Movers

Maine to Iowa Moving Guide

Updated June 10, 2025

Hero background image

Planning a 1,405 mile interstate move from Maine to Iowa? This moving guide will help you compare living in Maine vs Iowa across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like long, cold winters vs more moderate winter temperatures), food & health (like Lobster Roll vs Corn on the Cob), real estate & housing (cape cod, colonial vs farmhouse, ranch), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Maine), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Lobster Roll and Lobster, but get your taste buds ready for Corn on the Cob & Pork Tenderloin
  • Iowa housing costs are 45% less expensive than they are in Maine
  • Rent in Iowa is 40.52% more affordable than in Maine
  • Moving from Maine to Iowa will cost on average between $2,000 - $7,000
  • Our top recommended Maine to Iowa movers is Adamantine Spine Moving

Maine to Iowa Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Maine to Iowa

ConsMaine iconMaine
  • Long, cold winters
  • Limited job opportunities
  • High cost of living
  • Rural isolation
  • Limited public transit
ProsIowa iconIowa
  • More moderate winter temperatures
  • Growing job market
  • Affordable housing
  • Vibrant community life
  • Better road networks

Iowa iconIowa
  • Inland cuisine
  • Flat landscapes
  • Less historical sites
  • Rural character
  • Fewer cultural events
Maine iconMaine
  • Fresh seafood
  • Scenic coastlines
  • Rich history
  • Charming small towns
  • Artistic community

Pros of moving from Maine to Iowa

  • Say goodbye to long, cold winters and hello to more moderate winter temperatures
  • Look forward to moving away from limited job opportunities and moving to Iowa with a growing job market
  • Swap the high cost of living in Maine for affordable housing in Iowa
  • Get ready for vibrant community life in Iowa

Cons of moving from Maine to Iowa

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from fresh seafood in Maine to live with inland cuisine in Iowa
  • You'll lose out on the pro of scenic coastlines and have to settle with the con of flat landscapes
  • Time to bid farewell to rich history and get used to fewer historical sites in Iowa
  • Swap charming small towns for rural character

Maine vs. Iowa: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonMaineIowa
Most iconic local food itemLobster RollCorn on the Cob
Most popular meat dishLobsterPork Tenderloin
Most popular street food itemItalian SandwichWalking Taco
Most popular vegan foodSeaweed SaladGrilled Corn
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Fore Street
  • Eventide Oyster Co.
  • Duckfat
  • Jethro’s BBQ
  • Zombie Burger
  • Auld & Hearty
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 Maine to Iowa, you will be trading the iconic Lobster Roll of Maine for the equally delicious Corn on the Cob of Iowa. And while the locals in Maine rave about their flavorful Lobster and sumptuous Italian Sandwich, Iowa residents know they have tasty Pork Tenderloin and Walking Taco to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Seaweed Salad they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Grilled Corn of Iowa. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Maine eateries like Fore Street, Eventide Oyster Co., and Duckfat. 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, and Auld & Hearty.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Maine and Iowa

ComparisonMaineIowa
Typical Architecture StyleCape Cod, ColonialFarmhouse, 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 listingOcean views, historic detailsSpacious yards, proximity to schools
  • The Cape Cod and Colonial architecture that Maine is known for will be replaced with the Farmhouse and Ranch architecture typical of Iowa.
  • Compared to Maine's real estate listings that commonly reference ocean views and historic details, Iowa real estate listings often highlight features like spacious yards and proximity to schools.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Iowa is more walkable than Maine.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Iowa is more bike-friendly than Maine.
  • Iowa has more of an urban feel than Maine.
  • Iowa housing costs are 45% less expensive than they are in Maine, with a median home price of $214,151 compared to Maine’s $392,358.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Iowa have increased by 36% compared to a 70% increase in Maine.
  • Rent in Iowa is 40.52% more affordable than in Maine.

