Virginia to Iowa Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Virginia to Iowa

ConsVirginia

• Heavy traffic
• Higher cost of living
• Humidity
• Hurricane threat

ProsIowa

• Less congestion
• Affordability
• Milder summers
• Safer from storms

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Iowa

• Fewer historical sites
• Less urban amenities
• Harsher winters
• Less diversity

Virginia

• Rich history
• Proximity to D.C.
• Mild winters
• Diverse culture

Pros of moving from Virginia to Iowa

• Say goodbye to heavy traffic and hello to less congestion
• Look forward to moving away from a higher cost of living and moving to Iowa with affordability
• Swap the humidity of Virginia for milder summers in Iowa
• Get ready for safety from storms in Iowa

Cons of moving from Virginia to Iowa

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the rich history in Virginia to live with fewer historical sites in Iowa
• You'll lose out on the pro of proximity to D.C. and have to settle for the con of fewer urban amenities
• Time to bid farewell to mild winters and get used to harsher winters in Iowa
• Swap a diverse culture for less diversity

Virginia vs. Iowa: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Virginia to Iowa, you will be trading the iconic ham of Virginia for the equally delicious corn of Iowa. And while the locals in Virginia rave about their flavorful BBQ pork and sumptuous peanuts, Iowa residents know they have tasty pork tenderloin sandwiches and corn dogs to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the vegetable-based soups they've grown to love, they can get ready for the grilled veggie skewers of Iowa. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Virginia eateries like The Inn at Little Washington, L’Opossum, and Zynodoa. After the boxes are unpacked in Iowa, don't wait too long before making your way to Iowa's acclaimed eateries like Zombie Burger + Drink Lab, Amana Colonies, and Fong’s Pizza.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Virginia and Iowa

• The Colonial architecture that Virginia is known for will be replaced with the Victorian and Ranch architecture typical of Iowa.
• Compared to Virginia's real estate listings that commonly reference historic landmarks, proximity to Washington D.C. and beach accessibility, Iowa real estate listings often highlight features like quiet neighborhoods, proximity to nature, and community-focused spaces.
• You can keep your walking shoes packed away. Iowa is less walkable than Virginia.
• You might want to think twice before moving your bike. Iowa is less bike-friendly than Virginia.
• Iowa has less of an urban feel than Virginia.
• Iowa housing costs are 44% less expensive than they are in Virginia, with a median home price of $214,151 compared to Virginia’s $385,780.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Iowa have increased by 36% compared to a 42% increase in Virginia.
• Rent in Iowa is 40.97% more affordable than in Virginia.

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

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from Virginia to Iowa. Iowa gets 3% fewer sunshine days than Virginia.
• Iowa has higher humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Virginia.
• Say goodbye to the possible hurricanes and floods in Virginia, but be on the lookout for potential tornadoes and blizzards in Iowa.
• The average summer high temperature in Iowa is the same as Virginia.
• The average winter lows are 15 degrees colder than they are in Virginia.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in Iowa. Iowa receives 7 fewer inches of rain compared to Virginia.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Virginia and Iowa

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Iowa tend to earn about 19% less than in Virginia
• The COLI in Iowa will be 1% lower than what you are used to living in Virginia
• The state income tax in IA is 4.90% compared to 5.75% in VA
• The affluence in Iowa is stable compared to prosperous in Virginia
• The poverty level is low in Iowa compared to moderate in Virginia
• In terms of homelessness, it is notable in Virginia and minimal in Iowa

Political and Religious Climate in Virginia vs. Iowa

• Virginia tends to lean politically mixed but lately leans Democratic statewide, with urban and suburban areas such as Northern Virginia, Richmond, and Hampton Roads voting Democratic, while rural regions trend Republican in its political climate
• Iowa, on the other hand, is often described as leaning Republican in recent statewide and federal races, with strong GOP support in rural areas and Democratic pockets in some urban and university counties such as Polk and Johnson.
• Iowa's religious environment can be described as a Christian majority with a strong Mainline Protestant and Evangelical presence, along with a substantial unaffiliated population of approximately 25-30%, and smaller shares of non-Christian faiths and generally less religious diversity than major Virginia metro areas.
• Virginia's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as a Christian majority, including Evangelical, Mainline Protestant, and Catholic, with a sizable unaffiliated share of approximately 25-30%, and notable religious diversity in Northern Virginia, including Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, and Jewish communities.

How Much Do Virginia to Iowa Movers Cost?

Moving 1,015 miles from Virginia to Iowa will typically cost between $2,500 and $6,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.