Nebraska to Iowa Moving Guide
Updated June 10, 2025

Planning a 420 mile interstate move from Nebraska to Iowa? This moving guide will help you compare living in Nebraska vs Iowa across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like harsh winters vs milder climate), food & health (like Runza vs Pork Tenderloin Sandwich), real estate & housing (ranch and craftsman vs victorian and ranch), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Nebraska), politics & religion, and education.
Key Takeaways:
- Say goodbye to Runza and Beef Steak, but get your taste buds ready for Pork Tenderloin Sandwich & Pulled Pork
- Iowa housing costs are 17% less expensive than they are in Nebraska
- Rent in Iowa is 15.37% more affordable than in Nebraska
- Moving from Nebraska to Iowa will cost on average between $1,500 - $5,000
- Our top recommended Nebraska to Iowa movers is Adamantine Spine Moving
Nebraska to Iowa Moving Guide
Pros and Cons of Moving from Nebraska to Iowa
- Harsh winters
- Higher taxes
- Limited job diversity
- Sparse population
- Far from big cities
- Milder climate
- Lower cost of living
- More job opportunities
- Vibrant communities
- Closer to urban areas
- Less nature spots
- Higher crime rates
- Potential isolation
- Rising housing costs
- Less agricultural land
- 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
Comparison | Nebraska | Iowa |
---|---|---|
Most iconic local food item | Runza | Pork Tenderloin Sandwich |
Most popular meat dish | Beef Steak | Pulled Pork |
Most popular street food item | Grilled Corn | Taco Truck Tacos |
Most popular vegan food | Black Bean Burgers | Lentil Stew |
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state |
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Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | πͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺ | πͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺ |
Abundance of Food Trucks | ππππππππππ | ππππππππππ |
Foodie Scene | π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄ | π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄ |
Vegan Friendly | π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π± | π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π± |
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, Mistyβs 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 Jethroβs 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
Comparison | Nebraska | Iowa |
---|---|---|
Typical Architecture Style | Ranch and Craftsman | Victorian and Ranch |
Walkability | ππππππππππ | ππππππππππ |
Bikeability | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² |
Urban Lifestyle | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ |
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Spacious yards, garages | Energy efficiency, green spaces |
- 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 Nebraskaβs $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
Comparison | Nebraska | Iowa |
---|---|---|
Days of Sunshine per Year | βοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈ | βοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈ |
Avg. Annual Humidity | π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦ | π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦ |
Avg. UV Index | πΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈ | πΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈ |
Natural Disasters | Tornadoes, Severe Storms | Tornadoes, Severe Storms, Floods |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F) | 85Β°F / 64Β°F | 83Β°F / 63Β°F |
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F) | 35Β°F / 13Β°F | 31Β°F / 14Β°F |
Annual Rainfall (Inches) | 30 | 34 |
Annual Snowfall (Inches) | 28 | 33 |
- 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
Comparison | Nebraska | Iowa |
---|---|---|
Avg. Household Income | $69,597 | $69,588 |
Cost of Living Index | 90.85 | 95.9 |
State Income Tax | 5.7% | 4.9% |
Avg. Property Tax | 1.73% | 1.53% |
Avg. Sales Tax | 6.9% | 6.8% |
Top 3 Industries | Agriculture, Manufacturing, Finance | Manufacturing, Insurance, Agriculture |
Affluence | Moderate | Moderate |
Poverty | Low | Moderate |
Homelessness | Minimal | Low |
- 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
Comparison | Nebraska | Iowa |
---|---|---|
Political Make-up | Leans Republican | Mixed, Swing State |
Local Politics | Focus on agriculture, business | Focus on agriculture, renewable energy |
Religion | Christian Majority | Christian Majority |
- Nebraska tends to lean Republican in its political climate
- Iowa, on the other hand, is often described as a mixed, Swing State
- Iowa's religious environment can be described as a Christian Majority
- Nebraska's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as a Christian Majority
Education Guide When Moving from Nebraska to Iowa
Comparison | Nebraska | Iowa |
---|---|---|
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3) | University of Nebraska-Lincoln Creighton University University of Nebraska at Omaha | University of Iowa Iowa State University University of Northern Iowa |
Top 3 Elementary Schools | Paddock Road Elementary Westside Omaha; Brownell Talbot School Omaha; Dundee Elementary School Omaha | Wickham Elementary Coralville; Roosevelt Elementary Ames; Grant Wood Elementary Bettendorf |
Top 3 Middle Schools | Elkhorn Ridge Middle School Elkhorn; Brownell Talbot School Omaha; Kiewit Middle School Omaha | Ames Middle School Ames; North Central Junior High North Liberty; Bettendorf Middle School Bettendorf |
Top 3 High School Schools | Elkhorn South High School Elkhorn; Westside High School Omaha; Millard North High School Omaha | West High School Iowa City; Ames High School Ames; Pleasant Valley High School Bettendorf |
Top 3 private high schools | Brownell Talbot School Omaha; Mount Michael Benedictine School Elkhorn; Marian High School Omaha | Regina High School Iowa City; Dowling Catholic High School West Des Moines; Xavier High School Cedar Rapids |
Top 3 private K-12 schools | Brownell Talbot School Omaha; Omaha Christian Academy Omaha; Lincoln Christian School Lincoln | Scattergood Friends School West Branch; Maharishi School Fairfield; Cedar Valley Christian School Cedar Rapids |
Top 3 School Districts | Elkhorn Public Schools Westside Community Schools Millard Public Schools | Iowa City Community School District Ames Community School District Pleasant Valley Community School District |
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.
- Expected Range: $2,000 - $5,000
- Most Affordable Recommended Movers: King's Moving - Moving Company in Omaha
HOME SIZE | MOVING COST | VOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3) | $/FT3 |
---|---|---|---|
Studio | $1,441 | 300 ft3 | $4.80 |
1 Bedroom | $2,138 | 450 ft3 | $4.75 |
2 Bedrooms | $3,526 | 750 ft3 | $4.70 |
3 Bedrooms | $5,117 | 1100 ft3 | $4.65 |
4 Bedrooms | $7,363 | 1600 ft3 | $4.60 |
5+ Bedrooms | $8,194 | 1800 ft3 | $4.55 |
Top Nebraska to Iowa Movers
Read our in-depth analysis of the best Nebraska to Iowa movers with detailed rankings, cost breakdowns, and reviews.

Adamantine Spine Moving
Best moving company overall for Nebraska to Iowa

King's Moving - Moving Company in Omaha