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

ComparisonMaineIowa
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 DisastersSnowstorms, Ice StormsTornadoes, Floods
Air QualityGoodGood
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)70Β°F/50Β°F85Β°F/65Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)31Β°F/17Β°F31Β°F/13Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)4236
Annual Snowfall (Inches)6133
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from Maine to Iowa. Iowa gets 3% more sunshine days than Maine.
  • Iowa has higher humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Maine.
  • Say goodbye to the possible snowstorms and ice storms in Maine, 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 15 degrees warmer than in Maine.
  • The average winter lows are 4 degrees colder than they are in Maine.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in Iowa. Iowa receives 6 fewer inches of rain compared to Maine.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Maine and Iowa

ComparisonMaineIowa
Avg. Household Income$69,543$69,588
Cost of Living Index116.595.9
State Income Tax5-7%4-8.5%
Avg. Property Tax1.20%1.53%
Avg. Sales Tax5.5%6%
Top 3 IndustriesHealthcare, Tourism, ManufacturingAgriculture, Manufacturing, Insurance
AffluenceModerateModerate
PovertyExperiencedPresent
HomelessnessManageableLow
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Iowa tend to earn about 0% more than in Maine
  • The COLI in Iowa will be 18% lower than what you are used to living in Maine
  • The state income tax in IA is 4-8.5% compared to 5-7% in ME
  • The affluence in Iowa is moderate compared to moderate in Maine
  • The poverty level is present in Iowa compared to experienced in Maine
  • In terms of homelessness, it is manageable in Maine and low in Iowa

Political and Religious Climate in Maine vs. Iowa

ComparisonMaineIowa
Political Make-upLeans DemocraticSwing State
Local PoliticsCommunity-centered, environment-focusedAgriculture and business-oriented
ReligionLess religiously affiliatedModerately religious, diverse denominations
  • Maine 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 moderately religious and diverse denominations
  • Maine's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as less religiously affiliated

Education Guide When Moving from Maine to Iowa

ComparisonMaineIowa
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Maine
Bowdoin College
Bates College
University of Iowa
Iowa State University
Grinnell College
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsCape Elizabeth Schools
Yarmouth Schools
Falmouth Schools
Wickham Elementary - Coralville
Lincoln Elementary - Pella
Rover Valley - Decorah
Top 3 Middle SchoolsYarmouth Schools
Falmouth Schools
Cape Elizabeth Schools
Ames Middle School
North Central Junior High
Northwest Junior High
Top 3 High SchoolsYarmouth High School
Falmouth High School
Cape Elizabeth High School
West Senior High - Iowa City
Ames High School
Roosevelt High School - Des Moines
Top 3 private high schoolsWaynflete School - Portland
John Bapst Memorial High School - Bangor
Hebron Academy - Hebron
Phillips Academy - Exeter
The Scattergood Friends School - West Branch
Maharishi School - Fairfield
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsWaynflete School - Portland
North Yarmouth Academy - Yarmouth
Hebron Academy - Hebron
Scattergood Friends School - West Branch
Maharishi School - Fairfield
Des Moines Christian School - Urbandale
Top 3 School DistrictsFalmouth School District
Yarmouth School District
Cape Elizabeth School District
Iowa City Community School District
Ames Community School District
West Des Moines Community Schools

How Much Do Maine to Iowa Movers Cost?

Moving 1,405 miles from Maine 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.

  • Expected Range: $3,000 - $7,000
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Hemmen Moving
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,999300 ft3$6.66
1 Bedroom$2,976450 ft3$6.61
2 Bedrooms$4,923750 ft3$6.56
3 Bedrooms$7,1651100 ft3$6.51
4 Bedrooms$10,3411600 ft3$6.46
5+ Bedrooms$11,5441800 ft3$6.41

Top Maine to Iowa Movers

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

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

Adamantine Spine Moving

9.44/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
SC Moving Services featured image

SC Moving Services

9.20/10
ExceptionalView details
Top Maine to Iowa Routes

Portland to Iowa