusetts eateries like Woodman's of Essex, Union Oyster House, and Neptune Oyster. After the boxes are unpacked in Iowa, don't wait too long before making your way to Iowa's acclaimed eateries like The Sumari Restaurant, Ox Yoke Inn, and Fong's Pizza.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Massachusetts and Iowa

• The Colonial and Cape Cod architecture that Massachusetts is known for will be replaced with the Craftsman and Ranch architecture typical of Iowa.
• Compared to Massachusetts's real estate listings that commonly reference proximity to education and historic details, Iowa real estate listings often highlight features like spacious lots and family-friendly amenities.
• You can keep your walking shoes packed away. Iowa is less walkable than Massachusetts.
• Iowa is similarly bike-friendly to Massachusetts.
• Iowa has less of an urban feel than Massachusetts.
• Iowa housing costs are 65% less expensive than they are in Massachusetts, with a median home price of $214,151 compared to Massachusetts’s $612,509.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Iowa have increased by 36% compared to a 46% increase in Massachusetts.
• Rent in Iowa is 57.44% more affordable than in Massachusetts.

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

• Break out the sunglasses for your move from Massachusetts to Iowa. Iowa gets 3% more sunshine days than Massachusetts.
• Iowa has higher humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Massachusetts.
• Say goodbye to the possible nor'easters and blizzards in Massachusetts, but be on the lookout for potential tornadoes and floods in Iowa.
• Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in Iowa is 5 degrees warmer than in Massachusetts.
• The average winter lows in Iowa are 8 degrees colder than they are in Massachusetts.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in Iowa. Iowa receives 13.7 fewer inches of rain compared to Massachusetts.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Massachusetts and Iowa

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Iowa tend to earn about 26% less than those in Massachusetts
• The COLI in Iowa will be 21% lower than what you are used to living in Massachusetts
• The state income tax in IA is 6% compared to 5% in MA
• The affluence in Iowa is stable compared to prosperous in Massachusetts
• The poverty level is low in Iowa compared to moderate in Massachusetts
• In terms of homelessness, it is significant in Massachusetts and minimal in Iowa

Political and Religious Climate in Massachusetts vs. Iowa

• Massachusetts 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 a Protestant majority with traditional religious values
• Massachusetts' residents' religious practices can generally be categorized as Catholic predominance with progressive religious communities

Education Guide When Moving from Massachusetts to Iowa

How Much Do Massachusetts to Iowa Movers Cost?

Moving 1,271 miles from Massachusetts to Iowa will typically cost between $3,000 and $7,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.