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New Mexico to Iowa Moving Guide

Updated June 9, 2025

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Planning a 930 mile interstate move from New Mexico to Iowa? This moving guide will help you compare living in New Mexico vs Iowa across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like less diverse landscapes vs more green spaces), food & health (like Green Chile vs Corn on the Cob), real estate & housing (pueblo revival vs prairie style), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Iowa), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Green Chile and Carne Adovada, but get your taste buds ready for Corn on the Cob & Pork Tenderloin Sandwich
  • Iowa housing costs are 29% less expensive than they are in New Mexico
  • Rent in Iowa is 20.68% more affordable than New Mexico
  • Moving from New Mexico to Iowa will cost on average between $1,500 - $6,000
  • Our top recommended New Mexico to Iowa movers is Adamantine Spine Moving

New Mexico to Iowa Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from New Mexico to Iowa

ConsNew Mexico iconNew Mexico
  • Less diverse landscapes
  • Higher altitude
  • Limited rainfall
  • Hot summers
  • High UV index
ProsIowa iconIowa
  • More green spaces
  • Lower altitude
  • Ample rainfall
  • Mild summers
  • Lower UV index

Iowa iconIowa
  • Less cultural diversity
  • Fewer local dishes
  • Cold winters
  • Less historical richness
  • Fewer outdoor activities
New Mexico iconNew Mexico
  • Cultural diversity
  • Unique cuisine
  • Warm winter climate
  • Rich history
  • Outdoor activities

Pros of moving from New Mexico to Iowa

  • Say goodbye to less diverse landscapes and hello to more green spaces
  • Look forward to moving away from higher altitude and moving to Iowa with lower altitude
  • Swap the limited rainfall of New Mexico for ample rainfall in Iowa
  • Get ready for mild summers in Iowa

Cons of moving from New Mexico to Iowa

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from cultural diversity in New Mexico to live with less cultural diversity in Iowa
  • You'll lose out on the pro of unique cuisine and have to settle for the con of fewer local dishes
  • Time to bid farewell to a warm winter climate and get used to cold winters in Iowa
  • Swap rich history for less historical richness

New Mexico vs. Iowa: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonNew MexicoIowa
Most iconic local food itemGreen ChileCorn on the Cob
Most popular meat dishCarne AdovadaPork Tenderloin Sandwich
Most popular street food itemTacosDeep-Fried Corn Dog
Most popular vegan foodBlue Corn TacosQuinoa Salad
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Santa Fe Grill
  • Frontier Restaurant
  • El Pinto
  • Zombie Burger
  • The Machine Shed
  • Amana Colonies
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 New Mexico to Iowa, you will be trading the iconic Green Chile of New Mexico for the equally delicious Corn on the Cob of Iowa. And while the locals in New Mexico rave about their flavorful Carne Adovada and sumptuous Tacos, Iowa residents know they have tasty Pork Tenderloin Sandwich and Deep-Fried Corn Dog to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Blue Corn Tacos they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Quinoa Salad of Iowa. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic New Mexico eateries like Santa Fe Grill, Frontier Restaurant, and El Pinto. 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 Machine Shed, and Amana Colonies.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between New Mexico and Iowa

ComparisonNew MexicoIowa
Typical Architecture StylePueblo RevivalPrairie Style
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 listingViews, Outdoor LivingEnergy Efficiency, Spacious Yards
  • The Pueblo Revival architecture that New Mexico is known for will be replaced with the Prairie Style architecture typical of Iowa.
  • Compared to New Mexico's real estate listings that commonly reference views and outdoor living, Iowa real estate listings often highlight features like energy efficiency and spacious yards.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Iowa is more walkable than New Mexico.
  • You might want to think twice before moving your bike. Iowa is less bike-friendly than New Mexico.
  • Iowa has more of an urban feel than New Mexico.
  • Iowa housing costs are 29% less expensive than they are in New Mexico with a median home price of $214,151 compared to New Mexico’s $300,227.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Iowa have increased 36% compared to a 56% increase in New Mexico.
  • Rent in Iowa is 20.68% more affordable than New Mexico.

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

ComparisonNew MexicoIowa
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 DisastersDroughts, WildfiresTornadoes, Blizzards
Air QualityGoodVariable
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)88Β°F / 64Β°F86Β°F / 65Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)49Β°F / 23Β°F31Β°F / 14Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)13.9"36"
Annual Snowfall (Inches)22"31"
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from New Mexico to Iowa. Iowa gets 27% fewer sunshine days than New Mexico.
  • Iowa has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to New Mexico.
  • Say goodbye to the possible droughts and wildfires in New Mexico, but be on the lookout for potential tornadoes and blizzards in Iowa.
  • The average summer high temperature in Iowa is 2 degrees colder than in New Mexico.
  • The average winter lows are 9 degrees colder than they are in New Mexico.
  • Your umbrella might be more overworked in Iowa. Iowa receives 22.1 more inches of rain compared to New Mexico.

