TX to IA Moving Specialists

Texas to Iowa Moving Guide

Updated June 23, 2025

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Planning a 920 mile interstate move from Texas to Iowa? This moving guide will help you compare living in Texas vs Iowa across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like intense summer heat vs cooler temperatures), food & health (like BBQ Brisket vs Corn on the Cob), real estate & housing (ranch, modern vs craftsman, colonial), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Texas), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to BBQ Brisket and Beef Ribs, but get your taste buds ready for Corn on the Cob & Pork Tenderloin Sandwich
  • Iowa housing costs are 30% less expensive than they are in Texas
  • Rent in Iowa is 36.17% more affordable than in Texas
  • Moving from Texas to Iowa will cost on average between $1,500 - $6,000
  • Our top recommended Texas to Iowa movers is Phoenix Express Specialty Moving & Delivery

Top Texas to Iowa Movers

Read our in-depth analysis of the best Texas to Iowa movers with detailed rankings, cost breakdowns, and reviews.

TOP PICK
Phoenix Express Specialty Moving & Delivery featured image

Phoenix Express Specialty Moving & Delivery

Best moving company overall for Texas to Iowa

9.73/10
Exceptional
RUNNER-UP
Jonah's Movers featured image

Jonah's Movers

9.63/10
Exceptional
ALSO GREAT
New Braunfels Moving Company, LLC featured image

New Braunfels Moving Company, LLC

9.58/10
Exceptional

Texas to Iowa Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Texas to Iowa

ConsTexas iconTexas
  • Intense summer heat
  • Traffic congestion
  • High cost of living
  • Hurricane risk
ProsIowa iconIowa
  • Cooler temperatures
  • Less crowded roads
  • Affordable housing
  • No hurricanes

Iowa iconIowa
  • Less cultural variety
  • Fewer urban areas
  • Limited cuisine variety
  • Colder winters
Texas iconTexas
  • Rich cultural diversity
  • Large metropolitan areas
  • Tex-Mex cuisine
  • Mild winters

Pros of moving from Texas to Iowa

  • Say goodbye to intense summer heat and hello to cooler temperatures
  • Look forward to moving away from traffic congestion and moving to Iowa with less crowded roads
  • Swap the high cost of living in Texas for affordable housing in Iowa
  • Get ready for no hurricanes in Iowa

Cons of moving from Texas to Iowa

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from rich cultural diversity in Texas to live with less cultural variety in Iowa
  • You'll lose out on the pro of large metropolitan areas and have to settle for the con of fewer urban areas
  • Time to bid farewell to Tex-Mex cuisine and get used to limited cuisine variety in Iowa
  • Swap mild winters for colder winters

Texas vs. Iowa: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonTexasIowa
Most iconic local food itemBBQ BrisketCorn on the Cob
Most popular meat dishBeef RibsPork Tenderloin Sandwich
Most popular street food itemTacosState Fair Corn Dog
Most popular vegan foodTex-Mex Quinoa SaladIowa Sweet Corn Soup
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Franklin Barbecue
  • The Salt Lick
  • Killen's Barbecue
  • The Amana Colonies
  • Zombie Burger
  • The Machine Shed
Fitness/Health ConscientiousnessπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺ
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

If you're moving from Texas to Iowa, you will be trading the iconic BBQ brisket of Texas for the equally delicious corn on the cob of Iowa. And while the locals in Texas rave about their flavorful beef ribs and sumptuous tacos, Iowa residents know they have tasty pork tenderloin sandwiches and state fair corn dogs to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Tex-Mex quinoa salad they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Iowa sweet corn soup of Iowa. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Texas eateries like Franklin Barbecue, The Salt Lick, and Killen's Barbecue. After the boxes are unpacked in Iowa, don't wait too long before making your way to Iowa's acclaimed eateries like The Amana Colonies, Zombie Burger, and The Machine Shed.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Texas and Iowa

ComparisonTexasIowa
Typical Architecture StyleRanch, ModernCraftsman, Colonial
WalkabilityπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘Ÿ
Bikeability🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban LifestyleπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈ
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingOpen floor plans, poolsEnergy efficiency, large yards
  • The Ranch and Modern architecture that Texas is known for will be replaced with the Craftsman and Colonial architecture typical of Iowa.
  • Compared to Texas's real estate listings that commonly reference open floor plans and pools, Iowa real estate listings often highlight features like energy efficiency and large yards.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Iowa is more walkable than Texas.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Iowa is more bike-friendly than Texas.
  • Iowa has less of an urban feel than Texas.
  • Iowa housing costs are 30% less expensive than they are in Texas, with a median home price of $214,151 compared to Texas's $304,027.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Iowa have increased by 36% compared to a 45% increase in Texas.
  • Rent in Iowa is 36.17% more affordable than in Texas.

