Oregon to Iowa Moving Guide
Updated June 4, 2025

Planning a 1,673 mile interstate move from Oregon to Iowa? This moving guide will help you compare living in Oregon vs Iowa across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like high living costs vs affordable housing), food & health (like Dungeness Crab vs Pork Tenderloin Sandwich), real estate & housing (craftsman, ranch vs farmhouse, ranch), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Oregon), politics & religion, and education.
Key Takeaways:
- Say goodbye to Dungeness Crab and Hazelnut-crusted Salmon, but get your taste buds ready for Pork Tenderloin Sandwich & Iowa Chop (Pork)
- Iowa housing costs are 57% less expensive than they are in Oregon
- Rent in Iowa is 38.80% more affordable than in Oregon
- Moving from Oregon to Iowa will cost on average between $2,000 - $7,500
- Our top recommended Oregon to Iowa movers is Adamantine Spine Moving
Oregon to Iowa Moving Guide
Pros and Cons of Moving from Oregon to Iowa
- High living costs
- Frequent rain
- Costly education
- Traffic congestion
- Earthquake risk
- Affordable housing
- More sunshine
- Cheaper tuition
- Less crowded roads
- Fewer natural disasters
- Flat terrain
- Harsher cold
- Limited transit options
- Fewer events
- Fewer dining options
- Diverse landscapes
- Mild winters
- Robust public transport
- Rich cultural scene
- Menagerie of cuisine
Pros of moving from Oregon to Iowa
- Say goodbye to high living costs and hello to affordable housing
- Look forward to moving away from frequent rain and moving to Iowa with more sunshine
- Swap the costly education of Oregon for cheaper tuition in Iowa
- Get ready for less crowded roads in Iowa
Cons of moving from Oregon to Iowa
- Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from diverse landscapes in Oregon to live with flat terrain in Iowa
- You'll lose out on the pro of mild winters and have to settle for the con of harsher cold
- Time to bid farewell to robust public transport and get used to limited transit options in Iowa
- Swap a rich cultural scene for fewer events
Oregon vs. Iowa: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene
Comparison | Oregon | Iowa |
---|---|---|
Most iconic local food item | Dungeness Crab | Pork Tenderloin Sandwich |
Most popular meat dish | Hazelnut-crusted Salmon | Iowa Chop (Pork) |
Most popular street food item | Marionberry Pie | Sweet Corn |
Most popular vegan food | Tofu Scramble | Vegan Chili |
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state |
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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 Oregon to Iowa, you will be trading the iconic Dungeness Crab of Oregon for the equally delicious Pork Tenderloin Sandwich of Iowa. And while the locals in Oregon rave about their flavorful Hazelnut-crusted Salmon and sumptuous Marionberry Pie, Iowa residents know they have tasty Iowa Chop (Pork) and Sweet Corn to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Tofu Scramble they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Vegan Chili of Iowa. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Oregon eateries like Pok Pok, Le Pigeon, and Voodoo Doughnut. After the boxes are unpacked in Iowa, don't wait too long before making your way to Iowa's acclaimed eateries like The American Dream, Zombie Burger + Drink Lab, and Machine Shed Restaurant.
When comparing lifestyles, Iowa shows less emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than Oregon. Food truck fans will discover a less desirable selection in Iowa compared to what you are used to in Oregon. Also, the overall foodie scene is less bustling in Iowa.
Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Oregon and Iowa
Comparison | Oregon | Iowa |
---|---|---|
Typical Architecture Style | Craftsman, Ranch | Farmhouse, Ranch |
Walkability | ππππππππππ | ππππππππππ |
Bikeability | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² |
Urban Lifestyle | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ |
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Natural light, hardwood floors | Spacious yards, quiet neighborhoods |
- The Craftsman and Ranch architecture that Oregon is known for will be replaced with the Farmhouse and Ranch architecture typical of Iowa.
- Compared to Oregon's real estate listings that commonly reference natural light and hardwood floors, 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 Oregon.
- You might want to think twice before moving your bike; Iowa is less bike-friendly than Oregon.
- Iowa has less of an urban feel than Oregon.
- Iowa housing costs are 57% less expensive than they are in Oregon, with a median home price of $214,151 compared to Oregonβs $497,946.
- Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Iowa have increased by 36% compared to a 39% increase in Oregon.
- Rent in Iowa is 38.80% more affordable than in Oregon.
Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between Oregon and Iowa
Comparison | Oregon | 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 | Earthquakes, Wildfires | Tornadoes, Severe Storms |
Air Quality | Good | Variable |
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F) | 81Β°F/51Β°F | 85Β°F/64Β°F |
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F) | 47Β°F/35Β°F | 31Β°F/14Β°F |
Annual Rainfall (Inches) | 43 | 36 |
Annual Snowfall (Inches) | 4 | 34 |
- Break out the sunglasses for your move from Oregon to Iowa. Iowa gets 29% more sunshine days than Oregon.
- Iowa has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Oregon.
- Say goodbye to the possible earthquakes and wildfires in Oregon, but be on the lookout for potential tornadoes and severe storms in Iowa.
- Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in Iowa is 4 degrees warmer than in Oregon.
- The average winter lows in Iowa are 21 degrees colder than those in Oregon.
- Your umbrella might be neglected in Iowa. Iowa receives 7 fewer inches of rain compared to Oregon.
Financial & Community Snapshot: Oregon and Iowa
Comparison | Oregon | Iowa |
---|---|---|
Avg. Household Income | $75,657 | $69,588 |
Cost of Living Index | 110.55 | 95.9 |
State Income Tax | 9.9% | 8.53% |
Avg. Property Tax | 0.98% | 1.53% |
Avg. Sales Tax | 0% | 6% |
Top 3 Industries | Agriculture, Manufacturing, Technology | Agriculture, Manufacturing, Finance |
Affluence | Moderate | Moderate |
Poverty | Moderate | Low |
Homelessness | High | Low |
- When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Iowa tend to earn about 8% less than in Oregon
- The COLI in Iowa will be 13% lower than what you are used to living in Oregon
- The state income tax in IA is 8.53% compared to 9.9% in OR
- The affluence in Iowa is moderate compared to moderate affluence in Oregon
- The poverty level is low in Iowa compared to moderate poverty in Oregon
- In terms of homelessness, it is high in Oregon and low in Iowa
Political and Religious Climate in Oregon vs. Iowa
Comparison | Oregon | Iowa |
---|---|---|
Political Make-up | Lean Democratic | Swing State |
Local Politics | Progressive in urban areas | Mix of conservative and progressive, depending on the area |
Religion | Less religious overall | Christian majority, with a significant evangelical presence |
- Oregon 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 a Christian majority with a significant evangelical presence
- Oregon's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as less religious overall
Education Guide When Moving from Oregon to Iowa
Comparison | Oregon | Iowa |
---|---|---|
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3) | University of Oregon Oregon State University Portland State University | University of Iowa Iowa State University University of Northern Iowa |
Top 3 Elementary Schools | Ainsworth Elementary (Portland) Findley Elementary (Beaverton) Jacob Wismer Elementary (Portland) | Wickham Elementary (Coralville) Grant Ragan Elementary (Waukee) Shimek Elementary School (Iowa City) |
Top 3 Middle Schools | Stoller Middle School (Portland) Lake Oswego Junior High (Lake Oswego) Timber Ridge School (Albany) | North Central Junior High (Coralville) Prairieview School (Waukee) Southview Middle School (Ankeny) |
Top 3 High Schools | Lake Oswego High School (Lake Oswego) Corvallis High School (Corvallis) South Eugene High School (Eugene) | West High School (Iowa City) Ames High School (Ames) Waukee High School (Waukee) |
Top 3 private high schools | Catlin Gabel School (Portland) Oregon Episcopal School (Portland) St. Mary's Academy (Portland) | Dowling Catholic High School (West Des Moines) Regina High School (Iowa City) Gehlen Catholic School (Le Mars) |
Top 3 private K-12 schools | Delphian School (Sheridan) Catlin Gabel School (Portland) Oregon Episcopal School (Portland) | Scattergood Friends School (West Branch) Maharishi School (Fairfield) Rivermont Collegiate (Bettendorf) |
Top 3 School Districts | Lake Oswego School District Riverdale School District Corvallis School District | Waukee Community School District Iowa City Community School District Ames Community School District |
How Much Do Oregon to Iowa Movers Cost?
Moving 1,673 miles from Oregon 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: 2-2 days
- Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Portland Movers Company
HOME SIZE | MOVING COST | VOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3) | $/FT3 |
---|---|---|---|
Studio | $2,151 | 300 ft3 | $7.17 |
1 Bedroom | $3,204 | 450 ft3 | $7.12 |
2 Bedrooms | $5,302 | 750 ft3 | $7.07 |
3 Bedrooms | $7,722 | 1100 ft3 | $7.02 |
4 Bedrooms | $11,152 | 1600 ft3 | $6.97 |
5+ Bedrooms | $12,456 | 1800 ft3 | $6.92 |
Top Oregon to Iowa Movers
Read our in-depth analysis of the best Oregon to Iowa movers with detailed rankings, cost breakdowns, and reviews.