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West Virginia to Iowa Moving Guide

Updated June 3, 2025

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Planning a 853 mile interstate move from West Virginia to Iowa? This moving guide will help you compare living in West Virginia vs Iowa across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like high poverty rate vs strong job market), food & health (like Pepperoni Roll vs Corn on the Cob), real estate & housing (colonial, ranch vs farmhouse, craftsman), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Iowa), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Pepperoni Roll and West Virginia Hot Dog, but get your taste buds ready for Corn on the Cob & Pork Tenderloin Sandwich
  • Iowa housing costs are 33% more expensive than they are in West Virginia
  • Rent in Iowa is 8.15% more expensive than in West Virginia
  • Moving from West Virginia to Iowa will cost on average between $1,500 - $6,000
  • Our top recommended West Virginia to Iowa movers is Adamantine Spine Moving

West Virginia to Iowa Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from West Virginia to Iowa

ConsWest Virginia iconWest Virginia
  • High poverty rate
  • Limited urban amenities
  • Frequent flooding
  • Poor road infrastructure
ProsIowa iconIowa
  • Strong job market
  • More cultural offerings
  • Less severe weather
  • Better transportation

Iowa iconIowa
  • Less mountainous
  • Colder winters
  • Fewer historical sites
  • Higher property taxes
West Virginia iconWest Virginia
  • Beautiful landscapes
  • Friendly communities
  • Rich history
  • Lower cost of living

Pros of moving from West Virginia to Iowa

  • Say goodbye to high poverty rate and hello to strong job market
  • Look forward to moving away from limited urban amenities and moving to Iowa with more cultural offerings
  • Swap the frequent flooding of West Virginia for less severe weather in Iowa
  • Get ready for better transportation in Iowa

Cons of moving from West Virginia to Iowa

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from beautiful landscapes in West Virginia to live with less mountainous terrain in Iowa
  • You'll lose out on the pro of friendly communities and have to settle for the con of colder winters
  • Time to bid farewell to rich history and get used to fewer historical sites in Iowa
  • Swap lower cost of living for higher property taxes

West Virginia vs. Iowa: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonWest VirginiaIowa
Most iconic local food itemPepperoni RollCorn on the Cob
Most popular meat dishWest Virginia Hot DogPork Tenderloin Sandwich
Most popular street food itemPepperoni RollWalking Taco
Most popular vegan foodMushroom DishesVegan Corn Dogs
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • The Purple Fiddle
  • Tudor's Biscuit World
  • Hillbilly Hot Dogs
  • Zombie Burger
  • The Machine Shed Restaurant
  • El Bait Shop
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 West Virginia to Iowa, you will be trading the iconic Pepperoni Roll of West Virginia for the equally delicious Corn on the Cob of Iowa. And while the locals in West Virginia rave about their flavorful West Virginia Hot Dog and sumptuous Pepperoni Roll, Iowa residents know they have tasty Pork Tenderloin Sandwich and Walking Taco to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Mushroom Dishes they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Vegan Corn Dogs of Iowa. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic West Virginia eateries like The Purple Fiddle, Tudor's Biscuit World, and Hillbilly Hot Dogs. After the boxes are unpacked in Iowa, don't wait too long before making your way to Iowa's acclaimed eateries like Zombie Burger, The Machine Shed Restaurant, and El Bait Shop.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between West Virginia and Iowa

ComparisonWest VirginiaIowa
Typical Architecture StyleColonial, RanchFarmhouse, Craftsman
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 listingMountain Views, PrivacySpacious Yards, Community Spaces
  • The Colonial and Ranch architecture that West Virginia is known for will be replaced with the Farmhouse and Craftsman architecture typical of Iowa.
  • Compared to West Virginia's real estate listings that commonly reference mountain views and privacy, Iowa real estate listings often highlight features like spacious yards and community spaces.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Iowa is more walkable than West Virginia.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Iowa is more bike-friendly than West Virginia.
  • Iowa has more of an urban feel than West Virginia.
  • Iowa housing costs are 33% more expensive than they are in West Virginia, with a median home price of $214,151 compared to West Virginia’s $161,063.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Iowa have increased by 36% compared to a 37% increase in West Virginia.
  • Rent in Iowa is 8.15% more expensive than in West Virginia.

