Minnesota to Iowa Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Minnesota to Iowa

ConsMinnesota

• Harsh winters
• Higher cost of living
• Dense traffic
• Higher taxes
• Busy urban lifestyle

ProsIowa

• Milder winters
• Cost-effective living
• Less traffic congestion
• Lower taxes
• Relaxed rural life

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Iowa

• Limited cultural diversity
• Fewer specialist options
• Fewer high-tech jobs
• Less varied landscapes

Minnesota

• Vibrant cultural scene
• Renowned medical facilities
• Thriving job market
• Stunning natural beauty

Pros of moving from Minnesota to Iowa

• Say goodbye to harsh winters and hello to milder winters
• Look forward to moving away from a higher cost of living and moving to Iowa with cost-effective living
• Swap the dense traffic of Minnesota for less traffic congestion in Iowa
• Get ready for lower taxes in Iowa

Cons of moving from Minnesota to Iowa

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from a vibrant cultural scene in Minnesota to live with limited cultural diversity in Iowa
• You'll lose out on the pro of renowned medical facilities and have to settle with the con of fewer specialist options
• Time to bid farewell to a thriving job market and get used to fewer high-tech jobs in Iowa
• Swap stunning natural beauty for less varied landscapes

Minnesota vs. Iowa: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Minnesota to Iowa, you will be trading the iconic Hotdish of Minnesota for the equally delicious Pork Tenderloin Sandwich of Iowa. And while the locals in Minnesota rave about their flavorful Walleye and sumptuous Juicy Lucy, Iowa residents know they have tasty Corn-fed Beef and Walking Tacos to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Wild Rice Soup they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Quinoa Salad of Iowa. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Minnesota eateries like Matt's Bar, Spoon and Stable, and Cafe Alma. After the boxes are unpacked in Iowa, don't wait too long before making your way to Iowa's acclaimed eateries like Zombie Burger, The Machine Shed, and Aria.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Minnesota and Iowa

• The Prairie Style and Cape Cod architecture that Minnesota is known for will be replaced with the Ranch and Craftsman architecture typical of Iowa.
• Compared to Minnesota's real estate listings that commonly reference lakeside views and spacious yards, Iowa's real estate listings often highlight features like energy efficiency and spacious yards.
• You can keep your walking shoes packed away, as Iowa is less walkable than Minnesota.
• You might want to think twice before moving your bike, since Iowa is less bike-friendly than Minnesota.
• Iowa has less of an urban feel than Minnesota.
• Iowa housing costs are 35% less expensive than they are in Minnesota, with a median home price of $214,151 compared to Minnesota’s $331,117.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Iowa have increased by 36% compared to a 33% increase in Minnesota.
• Rent in Iowa is 35.16% more affordable than in Minnesota.

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

• Break out the sunglasses for your move from Minnesota to Iowa. Iowa gets 4% more sunshine days than Minnesota.
• Iowa has higher humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Minnesota.
• Say goodbye to the possible blizzards and tornadoes in Minnesota, but be on the lookout for potential tornadoes and floods in Iowa.
• The average summer high temperature in Iowa is 2 degrees warmer than in Minnesota.
• The average winter lows are 7 degrees warmer than they are in Minnesota.
• Your umbrella might be more overworked in Iowa. Iowa receives 4 more inches of rain compared to Minnesota.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Minnesota and Iowa

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Iowa tend to earn about 15% less than those in Minnesota
• The COLI in Iowa will be 3% lower than what you are used to living in Minnesota
• The state income tax in IA is 8.53% compared to 9.85% in MN
• The affluence in Iowa is moderate compared to high in Minnesota
• The poverty level is moderate in Iowa compared to low in Minnesota
• In terms of homelessness, it is low in Minnesota and low in Iowa

Political and Religious Climate in Minnesota vs. Iowa

• Minnesota tends to lean mixed and leans Democratic in its political climate
• Iowa, on the other hand, is often described as mixed with a slight Republican lean
• Iowa's religious environment can be described as predominantly Christian with less religious diversity
• Minnesota's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as mainly Christian with diverse religious communities

Education Guide When Moving from Minnesota to Iowa

How Much Do Minnesota to Iowa Movers Cost?

Moving 404 miles from Minnesota to Iowa will typically cost between $2,000 and $5,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.