Nevada to Iowa Moving Guide
Updated June 17, 2025

Planning a 1,494 mile interstate move from Nevada to Iowa? This moving guide will help you compare living in Nevada vs Iowa across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like high desert temperatures vs milder climate), food & health (like Shrimp Cocktail vs Corn on the Cob), real estate & housing (modern and ranch vs colonial and ranch), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Nevada), politics & religion, and education.
Key Takeaways:
- Say goodbye to Shrimp Cocktail and Prime Rib, but get your taste buds ready for Corn on the Cob & Pork Tenderloin Sandwich
- Iowa housing costs are 51% less expensive than they are in Nevada
- Rent in Iowa is 37.80% more affordable than in Nevada
- Moving from Nevada to Iowa will cost on average between $2,000 - $7,500
- Our top recommended Nevada to Iowa movers is Anytime Anywhere Piano & Moving Co.
Nevada to Iowa Moving Guide
Pros and Cons of Moving from Nevada to Iowa
- High desert temperatures
- High cost of living
- Tourist congestion
- Water scarcity
- Gambling distractions
- Milder climate
- Affordability
- Peaceful surroundings
- Ample rainfall
- Family-friendly activities
- Quiet evenings
- Limited job market
- Fewer large events
- Lesser-known sights
- Slower economic growth
- Vibrant nightlife
- Plentiful job opportunities
- Varied cultural events
- Famous attractions
- Strong economy
Pros of moving from Nevada to Iowa
- Say goodbye to high desert temperatures and hello to a milder climate
- Look forward to moving away from a high cost of living and moving to Iowa with affordability
- Swap the tourist congestion of Nevada for peaceful surroundings in Iowa
- Get ready for ample rainfall in Iowa
Cons of moving from Nevada to Iowa
- Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from vibrant nightlife in Nevada to live with quiet evenings in Iowa
- You'll lose out on the pro of plentiful job opportunities and have to settle for the con of a limited job market
- Time to bid farewell to varied cultural events and get used to fewer large events in Iowa
- Swap famous attractions for lesser-known sights
Nevada vs. Iowa: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene
Comparison | Nevada | Iowa |
---|---|---|
Most iconic local food item | Shrimp Cocktail | Corn on the Cob |
Most popular meat dish | Prime Rib | Pork Tenderloin Sandwich |
Most popular street food item | Food Truck Tacos | Walking Tacos |
Most popular vegan food | Vegan Buffets | Veggie Burgers |
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state |
|
|
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 Nevada to Iowa, you will be trading the iconic Shrimp Cocktail of Nevada for the equally delicious Corn on the Cob of Iowa. And while the locals in Nevada rave about their flavorful Prime Rib and sumptuous Food Truck Tacos, Iowa residents know they have tasty Pork Tenderloin Sandwich and Walking Tacos to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Vegan Buffets they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Veggie Burgers of Iowa. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Nevada eateries like The Buffet at Wynn, Gordon Ramsay Steak, and Peppermill Restaurant. After the boxes are unpacked in Iowa, don't wait too long before making your way to Iowa's acclaimed eateries like The Machine Shed Restaurant, Amana Colonies, and Zombie Burger + Drink Lab.
When comparing lifestyles, Iowa shows less emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than Nevada. Food truck fans will discover a less desirable selection in Iowa, compared to what you are used to in Nevada. Also, the overall foodie scene is less bustling in Iowa.
Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Nevada and Iowa
Comparison | Nevada | Iowa |
---|---|---|
Typical Architecture Style | Modern and Ranch | Colonial and Ranch |
Walkability | ππππππππππ | ππππππππππ |
Bikeability | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² |
Urban Lifestyle | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ |
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Open floor plans, desert landscapes | Spacious yards, proximity to schools |
- The Modern and Ranch architecture that Nevada is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Ranch architecture typical of Iowa.
- Compared to Nevada's real estate listings that commonly reference open floor plans and desert landscapes, Iowa real estate listings often highlight features like spacious yards and proximity to schools.
- You can keep your walking shoes packed away. Iowa is less walkable than Nevada.
- Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Iowa is more bike-friendly than Nevada.
- Iowa has less of an urban feel than Nevada.
- Iowa housing costs are 51% less expensive than they are in Nevada, with a median home price of $214,151 compared to Nevadaβs $432,764.
- Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Iowa have increased 36% compared to a 44% increase in Nevada.
- Rent in Iowa is 37.80% more affordable than in Nevada.
Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between Nevada and Iowa
Comparison | Nevada | 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 | Wildfires, Earthquakes | Tornadoes, Blizzards |
Air Quality | Good | Variable |
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F) | 94Β°F / 69Β°F | 86Β°F / 64Β°F |
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F) | 45Β°F / 28Β°F | 31Β°F / 13Β°F |
Annual Rainfall (Inches) | 10 | 36 |
Annual Snowfall (Inches) | 21.8 | 33.5 |
- The shades won't be used as much for your move from Nevada to Iowa. Iowa gets 19% fewer sunshine days than Nevada.
