Oklahoma to Iowa Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Oklahoma to Iowa

ConsOklahoma

• Severe tornadoes
• High summer heat
• Limited public transport
• High sales taxes
• Crowded urban areas

ProsIowa

• Less extreme weather
• Milder summers
• Better public transit
• Lower sales taxes
• Less congestion

---

Iowa

• Fewer urban amenities
• Less historical diversity
• Smaller living spaces
• Limited steak options
• Fewer music events

Oklahoma

• Lively cultural scene
• Rich Native history
• Spacious living areas
• Rich in steakhouses
• Dynamic music festivals

Pros of moving from Oklahoma to Iowa

• Say goodbye to severe tornadoes and hello to less extreme weather
• Look forward to moving away from high summer heat and moving to Iowa with milder summers
• Swap the limited public transport of Oklahoma for better public transit in Iowa
• Get ready for lower sales taxes in Iowa

Cons of moving from Oklahoma to Iowa

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from a lively cultural scene in Oklahoma to live with fewer urban amenities in Iowa
• You'll lose out on the pro of a rich Native history and have to settle with the con of less historical diversity
• Time to bid farewell to spacious living areas and get used to smaller living spaces in Iowa
• Swap rich steakhouses for limited steak options

Oklahoma vs. Iowa: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Oklahoma to Iowa, you will be trading the iconic Chicken Fried Steak of Oklahoma for the equally delicious Corn on the Cob of Iowa. And while the locals in Oklahoma rave about their flavorful BBQ Brisket and sumptuous Indian Tacos, Iowa residents know they have tasty Pork Tenderloin Sandwich and Cheese Curds to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Fried Okra they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Grilled Portobello Mushrooms of Iowa. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Oklahoma eateries like Cattlemen's Steakhouse, Eischen's Bar, and Hideaway Pizza. After the boxes are unpacked in Iowa, don't wait too long before making your way to Iowa's acclaimed eateries like The Amana Meat Shop and Smokehouse, The Machine Shed, and Zombie Burger + Drink Lab.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Oklahoma and Iowa

• The Ranch architecture that Oklahoma is known for will be replaced with the Craftsman architecture typical of Iowa.
• Compared to Oklahoma's real estate listings that commonly reference large yards and open floor plans, Iowa real estate listings often highlight features like energy efficiency and proximity to schools.
• You can keep your walking shoes packed away; Iowa is less walkable than Oklahoma.
• You might want to think twice before moving your bike; Iowa is less bike-friendly than Oklahoma.
• Iowa has less of an urban feel than Oklahoma.
• Iowa housing costs are 5% more expensive than they are in Oklahoma, with a median home price of $214,151 compared to Oklahoma's $203,455.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Iowa have increased by 36% compared to a 50% increase in Oklahoma.
• Rent in Iowa is 14.91% more affordable than in Oklahoma.

Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between Oklahoma and Iowa

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from Oklahoma to Iowa. Iowa gets 13% fewer sunshine days than Oklahoma.
• Iowa has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Oklahoma.
• Say goodbye to the possible tornadoes and severe storms in Oklahoma, but be on the lookout for potential blizzards and floods in Iowa.
• Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in Iowa is 7 degrees colder than in Oklahoma.
• The average winter lows are 16 degrees colder than they are in Oklahoma.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in Iowa. Iowa receives 2 fewer inches of rain compared to Oklahoma.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Oklahoma and Iowa

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Iowa tend to earn about 17% more than in Oklahoma
• The COLI in Iowa will be 6% higher than what you are used to living in Oklahoma
• The state income tax in IA is 8.5 compared to 5.0 in OK
• The affluence in Iowa is stable compared to moderate in Oklahoma
• The poverty level is low in Iowa compared to significant in Oklahoma
• In terms of homelessness, it is manageable in Oklahoma and minimal in Iowa

Political and Religious Climate in Oklahoma vs. Iowa

• Oklahoma tends to lean conservative majority in its political climate
• Iowa, on the other hand, is often described as moderately conservative
• Iowa's religious environment can be described as a mix of Evangelical Christian and Mainline Protestant
• Oklahoma's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as predominantly Evangelical Christian

Education Guide When Moving from Oklahoma to Iowa

How Much Do Oklahoma to Iowa Movers Cost?

Moving 636 miles from Oklahoma to Iowa will typically cost between $2,500 and $5,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.