Tennessee to Iowa Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Tennessee to Iowa

ConsTennessee

• High humidity
• Traffic congestion
• Limited public transit
• Expensive housing in cities

ProsIowa

• Mild summer weather
• Less traffic
• Community transport options
• Affordable housing

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Iowa

• Fewer music venues
• Less historical significance
• Harsh winters
• Limited culinary variety

Tennessee

• Vibrant music scene
• Rich history
• Mild winters
• Diverse cuisine

Pros of moving from Tennessee to Iowa

• Say goodbye to high humidity and hello to mild summer weather
• Look forward to moving away from traffic congestion and moving to Iowa with less traffic
• Swap the limited public transit of Tennessee for community transport options in Iowa
• Get ready for affordable housing in Iowa

Cons of moving from Tennessee to Iowa

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the vibrant music scene in Tennessee to live with fewer music venues in Iowa
• You'll lose out on the pro of rich history and have to settle for the con of less historical significance
• Time to bid farewell to mild winters and get used to harsh winters in Iowa
• Swap diverse cuisine for limited culinary variety

Tennessee vs. Iowa: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Tennessee to Iowa, you will be trading the iconic BBQ Ribs of Tennessee for the equally delicious Corn on the Cob of Iowa. And while the locals in Tennessee rave about their flavorful Hot Chicken and sumptuous Gourmet Hot Dogs, Iowa residents know they have tasty Pork Tenderloin Sandwich and Walking Taco to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the BBQ Jackfruit they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Tofu Scramble of Iowa. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Tennessee eateries like Central BBQ, Prince's Hot Chicken Shack, and The 5 Spot. After the boxes are unpacked in Iowa, don't wait too long before making your way to Iowa's acclaimed eateries like Zombie Burger, Jethro’s BBQ, and Le Jardin.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Tennessee and Iowa

• The Colonial and Victorian architecture that Tennessee is known for will be replaced with the Craftsman and Ranch architecture typical of Iowa.
• Compared to Tennessee's real estate listings, which commonly reference hardwood floors and large backyards, Iowa real estate listings often highlight features like energy efficiency and spacious garages.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Iowa is more walkable than Tennessee.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Iowa is more bike-friendly than Tennessee.
• Iowa has less of an urban feel than Tennessee.
• Iowa housing costs are 33% less expensive than they are in Tennessee, with a median home price of $214,151 compared to Tennessee’s $317,482.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Iowa have increased by 36% compared to a 63% increase in Tennessee.
• Rent in Iowa is 35.73% more affordable than in Tennessee.

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

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from Tennessee to Iowa. Iowa gets 1% fewer sunshine days than Tennessee.
• Iowa has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Tennessee.
• Say goodbye to the possible tornadoes and floods in Tennessee, but be on the lookout for potential tornadoes and severe winter storms in Iowa.
• Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in Iowa is 4 degrees colder than in Tennessee.
• The average winter lows are 16 degrees colder than they are in Tennessee.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in Iowa. Iowa receives 14 fewer inches of rain compared to Tennessee.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Tennessee and Iowa

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Iowa tend to earn about 7% more than in Tennessee
• The COLI in Iowa will be 8% higher than what you are used to living in Tennessee
• Bummer, by moving from TN to IA, you'll now have a state income tax of 8.53%
• The affluence in Iowa is comfortable compared to moderate in Tennessee
• The poverty level is manageable in Iowa compared to significant in Tennessee
• In terms of homelessness, it is visible in Tennessee and low in Iowa

Political and Religious Climate in Tennessee vs. Iowa

• Tennessee tends to lean traditionally Conservative in its political climate
• Iowa, on the other hand, is often described as a swing state that leans Conservative
• Iowa's religious environment can be described as religiously diverse, with a large Christian majority
• Tennessee's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as highly religious and predominantly Christian

Education Guide When Moving from Tennessee to Iowa

How Much Do Tennessee to Iowa Movers Cost?

Moving 703 miles from Tennessee 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.