Mississippi to Iowa Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Mississippi to Iowa

ConsMississippi

• High humidity
• Hurricane risk
• Mild winters
• Lower educational ranking

ProsIowa

• Less humidity
• Fewer natural disasters
• Four distinct seasons
• Higher educational ranking

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Iowa

• Less cultural diversity
• Higher cost of living
• Fewer local food options
• No nearby coastlines

Mississippi

• Rich culture
• Affordable cost of living
• Southern cuisine
• Proximity to Gulf Coast

Pros of moving from Mississippi 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 mild winters of Mississippi for four distinct seasons in Iowa
• Get ready for a higher educational ranking in Iowa

Cons of moving from Mississippi to Iowa

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from a rich culture in Mississippi to live with less cultural diversity in Iowa
• You'll lose out on the pro of an affordable cost of living and have to settle with the con of a higher cost of living
• Time to bid farewell to southern cuisine and get used to fewer local food options in Iowa
• Swap proximity to the Gulf Coast for no nearby coastlines

Mississippi vs. Iowa: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Mississippi to Iowa, you will be trading the iconic Catfish of Mississippi for the equally delicious Corn of Iowa. And while the locals in Mississippi rave about their flavorful BBQ Ribs and sumptuous Po'boy Sandwich, Iowa residents know they have tasty Pork Tenderloin Sandwich and Taco Truck Tacos to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Okra 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 Mississippi eateries like Mayflower Cafe, City Grocery, and Bully's Restaurant. 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 Sumar, and Augusta Restaurant.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Mississippi and Iowa

• The Antebellum and Ranch architecture that Mississippi is known for will be replaced with the Prairie School and Craftsman architecture typical of Iowa.
• Compared to Mississippi's real estate listings that commonly reference large yards and privacy, Iowa real estate listings often highlight features like energy efficiency and community spaces.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Iowa is more walkable than Mississippi.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Iowa is more bike-friendly than Mississippi.
• Iowa has more of an urban feel than Mississippi.
• Iowa housing costs are 20% more expensive than they are in Mississippi, with a median home price of $214,151 compared to Mississippi’s $178,490.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Iowa have increased by 36% compared to a 31% increase in Mississippi.
• Rent in Iowa is 21.08% more affordable than in Mississippi.

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

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from Mississippi to Iowa. Iowa gets 6% fewer sunshine days than Mississippi.
• Iowa has lower humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Mississippi.
• Say goodbye to the possible hurricanes and floods in Mississippi, but be on the lookout for potential tornadoes and floods in Iowa.
• Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in Iowa is 5 degrees colder than in Mississippi.
• The average winter lows are 23 degrees colder than they are in Mississippi.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in Iowa. Iowa receives 23 fewer inches of rain compared to Mississippi.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Mississippi and Iowa

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Iowa tend to earn about 32% more than those in Mississippi
• The COLI in Iowa will be 4% higher than what you are used to living in Mississippi
• The state income tax in IA is 8.53% compared to 5% in MS
• The affluence in Iowa is higher compared to moderate affluence in Mississippi
• The poverty level is lower in Iowa compared to a higher level in Mississippi
• In terms of homelessness, it is low in Mississippi and low in Iowa

Political and Religious Climate in Mississippi vs. Iowa

• Mississippi tends to lean conservative and tends to vote Republican in its political climate.
• Iowa, on the other hand, is often described as a swing state that fluctuates between Republican and Democratic.
• Iowa's religious environment can be described as less religious with diverse religious views.
• Mississippi's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as highly religious and predominantly Christian.

Education Guide When Moving from Mississippi to Iowa

How Much Do Mississippi to Iowa Movers Cost?

Moving 814 miles from Mississippi 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.