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

ComparisonTexasIowa
Days of Sunshine per Yearβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈ
Avg. Annual HumidityπŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦
Avg. UV IndexπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈ
Natural DisastersHurricanes, TornadoesTornadoes, Blizzards
Air QualityModerateGood
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)94Β°F / 72Β°F86Β°F / 63Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)60Β°F / 38Β°F31Β°F / 14Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)36"36"
Annual Snowfall (Inches)1"36"
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from Texas to Iowa. Iowa gets 13% fewer sunshine days than Texas.
  • Iowa has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Texas.
  • Say goodbye to the possible hurricanes and tornadoes in Texas, 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 Texas.
  • The average winter lows in Iowa are 24 degrees colder than they are in Texas.
  • Your umbrella might be used the same in Iowa. Iowa receives inches of rain compared to Texas.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Texas and Iowa

ComparisonTexasIowa
Avg. Household Income$72,284$69,588
Cost of Living Index91.195.9
State Income Tax0%4.73%
Avg. Property Tax1.81%1.53%
Avg. Sales Tax8.25%6.94%
Top 3 IndustriesEnergy, Technology, AgricultureAgriculture, Manufacturing, Insurance
AffluenceProsperousComfortable
PovertyModerateLow
HomelessnessNoticeableMinimal
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Iowa tend to earn about 4% less than in Texas
  • The COLI in Iowa will be 5% higher than what you are used to living in Texas
  • Bummer... By moving from TX to IA, you'll now have a state income tax of 4.73%
  • The affluence in Iowa is comfortable compared to prosperous in Texas
  • The poverty level is low in Iowa compared to moderate in Texas
  • In terms of homelessness, it is noticeable in Texas and minimal in Iowa

Political and Religious Climate in Texas vs. Iowa

ComparisonTexasIowa
Political Make-upLean conservative, strong Republican presenceSwing state, balanced between Democratic and Republican influences
Local PoliticsDiverse, varying from liberal cities to conservative rural areasLocal politics tend to reflect a pragmatic approach, with a mix of conservative and liberal policies depending on the area
ReligionChristianity predominates, with a significant Evangelical Protestant footprintPrimarily Christian, with a strong presence of Mainline Protestant traditions
  • Texas tends to lean conservative with a strong Republican presence in its political climate
  • Iowa, on the other hand, is often described as a swing state, balanced between Democratic and Republican influences
  • Iowa's religious environment can be described as primarily Christian with a strong presence of Mainline Protestant traditions
  • Texas' residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as Christianity predominating with a significant Evangelical Protestant footprint

Education Guide When Moving from Texas to Iowa

ComparisonTexasIowa
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Texas
Texas A&M University
University of Houston
University of Iowa
Iowa State University
University of Northern Iowa
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsWilliam B Travis Academy
Dallas; T.H. Rogers School
Houston; School of Science and Engineering
Dallas
Wickham Elementary
Coralville; Brookview Elementary
West Des Moines; Grant Ragan Elementary
Waukee
Top 3 Middle SchoolsSt. Mark's School of Texas
Dallas; Fort Settlement Middle School
Sugar Land; Canyon Vista Middle School
Austin
Ames Middle School
Ames; North Central Junior High
North Liberty; South East Junior High
Iowa City
Top 3 High School SchoolsLiberal Arts and Science Academy
Austin; School for the Talented and Gifted
Dallas; Carnegie Vanguard High School
Houston
West High School
Iowa City; Ames High School
Ames; Roosevelt High School
Des Moines
Top 3 private high schoolsSt. Mark's School of Texas
Dallas; The Hockaday School
Dallas; Greenhill School
Addison
Phillips Exeter Academy
Exeter; Scattergood Friends School
West Branch; Maharishi School
Fairfield
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsThe John Cooper School
The Woodlands; The Village School
Houston; Trinity Valley School
Fort Worth
Scattergood Friends School
West Branch; Maharishi School
Fairfield; Rivermont Collegiate
Bettendorf
Top 3 School DistrictsEanes Independent School District; Highland Park Independent; Carroll Independent School DistrictIowa City Community School District; Ames Community School District; West Des Moines Community School District

How Much Do Texas to Iowa Movers Cost?

Moving 920 miles from Texas to Iowa will typically cost between $2,500 and $6,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $2,500 - $6,000
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-5 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: New Braunfels Moving Company, LLC
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,724300 ft3$5.75
1 Bedroom$2,564450 ft3$5.70
2 Bedrooms$4,235750 ft3$5.65
3 Bedrooms$6,1571100 ft3$5.60
4 Bedrooms$8,8751600 ft3$5.55
5+ Bedrooms$9,8941800 ft3$5.50

Houston to Iowa

San Antonio to Iowa

Dallas to Iowa

Austin to Iowa

Fort Worth to Iowa

El Paso to Iowa

Arlington to Iowa

Corpus Christi to Iowa

Plano to Iowa

Laredo to Iowa

Lubbock to Iowa

    Garland to Iowa

      Irving to Iowa

        Frisco to Iowa

          Amarillo to Iowa

            McKinney to Iowa

              Grand Prairie to Iowa

                Killeen to Iowa

                  Pasadena to Iowa