Michigan to Iowa Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Michigan to Iowa

ConsMichigan

• Harsh winters
• High cost of living
• Heavy traffic
• Industrial environment

ProsIowa

• Milder climate
• Lower cost of living
• Less congestion
• Rural charm

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Iowa

• Lacks large water bodies
• Less diverse
• Fewer sports options
• Limited art offerings

Michigan

• Great Lakes
• Cultural diversity
• Major sports teams
• Thriving art scene

Pros of moving from Michigan to Iowa

• Say goodbye to harsh winters and hello to a milder climate
• Look forward to moving away from the high cost of living and moving to Iowa with a lower cost of living
• Swap the heavy traffic of Michigan for less congestion in Iowa
• Get ready for rural charm in Iowa

Cons of moving from Michigan to Iowa

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the Great Lakes in Michigan to live with the lack of large water bodies in Iowa
• You'll lose out on the pro of cultural diversity and have to settle for the con of being less diverse
• Time to bid farewell to major sports teams and get used to fewer sports options in Iowa
• Swap the thriving art scene for limited art offerings

Michigan vs. Iowa: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Michigan to Iowa, you will be trading the iconic Detroit-style Pizza of Michigan for the equally delicious Iowa Pork Chop of Iowa. And while the locals in Michigan rave about their flavorful Coney Island Hot Dog and sumptuous Pasties, Iowa residents know they have tasty Corn-fed Beef Steak and Fried Butter on a Stick to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Tempeh Reuben they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Vegan Sweet Corn of Iowa. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Michigan eateries like Slows Bar BQ, Zingerman's Delicatessen, and Supino Pizzeria. After the boxes are unpacked in Iowa, don't wait too long before making your way to Iowa's acclaimed eateries like 1908 Draught House, Jethro's BBQ, and Zombie Burger + Drink Lab.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Michigan and Iowa

• The Late Victorian and Craftsman architecture that Michigan is known for will be replaced with the Ranch and Split-level architecture typical of Iowa.
• Compared to Michigan's real estate listings that commonly reference lakefront and green space, Iowa real estate listings often highlight features like family-friendly and quiet neighborhoods.
• You can keep your walking shoes packed away. Iowa is less walkable than Michigan.
• You might want to think twice before moving your bike. Iowa is less bike-friendly than Michigan.
• Iowa has less of an urban feel than Michigan.
• Iowa housing costs are 11% less expensive than they are in Michigan, with a median home price of $214,151 compared to Michigan’s $239,770.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Iowa have increased by 36% compared to a 45% increase in Michigan.
• Rent in Iowa is 25.51% more affordable than in Michigan.

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

• Break out the sunglasses for your move from Michigan to Iowa. Iowa gets 20% more sunshine days than Michigan.
• Iowa has similar humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Michigan.
• Say goodbye to the possible snowstorms and tornadoes in Michigan, 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 6 degrees warmer than Michigan.
• The average winter lows in Iowa are 4 degrees colder than they are in Michigan.
• Your umbrella might be more overworked in Iowa. Iowa receives 3.2 more inches of rain compared to Michigan.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Michigan and Iowa

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Iowa tend to earn about 4% more than in Michigan
• The COLI in Iowa will be 5% higher than what you are used to living in Michigan
• The state income tax in IA is 4.40% compared to 4.25% in MI
• The affluence in Iowa is modest compared to moderate in Michigan
• The poverty level is low in Iowa compared to moderate in Michigan
• In terms of homelessness, it is moderate in Michigan and low in Iowa

Political and Religious Climate in Michigan vs. Iowa

• Michigan tends to lean battleground State in its political climate
• Iowa, on the other hand, is often described as lean Conservative
• Iowa's religious environment can be described as a Christian majority with a strong Protestant presence
• Michigan's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as a Christian majority with diverse religious communities

Education Guide When Moving from Michigan to Iowa

How Much Do Michigan to Iowa Movers Cost?

Moving 580 miles from Michigan 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.