NC to IA Moving Specialists

North Carolina to Iowa Moving Guide

Want help with the heavy lifting?

Updated June 17, 2025

Planning a 1,064 mile interstate move from North Carolina to Iowa? This moving guide will help you compare living in North Carolina vs Iowa across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like hurricanes vs fewer natural disasters), food & health (like Barbecue pork vs Corn), real estate & housing (colonial, cape cod vs colonial, ranch), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in North Carolina), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Barbecue pork and Pulled pork, but get your taste buds ready for Corn & Pork tenderloin sandwich
  • Iowa housing costs are 35% less expensive than they are in North Carolina
  • Rent in Iowa is 37.62% more affordable than in North Carolina
  • Moving from North Carolina to Iowa will cost on average between $2,000 - $6,500
  • Our top recommended North Carolina to Iowa movers is Adamantine Spine Moving
North Carolina to Iowa featured image

Top North Carolina to Iowa Movers

Read our in-depth analysis of the best North Carolina 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 North Carolina to Iowa

9.54/10
Exceptional
RUNNER-UP
Just Move It, LLC featured image

Just Move It, LLC

9.50/10
Exceptional
ALSO GREAT
Adamantine Spine Moving featured image

Adamantine Spine Moving

9.44/10
Exceptional

North Carolina to Iowa Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from North Carolina to Iowa

ConsNorth Carolina iconNorth Carolina
  • Hurricanes
  • Higher humidity
  • Crowded beaches
  • Urban traffic
  • Higher cost of living
ProsIowa iconIowa
  • Fewer natural disasters
  • Drier climate
  • Open spaces
  • Less congestion
  • Lower cost of living

Iowa iconIowa
  • Cold, snowy winters
  • Fewer historical landmarks
  • No ocean coastline
  • Less culinary variety
  • Quieter nights
North Carolina iconNorth Carolina
  • Mild winters
  • Rich cultural history
  • Coastal access
  • Diverse cuisine
  • Vibrant nightlife

Pros of moving from North Carolina to Iowa

  • Say goodbye to hurricanes and hello to fewer natural disasters
  • Look forward to moving away from higher humidity and moving to Iowa with a drier climate
  • Swap the crowded beaches of North Carolina for open spaces in Iowa
  • Get ready for less congestion in Iowa

Cons of moving from North Carolina to Iowa

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from mild winters in North Carolina to live with cold, snowy winters in Iowa
  • You'll lose out on the pro of rich cultural history and have to settle for the con of fewer historical landmarks
  • Time to bid farewell to coastal access and get used to no ocean coastline in Iowa
  • Swap diverse cuisine for less culinary variety

North Carolina vs. Iowa: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonNorth CarolinaIowa
Most iconic local food itemBarbecue porkCorn
Most popular meat dishPulled porkPork tenderloin sandwich
Most popular street food itemShrimp and gritsWalking taco
Most popular vegan foodCollard greensSweet corn tamale
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Lexington Barbecue
  • Buxton Hall Barbecue
  • The Chef & the Farmer
  • Machine Shed Restaurant
  • Augie's Draft Room
  • Zeke's
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 North Carolina to Iowa, you will be trading the iconic barbecue pork of North Carolina for the equally delicious corn of Iowa. And while the locals in North Carolina rave about their flavorful pulled pork and sumptuous shrimp and grits, Iowa residents know they have tasty pork tenderloin sandwich and walking taco to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the collard greens they've grown to love, they can get ready for the sweet corn tamale of Iowa. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic North Carolina eateries like Lexington Barbecue, Buxton Hall Barbecue, and The Chef & the Farmer. After the boxes are unpacked in Iowa, don't wait too long before making your way to Iowa's acclaimed eateries like Machine Shed Restaurant, Augie's Draft Room, and Zeke's.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between North Carolina and Iowa

ComparisonNorth CarolinaIowa
Typical Architecture StyleColonial, Cape CodColonial, 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 listingHardwood floors, stainless steel appliancesEnergy efficiency, spacious backyard
  • The Colonial and Cape Cod architecture that North Carolina is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Ranch architecture typical of Iowa.
  • Compared to North Carolina's real estate listings that commonly reference hardwood floors and stainless steel appliances, Iowa real estate listings often highlight features like energy efficiency and spacious backyards.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Iowa is more walkable than North Carolina.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Iowa is more bike-friendly than North Carolina.
  • Iowa has less of an urban feel than North Carolina.
  • Iowa housing costs are 35% less expensive than they are in North Carolina, with a median home price of $214,151 compared to North Carolina’s $329,225.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Iowa have increased by 36% compared to a 63% increase in North Carolina.
  • Rent in Iowa is 37.62% more affordable than in North Carolina.

Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between North Carolina and Iowa

ComparisonNorth CarolinaIowa
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 DisastersHurricanes, FloodingTornadoes, Blizzards
Air QualityGoodModerate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)87Β°F / 66Β°F86Β°F / 65Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)50Β°F / 30Β°F31Β°F / 14Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)50"36"
Annual Snowfall (Inches)4"36"
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from North Carolina to Iowa. Iowa gets 4% fewer sunshine days than North Carolina.
  • Iowa has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to North Carolina.
  • Say goodbye to the possible hurricanes and flooding in North Carolina, but be on the lookout for potential tornadoes and blizzards in Iowa.
  • The average summer high temperature in Iowa is 1 degree colder than in North Carolina.
  • The average winter lows are 16 degrees colder than they are in North Carolina.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in Iowa. Iowa receives 14 fewer inches of rain compared to North Carolina.

Financial & Community Snapshot: North Carolina and Iowa

ComparisonNorth CarolinaIowa
Avg. Household Income$67,481$69,588
Cost of Living Index95.8595.9
State Income Tax5.254.63
Avg. Property Tax0.851.29
Avg. Sales Tax6.756.94
Top 3 IndustriesTechnology, Agriculture, ManufacturingManufacturing, Agriculture, Finance
AffluenceModerateModerate
PovertyModerateLow
HomelessnessLowVery Low
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Iowa tend to earn about 3% more than those in North Carolina
  • The COLI in Iowa is 0% higher than what you are used to living in North Carolina
  • The state income tax in IA is 4.63 compared to 5.25 in NC
  • The affluence in Iowa is moderate compared to moderate affluence in North Carolina
  • The poverty level is low in Iowa compared to moderate poverty in North Carolina
  • In terms of homelessness, it is low in North Carolina and very low in Iowa

Political and Religious Climate in North Carolina vs. Iowa

ComparisonNorth CarolinaIowa
Political Make-upPurple, leaning slightly redSwing state, varies by election
Local PoliticsUrban areas lean blue, rural areas lean redRural areas lean conservative, urban areas more liberal
ReligionChristianity dominates, with Baptists being significantChristianity prevalent, with a notable Lutheran presence
  • North Carolina tends to lean purple, leaning slightly red in its political climate
  • Iowa, on the other hand, is often described as a swing state that varies by election
  • Iowa's religious environment can be described as having Christianity prevalent, with a notable Lutheran presence
  • North Carolina's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as Christianity dominating, with Baptists being significant

Education Guide When Moving from North Carolina to Iowa

ComparisonNorth CarolinaIowa
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill
North Carolina State University
Raleigh
Duke University
Durham
University of Iowa
Iowa City
Iowa State University
Ames
University of Northern Iowa
Cedar Falls
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsEstes Hills Elementary School
Chapel Hill
Rashkis Elementary School
Chapel Hill
Claxton Elementary School
Asheville
Solon Elementary School
Solon
Robinson Elementary School
Ankeny
Lincoln Elementary School
Iowa City
Top 3 Middle SchoolsSmith Middle School
Chapel Hill
McDougle Middle School
Chapel Hill
Phillips Middle School
Chapel Hill
South East Junior High School
Iowa City
Waukee Middle School
Waukee
Ames Middle School
Ames
Top 3 High School SchoolsRaleigh Charter High School
Raleigh
Green Hope High School
Cary
Cary Academy
Cary
West Senior High School
Iowa City
Ames High School
Ames
Johnston Senior High School
Johnston
Top 3 private high schoolsTrinity School of Durham and Chapel Hill
Durham
Durham Academy
Durham
Cary Academy
Cary
Regina High School
Iowa City
Dowling Catholic High School
West Des Moines
Marquette Catholic High School
Bellevue
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsDurham Academy
Durham
Ravenscroft School
Raleigh
Cary Academy
Cary
Des Moines Christian School
Des Moines
St. Albert Catholic School
Council Bluffs
Maharishi School
Fairfield
Top 3 School DistrictsChapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools
Chapel Hill
Wake County Public School System
Cary
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools
Charlotte
Ames Community School District
Ames
Johnston Community School District
Johnston
Iowa City Community School District
Iowa City

How Much Do North Carolina to Iowa Movers Cost?

Moving 1,064 miles from North Carolina to Iowa will typically cost between $2,500 and $6,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $2,500 - $6,500
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-10 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: No Sweat Services Inc
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,806300 ft3$6.02
1 Bedroom$2,686450 ft3$5.97
2 Bedrooms$4,439750 ft3$5.92
3 Bedrooms$6,4561100 ft3$5.87
4 Bedrooms$9,3101600 ft3$5.82
5+ Bedrooms$10,3841800 ft3$5.77

Charlotte to Iowa

Raleigh to Iowa

Greensboro to Iowa

Durham to Iowa

Winston-Salem to Iowa

    Fayetteville to Iowa

      Cary to Iowa