Wisconsin to Iowa Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Wisconsin to Iowa

ConsWisconsin

• Harsh winters
• Higher property taxes
• Dense population in cities
• Busy traffic in metros

ProsIowa

• Milder winters
• Lower property taxes
• Spacious rural areas
• Less congested roads

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Iowa

• Fewer historical landmarks
• Limited local dairy options
• No large natural lakes
• Less cultural diversity

Wisconsin

• Rich history and culture
• Famous cheese and dairy
• Proximity to Great Lakes
• Abundance of festivals

Pros of moving from Wisconsin to Iowa

• Say goodbye to harsh winters and hello to milder winters
• Look forward to moving away from higher property taxes and moving to Iowa with lower property taxes
• Swap the dense population in cities of Wisconsin for spacious rural areas in Iowa
• Get ready for less congested roads in Iowa

Cons of moving from Wisconsin to Iowa

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the rich history and culture in Wisconsin to live with fewer historical landmarks in Iowa
• You'll lose out on the pro of famous cheese and dairy and have to settle for the con of limited local dairy options
• Time to bid farewell to proximity to the Great Lakes and get used to no large natural lakes in Iowa
• Swap the abundance of festivals for less cultural diversity

Wisconsin vs. Iowa: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Wisconsin to Iowa, you will be trading the iconic Cheese Curds of Wisconsin for the equally delicious Corn on the Cob of Iowa. And while the locals in Wisconsin rave about their flavorful Bratwurst and sumptuous Fried Cheese Curds, Iowa residents know they have tasty Pork Tenderloin Sandwich and Walking Tacos to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Black Bean Burgers 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 Wisconsin eateries like The Old Fashioned, The Loyal Inn, and Ian's Pizza. After the boxes are unpacked in Iowa, don't wait too long before making your way to Iowa's acclaimed eateries like The Summit, Jethro’s BBQ, and Augusta Restaurant.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Wisconsin and Iowa

• The Cape Cod and Colonial architecture that Wisconsin is known for will be replaced with the Ranch and Craftsman architecture typical of Iowa.
• Compared to Wisconsin's real estate listings that commonly reference spacious yards and lake access, Iowa real estate listings often highlight features like energy efficiency and community amenities.
• You can keep your walking shoes packed away; Iowa is less walkable than Wisconsin.
• You might want to think twice before moving your bike; Iowa is less bike-friendly than Wisconsin.
• Iowa has less of an urban feel than Wisconsin.
• Iowa housing costs are 27% less expensive than they are in Wisconsin, with a median home price of $214,151 compared to Wisconsin’s $294,909.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Iowa have increased 36% compared to a 47% increase in Wisconsin.
• Rent in Iowa is 13.58% more affordable than in Wisconsin.

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

• Break out the sunglasses for your move from Wisconsin to Iowa. Iowa gets 9% more sunshine days than Wisconsin.
• Iowa has higher humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Wisconsin.
• Say goodbye to the possible snowstorms and cold waves in Wisconsin, but be on the lookout for potential tornadoes and severe thunderstorms in Iowa.
• The average summer high temperature in Iowa is 3 degrees warmer than in Wisconsin.
• The average winter lows are 1 degree warmer than they are in Wisconsin.
• Your umbrella might be more overworked in Iowa. Iowa receives 4 more inches of rain compared to Wisconsin.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Wisconsin and Iowa

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Iowa tend to earn about 2% less than in Wisconsin
• The COLI in Iowa will be 0% higher than what you are used to living in Wisconsin
• The state income tax in IA is 0.33-8.53 compared to 3.54-7.65 in WI
• The affluence in Iowa is moderate compared to moderate in Wisconsin
• The poverty level is low in Iowa compared to low in Wisconsin
• In terms of homelessness, it is low in Wisconsin and very low in Iowa

Political and Religious Climate in Wisconsin vs. Iowa

• Wisconsin tends to lean swing state in its political climate
• Iowa, on the other hand, is often described as leaning Republican
• Iowa's religious environment can be described as predominantly Christian
• Wisconsin's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as predominantly Christian

Education Guide When Moving from Wisconsin to Iowa

How Much Do Wisconsin to Iowa Movers Cost?

Moving 319 miles from Wisconsin to Iowa will typically cost between $2,000 and $5,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.