Washington to Iowa Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Washington to Iowa

ConsWashington

• High Cost of Living
• Traffic Congestion
• Overcast Weather
• High Housing Prices
• Earthquake Risk

ProsIowa

• Lower Living Expenses
• Less Traffic
• More Sunshine
• Affordable Housing
• Minimal Natural Disasters

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Iowa

• Less Cultural Variety
• No Coastlines
• Quieter Evenings
• Fewer Tech Jobs
• Limited Cuisine Options

Washington

• Diverse Culture
• Access to Coastlines
• Vibrant Nightlife
• Tech Job Opportunities
• International Cuisine

Pros of moving from Washington to Iowa

• Say goodbye to high cost of living and hello to lower living expenses
• Look forward to moving away from traffic congestion and moving to Iowa with less traffic
• Swap the overcast weather of Washington for more sunshine in Iowa
• Get ready for affordable housing in Iowa

Cons of moving from Washington to Iowa

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from diverse culture in Washington to live with less cultural variety in Iowa
• You'll lose out on the pro of access to coastlines and have to settle with the con of no coastlines
• Time to bid farewell to vibrant nightlife and get used to quieter evenings in Iowa
• Swap tech job opportunities for fewer tech jobs

Washington vs. Iowa: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Washington to Iowa, you will be trading the iconic Salmon of Washington for the equally delicious Corn of Iowa. And while the locals in Washington rave about their flavorful Teriyaki and sumptuous Fish Tacos, Iowa residents know they have tasty Pork Tenderloin Sandwich and Walking Taco to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Quinoa Salad they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Lentil Stew of Iowa. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Washington eateries like Canlis, Pike Place Chowder, and The Walrus and the Carpenter. 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 Amana Colonies.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Washington and Iowa

• The Contemporary and Craftsman architecture that Washington is known for will be replaced with the Ranch and Craftsman architecture typical of Iowa.
• Compared to Washington's real estate listings that commonly reference energy-efficient appliances and hardwood floors, Iowa real estate listings often highlight features like a spacious yard and proximity to schools.
• You can keep your walking shoes packed away. Iowa is less walkable than Washington.
• You might want to think twice before moving your bike. Iowa is less bike-friendly than Washington.
• Iowa has less of an urban feel than Washington.
• Iowa housing costs are 64% less expensive than they are in Washington, with a median home price of $214,151 compared to Washington’s $591,148.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Iowa have increased 36% compared to a 49% increase in Washington.
• Rent in Iowa is 45.20% more affordable than in Washington.

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

• Break out the sunglasses for your move from Washington to Iowa. Iowa gets 34% more sunshine days than Washington.
• Iowa has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Washington.
• Say goodbye to the possible earthquakes and volcanoes in Washington, but be on the lookout for potential tornadoes and floods in Iowa.
• Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in Iowa is 10 degrees warmer than in Washington.
• The average winter lows are 23 degrees colder than they are in Washington.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in Iowa. Iowa receives 2 fewer inches of rain compared to Washington.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Washington and Iowa

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Iowa tend to earn about 24% less than in Washington
• The COLI in Iowa will be 8% lower than what you are used to living in Washington
• Bummer... By moving from WA to IA, you'll now have a state income tax of 8.53%
• The affluence in Iowa is moderate compared to high in Washington
• The poverty level is moderate in Iowa compared to low in Washington
• In terms of homelessness, it is high in Washington and low in Iowa

Political and Religious Climate in Washington vs. Iowa

• Washington tends to lean Liberal/Democratic in its political climate
• Iowa, on the other hand, is often described as a swing state that leans Conservative/Republican in recent elections
• Iowa's religious environment can be described as having a higher religious affiliation, with a significant Christian population
• Washington's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as less religiously affiliated overall

Education Guide When Moving from Washington to Iowa

How Much Do Washington to Iowa Movers Cost?

Moving 1,701 miles from Washington to Iowa will typically cost between $3,000 and $8,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.