- Iowa has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Nevada.
- Say goodbye to the possible wildfires and earthquakes in Nevada, but be on the lookout for potential tornadoes and blizzards in Iowa.
- Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in Iowa is 8 degrees colder than in Nevada.
- The average winter lows are 15 degrees colder than they are in Nevada.
- Your umbrella might be more overworked in Iowa. Iowa receives 26 more inches of rain compared to Nevada.
Financial & Community Snapshot: Nevada and Iowa
Comparison | Nevada | Iowa |
---|---|---|
Avg. Household Income | $72,333 | $69,588 |
Cost of Living Index | 101.5 | 95.9 |
State Income Tax | 0% | 8.53% |
Avg. Property Tax | 0.77% | 1.56% |
Avg. Sales Tax | 6.85% | 6% |
Top 3 Industries | Tourism, Mining, Aerospace | Agriculture, Manufacturing, Finance |
Affluence | Moderate | Stable |
Poverty | Low | Moderate |
Homelessness | Noticeable | Minimal |
- When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Iowa tend to earn about 4% less than in Nevada
- The COLI in Iowa will be 6% lower than what you are used to living in Nevada
- Bummer... By moving from Nevada to Iowa, you'll now have a state income tax of 8.53%
- The affluence in Iowa is stable compared to moderate affluence in Nevada
- The poverty level is moderate in Iowa compared to low poverty in Nevada
- In terms of homelessness, it is noticeable in Nevada and minimal in Iowa
Political and Religious Climate in Nevada vs. Iowa
Comparison | Nevada | Iowa |
---|---|---|
Political Make-up | Predominantly Democratic | Predominantly Republican |
Local Politics | Liberal strongholds in urban areas | Conservative, with liberal pockets |
Religion | Diverse, with a significant non-religious population | Largely Christian, Protestant majority |
- Nevada tends to lean predominantly Democratic in its political climate
- Iowa, on the other hand, is often described as predominantly Republican
- Iowa's religious environment can be described as largely Christian with a Protestant majority
- Nevada's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as diverse with a significant non-religious population
Education Guide When Moving from Nevada to Iowa
Comparison | Nevada | Iowa |
---|---|---|
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3) | University of Nevada Las Vegas; University of Nevada Reno; Nevada State College | University of Iowa Iowa State University University of Northern Iowa |
Top 3 Elementary Schools | John Vanderburg Elementary - Henderson; Staton Elementary - Las Vegas; The Davidson Academy - Reno | Wickham Elementary - Coralville; Lincoln Elementary - Mount Vernon; Rover Valley Elementary - West Des Moines |
Top 3 Middle Schools | Bob Miller Middle School - Henderson; Hyde Park Middle School - Las Vegas; Davidson Academy - Reno | Ames Middle School - Ames; North Central Junior High - Coralville; Bettendorf Middle School - Bettendorf |
Top 3 High Schools | Advanced Technologies Academy - Las Vegas; Davidson Academy - Reno; The Meadows School - Las Vegas | Ames High School - Ames; West High School - Iowa City; Valley High School - West Des Moines |
Top 3 private high schools | Bishop Gorman High School - Las Vegas; Faith Lutheran Middle School & High School - Las Vegas; The Meadows School - Las Vegas | Dowling Catholic High School - West Des Moines; Xavier High School - Cedar Rapids; Regina High School - Iowa City |
Top 3 private K-12 schools | The Meadows School - Las Vegas; Lake Mead Christian Academy - Henderson; Faith Lutheran Academy - Las Vegas | Scattergood Friends School - West Branch; Maharishi School - Fairfield; Cedar Valley Christian School - Cedar Rapids |
Top 3 School Districts | Clark County School District - Las Vegas; Washoe County School District - Reno; Elko County School District - Elko | West Des Moines Community School District - West Des Moines; Iowa City Community School District - Iowa City; Ames Community School District - Ames |
How Much Do Nevada to Iowa Movers Cost?
Moving 1,494 miles from Nevada to Iowa will typically cost between $3,000 and $7,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.
- Expected Range: $3,000 - $7,500
- Expected Time To Complete: 4-14 days
- Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Anytime Anywhere Piano & Moving Co.
HOME SIZE | MOVING COST | VOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3) | $/FT3 |
---|---|---|---|
Studio | $2,049 | 300 ft3 | $6.83 |
1 Bedroom | $3,052 | 450 ft3 | $6.78 |
2 Bedrooms | $5,049 | 750 ft3 | $6.73 |
3 Bedrooms | $7,350 | 1100 ft3 | $6.68 |
4 Bedrooms | $10,611 | 1600 ft3 | $6.63 |
5+ Bedrooms | $11,847 | 1800 ft3 | $6.58 |
Top Nevada to Iowa Movers
Read our in-depth analysis of the best Nevada to Iowa movers with detailed rankings, cost breakdowns, and reviews.

Anytime Anywhere Piano & Moving Co.
Best moving company overall for Nevada to Iowa