Moving to Iowa: Pros and Cons in 2025
If you’re thinking about moving to Iowa, you’re not alone. The Hawkeye State attracts newcomers for good reason! With bustling metropolitan areas like Des Moines and quiet rural towns, there’s a place to match your desired pace of life.
As much as there is to love about Iowa, it’s smart to weigh the good and the not-so-good before you buy a new home and pack up your belongings.
Here, we’ll walk you through what you need to know about moving to Iowa to help you decide if it’s the right fit for you.
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Pros & cons of living in Iowa
Moving to Iowa has its perks, but it also comes with a few challenges you’ll want to keep in mind.
Check out some of the main upsides and downsides of living in the Hawkeye State so you can decide if it’s the right fit for you.
Pros of living in Iowa
- ✓Low cost of living
- ✓Ample economic opportunity
- ✓High quality of education
- ✓No traffic
- ✓Beautiful outdoors
Cons of living in Iowa
- ✖Severe weather conditions
- ✖Limited recreational opportunities
- ✖High taxes
- ✖High emphasis on politics
- ✖Rustic food
Things to do in Iowa
Whether you’re moving to Iowa for work, family, or simply a fresh start, there’s so much to explore once you arrive. From vibrant attractions to hidden gems, Iowa offers something for everyone, making it easy to find your next adventure.
If you’re planning a family adventure or going out solo and hoping to make new friends, these spots have you covered. With such a wide variety, you’re bound to find a place that fits your vibe and instantly feels welcoming.
Popular Attractions in Iowa
- Iowa State Capitol
- Amana Colonies
- Blank Park Zoo
- Greater Des Moines Botanical Center
- Lost Island Waterpark
- National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium
- Pikes Peak State Park
- Visit Okoboji
- Field of Dreams
- Grotto of the Redemption
Museums in Iowa
- National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium
- Figge Art Museum
- National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library
- The Putnam Museum & Science Center
- Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center
- Union Pacific Railroad Museum
- Buffalo Bill Museum
- John Deere Tractor & Engine Museum
- Old Capitol Museum
- Okoboji Classic Cars
Parks in Iowa
- Vander Veer Botanical Park
- Gray’s Lake Park
- Pappajohn Sculpture Park
- Eagle Point Park
- Terry Trueblood Recreational Area
- Clear Lake State Park
- Mines of Spain Recreation Area
- Eagle Point Park
- Raccoon River Park
- Big Woods Lake Recreation Area
Fun facts about Iowa
Every state has its own unique vibe shaped by its history, culture, and people. Getting to know local traditions and quirks is the best way to truly experience life in a new place.
Discovering these fun facts about Iowa highlights what sets the state apart—and might even inspire you to move there.
- Iowa is the home of the world’s largest bullhead fish statue. The statue is 12 feet long. It sits on a crystal lake which has several hundred real bullhead fish at the bottom.
- Hogs outnumber the human population in Iowa!
- Iowa inspired the Americans’ Gothic Drawing. It’s the home to the house that Grant Wood painted back in his studio of the Americans Gothic. Grant wood most well-known work was inspired by a farmer and his wife standing outside their white story house.
- The worlds largest strawberry live here. It’s a fiberglass statue of a strawberry. Its located on the strawberry point building. It’s not edible but is a perfect strawberry marketing strategy.
- First bread, the slicing machine, was Invented here. Bread is one of the world’s oldest prepared foods. However, sliced bread has been around for less than a century. The first bread slicing machine was invented in Iowa by Otto Frederick Rohwedder. The first automatically sliced loaves were produced on July 6, 1928.
- The world best-renowned dance and gymnastics school is situated in Iowa.
- Iowa is the only state name that starts with two vowels! You can hardly pronounce it on your first trial.
- You probably never seen a wooden nickel, but here in Iowa, on a farm, is a 12-inch world’s largest wooden Nickel.
Iowa population and demographics
Thinking about moving to Iowa? Here’s what life in the Hawkeye State really feels like—beyond just the numbers.
Opting for a more populous state means you’ll have more job opportunities, vibrant nightlife, and top-notch infrastructure. On the flip side, settling in a less crowded state offers quieter living and the chance to become part of a tight-knit community.
Looking at average education levels can help you gauge local job prospects and see how easy it is to access schools or colleges in the area. At the same time, understanding a state’s political climate gives you insight into the values and priorities most important to its residents.