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

ComparisonWest VirginiaIowa
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 DisastersFloods, LandslidesTornados, Blizzards
Air QualityGoodVariable
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)85Β°F / 62Β°F86Β°F / 63Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)41Β°F / 26Β°F31Β°F / 14Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)4536
Annual Snowfall (Inches)3348
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from West Virginia to Iowa. Iowa gets 24% more sunshine days than West Virginia.
  • Iowa has higher humidity and a higher average UV index compared to West Virginia.
  • Say goodbye to the possible floods and landslides in West Virginia, but be on the lookout for potential tornadoes and blizzards in Iowa.
  • The average summer high temperature in Iowa is 1 degree warmer than in West Virginia.
  • The average winter lows in Iowa are 12 degrees colder than they are in West Virginia.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in Iowa. Iowa receives 9 fewer inches of rain compared to West Virginia.

Financial & Community Snapshot: West Virginia and Iowa

ComparisonWest VirginiaIowa
Avg. Household Income$54,329$69,588
Cost of Living Index9595.9
State Income Tax3.0-6.50.33-8.53
Avg. Property Tax0.591.57
Avg. Sales Tax6.256.94
Top 3 IndustriesMining, Manufacturing, HealthcareManufacturing, Agriculture, Banking
AffluenceModestModerate
PovertyHighModerate
HomelessnessModerateLow
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Iowa tend to earn about 28% more than in West Virginia
  • The COLI in Iowa is 1% higher than what you are used to living in West Virginia
  • The state income tax in IA is 0.33-8.53 compared to 3.0-6.5 in WV
  • The affluence in Iowa is moderate compared to modest in West Virginia
  • The poverty level is moderate in Iowa compared to high in West Virginia
  • In terms of homelessness, it is moderate in West Virginia and low in Iowa

Political and Religious Climate in West Virginia vs. Iowa

ComparisonWest VirginiaIowa
Political Make-upLean ConservativeModerate, Swing State
Local PoliticsStrong emphasis on coal and energy policyAgricultural and education policy lead
ReligionPrimarily Christian with a Protestant majorityDiverse religious landscape, predominantly Christian
  • West Virginia tends to lean Conservative in its political climate
  • Iowa, on the other hand, is often described as a moderate Swing State
  • Iowa's religious environment can be described as a diverse religious landscape, predominantly Christian
  • West Virginia's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as primarily Christian with a Protestant majority

Education Guide When Moving from West Virginia to Iowa

ComparisonWest VirginiaIowa
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)West Virginia University
Marshall University
West Virginia State University
University of Iowa
Iowa State University
University of Northern Iowa
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsWeimer Elementary School
Steenrod Elementary School
Woodsdale Elementary School
Wickham Elementary School
Lincoln Elementary School
Grant Ragan Elementary School
Top 3 Middle SchoolsWinfield Middle School
Bridgeport Middle School
Suncrest Middle School
North Central Junior High
South East Junior High
Ames Middle School
Top 3 High School SchoolsGeorge Washington High School
Bridgeport High School
Morgantown High School
Roosevelt High School
Ames High School
West High School
Top 3 private high schoolsParkersburg Catholic High School
Charleston Catholic High School
Wheeling Central Catholic High School
Dowling Catholic High School
Xavier High School
Wahlert Catholic High School
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsLinsly School
Notre Dame High School
St. Joseph Central Catholic High School
Scattergood Friends School
Maharishi School
Rivermont Collegiate
Top 3 School DistrictsMonongalia County Schools
Harrison County Schools
Ohio County Schools
Iowa City Community School District
Ames Community School District
West Des Moines Community Schools

How Much Do West Virginia to Iowa Movers Cost?

Moving 853 miles from West Virginia 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 - $6,000
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Country Roads Moving LLC
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,686300 ft3$5.62
1 Bedroom$2,507450 ft3$5.57
2 Bedrooms$4,140750 ft3$5.52
3 Bedrooms$6,0171100 ft3$5.47
4 Bedrooms$8,6721600 ft3$5.42
5+ Bedrooms$9,6661800 ft3$5.37

Top West Virginia to Iowa Movers

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

TOP PICK
Adamantine Spine Moving featured image

Adamantine Spine Moving

Best moving company overall for West Virginia to Iowa

9.54/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Adamantine Spine Moving featured image

Adamantine Spine Moving

9.44/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Country Roads Moving LLC featured image

Country Roads Moving LLC

9.26/10
ExceptionalView details
Top West Virginia to Iowa Routes

Charleston to Iowa