Financial & Community Snapshot: New Mexico and Iowa

ComparisonNew MexicoIowa
Avg. Household Income$59,726$69,588
Cost of Living Index96.4595.9
State Income Tax4.9%8.53%
Avg. Property Tax0.78%1.53%
Avg. Sales Tax7.83%6.94%
Top 3 IndustriesOil & Gas, Tourism, AgricultureManufacturing, Finance, Agriculture
AffluenceModestModerate
PovertyHighModerate
HomelessnessNoticeableMinimal
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Iowa tend to earn about 17% more than in New Mexico
  • The COLI in Iowa will be 1% lower than what you are used to living in New Mexico
  • The state income tax in IA is 8.53% compared to 4.9% in NM
  • The affluence in Iowa is moderate compared to modest in New Mexico
  • The poverty level is moderate in Iowa compared to high in New Mexico
  • In terms of homelessness, it is noticeable in New Mexico and minimal in Iowa

Political and Religious Climate in New Mexico vs. Iowa

ComparisonNew MexicoIowa
Political Make-upLean DemocraticSwing State
Local PoliticsLiberal urban centers, with conservative rural areasMix of conservative and liberal views depending on the area
ReligionCatholic, ProtestantProtestant, Catholic
  • New Mexico tends to lean Democratic in its political climate
  • Iowa, on the other hand, is often described as a swing state
  • Iowa's religious environment can be described as Protestant and Catholic
  • New Mexico's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as Catholic and Protestant

Education Guide When Moving from New Mexico to Iowa

ComparisonNew MexicoIowa
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)1. University of New Mexico
Albuquerque
2. New Mexico State University
Las Cruces
3. Eastern New Mexico University
Portales
1. University of Iowa
Iowa City
2. Iowa State University
Ames
3. University of Northern Iowa
Cedar Falls
Top 3 Elementary Schools1. Wood Gormley Elementary
Santa Fe
2. Sidney Gutierrez Middle
Roswell
3. Double Eagle Elementary
Albuquerque
1. Wickham Elementary
Coralville
2. Lincoln Elementary
Mount Vernon
3. Shimek Elementary
Iowa City
Top 3 Middle Schools1. Sidney Gutierrez Middle
Roswell
2. Albuquerque Institute of Math & Science
Albuquerque
3. Desert Ridge Middle
Albuquerque
1. North Central Junior High
Coralville
2. Ames Middle School
Ames
3. Northwest Junior High
Coralville
Top 3 High School Schools1. Albuquerque Institute of Math & Science
Albuquerque
2. La Cueva High
Albuquerque
3. Cottonwood Classical Prep
Albuquerque
1. West High School
Iowa City
2. Ames High School
Ames
3. Pleasant Valley High School
Bettendorf
Top 3 private high schools1. Albuquerque Academy
Albuquerque
2. Sandia Preparatory School
Albuquerque
3. Bosque School
Albuquerque
1. Iowa Mennonite School
Kalona
2. Scattergood Friends School
West Branch
3. Dowling Catholic High School
West Des Moines
Top 3 private K-12 schools1. Albuquerque Academy
Albuquerque
2. Sandia Preparatory School
Albuquerque
3. Bosque School
Albuquerque
1. Maharishi School
Fairfield
2. Rivermont Collegiate
Bettendorf
3. Scattergood Friends School
West Branch
Top 3 School Districts1. Los Alamos Public Schools
Los Alamos
2. Grady Municipal Schools
Grady
3. Des Moines Public Schools
Des Moines
1. Pleasant Valley Community School District
Bettendorf
2. Iowa City Community School District
Iowa City
3. Ames Community School District
Ames

How Much Do New Mexico to Iowa Movers Cost?

Moving 930 miles from New Mexico 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.

  • Expected Range: $2,500 - $6,000
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-2 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: JP Moving
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,730300 ft3$5.77
1 Bedroom$2,572450 ft3$5.72
2 Bedrooms$4,249750 ft3$5.67
3 Bedrooms$6,1771100 ft3$5.62
4 Bedrooms$8,9051600 ft3$5.57
5+ Bedrooms$9,9281800 ft3$5.52

Top New Mexico to Iowa Movers

Read our in-depth analysis of the best New Mexico 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 New Mexico to Iowa

9.54/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Adamantine Spine Moving featured image

Adamantine Spine Moving

9.44/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
JP Moving featured image

JP Moving

9.39/10
ExceptionalView details
Top New Mexico to Iowa Routes

Albuquerque to Iowa