Texas to Iowa Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Texas to Iowa

ConsTexas

• Brutal summer heat
• Frequent drought risk
• Hurricane threats
• High property taxes
• Costly home insurance
• Heavy urban traffic
• Long driving distances
• Power grid concerns
• Cedar allergy season
• Water scarcity issues
• Wildfire smoke days

ProsIowa

• Cooler summer days
• More consistent rainfall
• No coastal hurricanes
• Slightly lower rates
• Lower insurance costs
• Shorter lighter commutes
• More compact communities
• More reliable grid
• Milder spring allergies
• Abundant freshwater
• Fewer wildfire impacts

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Iowa

• State income tax
• Long cold winters
• Smaller job market
• Fewer direct flights
• Shorter warm season
• Quieter evenings
• Few major teams
• Fewer cuisine options
• No ocean access
• Fewer big events

Texas

• No income tax
• Mild winter weather
• Big-city job options
• Major airport hubs
• Year-round outdoor season
• Vibrant nightlife
• Pro sports teams
• Diverse dining scenes
• Beach weekend trips
• Large event calendars

Pros of moving from Texas to Iowa

• Say goodbye to brutal summer heat and hello to cooler summer days
• Look forward to moving away from frequent drought risk and moving to Iowa with more consistent rainfall
• Swap the hurricane threats of Texas for no coastal hurricanes in Iowa
• Get ready for slightly lower rates in Iowa

Cons of moving from Texas to Iowa

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from no income tax in Texas to live with state income tax in Iowa
• You'll lose out on the pro of mild winter weather and have to settle for the con of long cold winters
• Time to bid farewell to big-city job options and get used to a smaller job market in Iowa
• Swap major airport hubs for fewer direct flights

Texas vs. Iowa: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

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.