Nebraska to Iowa Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Nebraska to Iowa

ConsNebraska

• Harsh winters
• Higher taxes
• Limited job diversity
• Sparse population
• Far from big cities

ProsIowa

• Milder climate
• Lower cost of living
• More job opportunities
• Vibrant communities
• Closer to urban areas

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Iowa

• Less nature spots
• Higher crime rates
• Potential isolation
• Rising housing costs
• Less agricultural land

Nebraska

• Open spaces
• Low crime rates
• Friendly communities
• Affordable housing
• Strong agriculture

Pros of moving from Nebraska to Iowa

• Say goodbye to harsh winters and hello to a milder climate
• Look forward to moving away from higher taxes and moving to Iowa with a lower cost of living
• Swap the limited job diversity of Nebraska for more job opportunities in Iowa
• Get ready for vibrant communities in Iowa

Cons of moving from Nebraska to Iowa

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from open spaces in Nebraska to live with fewer nature spots in Iowa
• You'll lose out on the pro of low crime rates and have to settle for the con of higher crime rates
• Time to bid farewell to friendly communities and get used to potential isolation in Iowa
• Swap affordable housing for rising housing costs

Nebraska vs. Iowa: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Nebraska to Iowa, you will be trading the iconic Runza of Nebraska for the equally delicious Pork Tenderloin Sandwich of Iowa. And while the locals in Nebraska rave about their flavorful Beef Steak and sumptuous Grilled Corn, Iowa residents know they have tasty Pulled Pork and Taco Truck Tacos to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Black Bean Burgers they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Lentil Stew of Iowa. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Nebraska eateries like Runza, Misty’s Steakhouse and Brewery, and LeadBelly. 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 + Drink Lab, and A & A Pagliai's Pizza.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Nebraska and Iowa

• The Ranch and Craftsman architecture that Nebraska is known for will be replaced with the Victorian and Ranch architecture typical of Iowa.
• Compared to Nebraska's real estate listings that commonly reference spacious yards and garages, Iowa real estate listings often highlight features like energy efficiency and green spaces.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Iowa is more walkable than Nebraska.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Iowa is more bike-friendly than Nebraska.
• Iowa has more of an urban feel than Nebraska.
• Iowa housing costs are 17% less expensive than they are in Nebraska, with a median home price of $214,151 compared to Nebraska’s $257,167.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Iowa have increased 36% compared to a 47% increase in Nebraska.
• Rent in Iowa is 15.37% more affordable than in Nebraska.

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

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from Nebraska to Iowa. Iowa gets 7% fewer sunshine days than Nebraska.
• Iowa has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Nebraska.
• Say goodbye to the possible tornadoes and severe storms in Nebraska, but be on the lookout for potential tornadoes, severe storms, and floods in Iowa.
• The average summer high temperature in Iowa is 2 degrees colder than in Nebraska.
• The average winter lows are 1 degree warmer than they are in Nebraska.
• Your umbrella might be more overworked in Iowa. Iowa receives 4 more inches of rain compared to Nebraska.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Nebraska and Iowa

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Iowa tend to earn about 0% less than those in Nebraska
• The COLI in Iowa will be 6% higher than what you are used to living in Nebraska
• The state income tax in IA is 4.9% compared to 5.7% in NE
• The affluence in Iowa is moderate compared to moderate in Nebraska
• The poverty level is moderate in Iowa compared to low in Nebraska
• In terms of homelessness, it is minimal in Nebraska and low in Iowa

Political and Religious Climate in Nebraska vs. Iowa

• Nebraska tends to lean generally conservative in its political climate
• Iowa, on the other hand, is often described as historically a swing state but trending more conservative in recent cycles
• Iowa's religious environment can be described as majority Christian with a strong Mainline Protestant tradition, Evangelical communities across many counties, and a significant Catholic presence, particularly in eastern Iowa, with the unaffiliated share similar to or slightly higher than Nebraska
• Nebraska's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as majority Christian, with notable Evangelical and Mainline Protestant communities and a sizable Catholic presence, especially around Omaha and Lincoln, along with a meaningful and growing religiously unaffiliated population

How Much Do Nebraska to Iowa Movers Cost?

Moving 420 miles from Nebraska 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.