New Jersey to Iowa Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from New Jersey to Iowa

ConsNew Jersey

• High cost of living
• Heavy traffic congestion
• Dense population
• High property taxes

ProsIowa

• Affordable housing
• Less traffic
• Spacious environment
• Lower property taxes

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Iowa

• Less diverse
• Lack of big city
• No ocean
• Quieter nights

New Jersey

• Cultural diversity
• Proximity to NYC
• Beach access
• Vibrant nightlife

Pros of moving from New Jersey to Iowa

• Say goodbye to the high cost of living and hello to affordable housing
• Look forward to moving away from heavy traffic congestion and moving to Iowa with less traffic
• Swap the dense population of New Jersey for a spacious environment in Iowa
• Get ready for lower property taxes in Iowa

Cons of moving from New Jersey to Iowa

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the cultural diversity in New Jersey to live with less diversity in Iowa
• You'll lose out on the pro of proximity to NYC and have to settle for the con of a lack of a big city
• Time to bid farewell to beach access and get used to no ocean in Iowa
• Swap vibrant nightlife for quieter nights

New Jersey vs. Iowa: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from New Jersey to Iowa, you will be trading the iconic Pork Roll (Taylor Ham) of New Jersey for the equally delicious Corn on the Cob of Iowa. And while the locals in New Jersey rave about their flavorful Italian Hot Dog and sumptuous Salt Water Taffy, Iowa residents know they have tasty Pork Tenderloin Sandwich and State Fair Corn Dog to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Vegetable Samosa they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Vegan Cornbread of Iowa. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic New Jersey eateries like Carlo's Bakery, White House Sub Shop, and Dinosaur Bar-B-Que. After the boxes are unpacked in Iowa, don't wait too long before making your way to Iowa's acclaimed eateries like The Sumo, Zombie Burger + Drink Lab, and Center Grove Orchard.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between New Jersey and Iowa

• The Colonial and Victorian architecture that New Jersey is known for will be replaced with the Mid-Century Modern and Ranch architecture typical of Iowa.
• Compared to New Jersey's real estate listings that commonly reference proximity to NYC and updated kitchens, Iowa real estate listings often highlight features like spacious yards and quiet neighborhoods.
• You can keep your walking shoes packed away; Iowa is less walkable than New Jersey.
• You might want to think twice before moving your bike; Iowa is less bike-friendly than New Jersey.
• Iowa has less of an urban feel than New Jersey.
• Iowa housing costs are 58% less expensive than they are in New Jersey, with a median home price of $214,151 compared to New Jersey’s $512,908.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Iowa have increased 36% compared to a 50% increase in New Jersey.
• Rent in Iowa is 55.92% more affordable than in New Jersey.

Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between New Jersey and Iowa

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from New Jersey to Iowa. Iowa gets 1% fewer sunshine days than New Jersey.
• Iowa has higher humidity and a higher average UV index compared to New Jersey.
• Say goodbye to the possible hurricanes and nor'easters in New Jersey, but be on the lookout for potential tornadoes and severe thunderstorms in Iowa.
• The average summer high temperature in Iowa is 1 degree warmer than in New Jersey.
• The average winter lows in Iowa are 11 degrees colder than they are in New Jersey.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in Iowa. Iowa receives 11 fewer inches of rain compared to New Jersey.

Financial & Community Snapshot: New Jersey and Iowa

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Iowa tend to earn about 28% less than in New Jersey
• The COLI in Iowa will be 26% lower than what you are used to living in New Jersey
• The state income tax in IA is 6.50% compared to 10.75% in NJ
• The affluence in Iowa is moderate compared to high in New Jersey
• The poverty level is low in Iowa compared to moderate in New Jersey
• In terms of homelessness, it is challenging in New Jersey and manageable in Iowa

Political and Religious Climate in New Jersey vs. Iowa

• New Jersey tends to lean Democratic in its political climate
• Iowa, on the other hand, is often described as a swing state that historically leans slightly Republican
• Iowa's religious environment can be described as primarily Protestant, with a significant Catholic community
• New Jersey's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as diverse, with Catholicism being predominant

Education Guide When Moving from New Jersey to Iowa

How Much Do New Jersey to Iowa Movers Cost?

Moving 1,110 miles from New Jersey 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.