New York to Iowa Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from New York to Iowa

ConsNew York

• High cost of living
• Dense population
• Heavy traffic
• Lack of privacy
• Fast-paced life

ProsIowa

• Affordable housing
• Open spaces
• Quieter roads
• Peaceful surroundings
• Relaxed lifestyle

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Iowa

• Quiet evenings
• Limited diversity
• Car dependency
• Fewer restaurant choices
• Smaller job market

New York

• Vibrant nightlife
• Cultural diversity
• Public transit
• Fine dining options
• Career opportunities

Pros of moving from New York to Iowa

• Say goodbye to the high cost of living and hello to affordable housing
• Look forward to moving away from a dense population and moving to Iowa with open spaces
• Swap the heavy traffic of New York for quieter roads in Iowa
• Get ready for peaceful surroundings in Iowa

Cons of moving from New York to Iowa

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from vibrant nightlife in New York to live with quiet evenings in Iowa
• You'll lose out on the pro of cultural diversity and have to settle for the con of limited diversity
• Time to bid farewell to public transit and get used to car dependency in Iowa
• Swap fine dining options for fewer restaurant choices

New York vs. Iowa: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from New York to Iowa, you will be trading the iconic New York-style pizza of New York for the equally delicious Iowa pork tenderloin sandwich of Iowa. And while the locals in New York rave about their flavorful pastrami on rye and sumptuous hot dogs, Iowa residents know they have tasty grilled pork chops and corn dogs to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the avocado toast they've grown to love, they can get ready for the soy-based dishes of Iowa. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic New York eateries like Katz's Delicatessen, Sylvia's, 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 Jethro’s BBQ, The Machine Shed Restaurant, and Amana Colonies.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between New York and Iowa

• The Art Deco and Brownstone architecture that New York is known for will be replaced with the Prairie and Farmhouse architecture typical of Iowa.
• Compared to New York's real estate listings that commonly reference proximity to subway stations and views, Iowa real estate listings often highlight features like large lots and quiet streets.
• You can keep your walking shoes packed away; Iowa is less walkable than New York.
• You might want to think twice before moving your bike; Iowa is less bike-friendly than New York.
• Iowa has less of an urban feel than New York.
• Iowa housing costs are 54% less expensive than they are in New York, with a median home price of $214,151 compared to New York’s $460,812.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Iowa have increased by 36% compared to a 36% increase in New York.
• Rent in Iowa is 56.76% more affordable than in New York.

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

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from New York to Iowa. Iowa gets 9% fewer sunshine days than New York.
• Iowa has higher humidity and a higher average UV index compared to New York.
• Say goodbye to the possible hurricanes and blizzards in New York, but be on the lookout for potential tornadoes and blizzards in Iowa.
• The average summer high temperature in Iowa is the same as in New York.
• The average winter lows are 12 degrees colder than they are in New York.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in Iowa. Iowa receives 13.9 fewer inches of rain compared to New York.

Financial & Community Snapshot: New York and Iowa

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Iowa tend to earn about 13% less than in New York
• The COLI in Iowa will be 7% lower than what you are used to living in New York
• The state income tax in IA is 0.33% - 8.53% compared to 4% - 10.9% in NY
• The affluence in Iowa is moderate compared to high in New York
• The poverty level is low in Iowa compared to moderate in New York
• In terms of homelessness, it is high in New York and low in Iowa

Political and Religious Climate in New York vs. Iowa

• New York tends to lean Democratic in its political climate
• Iowa, on the other hand, is often described as leaning Republican
• Iowa's religious environment can be described as predominantly Christian
• New York's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as diverse

Education Guide When Moving from New York to Iowa

How Much Do New York to Iowa Movers Cost?

Moving 1,105 miles from New York 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.