Getting to know the people, lifestyle, and values in Iowa is a great way to figure out if it’s a place where you’ll feel right at home.
| Metric | Iowa |
|---|---|
| Population | 3,207,004 |
| Female | 49.9% |
| Male | 50.1% |
| College graduation rate | 30.54% |
| Political leaning | Republican 53-45 |
| Crime index | 16.18 |
Iowa weather
Climate plays a huge role in shaping your day-to-day life, so it’s an important factor to consider when deciding whether Iowa is right for you. Looking at seasonal highs and lows and average rain and snowfall can help you imagine how much time you’ll be spending outdoors, preparing for storms, and adjusting to temperature extremes.
For example, summer highs can affect everything from your energy bills to how much time you’ll want to spend away from the AC, while winter lows help you prepare for what kind of wardrobe (and heating system) you’ll need. Annual snowfall can mean anything from occasional flurries to full-on storms that impact travel and daily routines.
Whether you love sunshine, prefer cooler temps, or want to avoid snow altogether, knowing the climate can help you decide if Iowa aligns with your lifestyle and comfort level.
| Metric | Iowa |
|---|---|
| Summer high | 84ºF |
| Winter low | 10ºF |
| Annual rain | 35″ |
| Annual snow | 30″ |
Income and cost of living in Iowa
Checking out key industries, typical salaries, home prices, and overall living expenses helps you gauge how affordable and practical life can be in Iowa.
Understanding which industries power the local economy can give you valuable insight into job prospects and market stability in your field. And when it comes to deciding whether to rent or buy, housing costs will probably be one of the biggest factors shaping your move.
The cost of living index shows how much your money is really worth compared to the national average. If the index is lower, you can expect to spend less on essentials like groceries, transportation, and housing.
These figures aren’t just statistics—they’re useful tools to help you weigh your current lifestyle against what Iowa has to offer, so you can make your move with confidence and clarity.
The main economic industries in the state include:
- Manufacturing ($33.6 billion)
- Finance and insurance ($25.9 billion)
- Real estate and rental and leasing ($19.5 billion)
- Educational services, health care, and social assistance ($14.4 billion)
- Professional and business services ($12.7 billion)
- Wholesale trade ($11.4 billion)
- Retail trade ($9.9 billion)
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting ($8.5 billion)
- Construction ($7.7 billion)
- Transportation and warehousing ($6.4 billion)
| Metric | Iowa |
|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $914 |
| Average home cost | $220,277 |
| Average income (per capita) | $70,571 |
| Cost of living index* | 89 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.0% |
| Average sales tax | Not available |
| State income tax | 4.4% |
*To figure out the cost of living in each state, there’s a 100-point index, known as the cost of living index. This metric starts with a baseline number of 100. States with a number below that are less expensive to live in while states with numbers higher than 100 are more expensive to live in.
Top schools in Iowa
If great schools and universities matter to you, checking out a state’s education scene can tell you a lot about its job market and community atmosphere.
Whether you’re planning to go back to school, have kids close to graduating, or just want to be in a place with top-notch educational options, Iowa should be high on your list.
Here are some of the top schools in Iowa:
- Iowa State University
- University of Iowa
- University of Northern Iowa
- Maharishi International University
- Grinnell College
- Drake University
- Luther College
- Cornell College
- Wartburg College
- St. Ambrose University
- Dordt University
- Central College
- Coe College
- Simpson College
- Buena Vista University
Finding the best moving company for your relocation to Iowa
We combed through 2,756 moving companies nationwide—including 28 right here in Iowa—and got insights straight from movers and people just like you to uncover the top picks in the industry.
Getting ready to move to the Hawkeye State? Check out the top moving companies that will get your stuff to your new place safely, no matter where you’re starting from.
- Alabama to IA
- Arkansas to IA
- Arizona to IA
- California to IA
- Colorado to IA
- Connecticut to IA
- Delaware to IA
- Florida to IA
- Georgia to IA
- Idaho to IA
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- Kansas to IA
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- Louisiana to IA
- Massachusetts to IA
- Maryland to IA
- Maine to IA
- Michigan to IA
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- Missouri to IA
- Mississippi to IA
- Montana to IA
- North Carolina to IA
- North Dakota to IA
- Nebraska to IA
- New Hampshire to IA
- New Jersey to IA
- New Mexico to IA
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- New York to IA
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- Oregon to IA
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- Rhode Island to IA
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- Texas to IA
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- West Virginia to IA
- Wyoming to IA
Cost of moving to Iowa
Planning your move to Iowa? Be sure to budget ahead. Professional movers typically charge about $136 per hour, though your total bill depends on how much you’re hauling and how far you’re going—long-distance moves usually come with a higher price tag than local ones.
The way you move can have a major impact on your overall costs.
Looking to save on your move? Consider one of the top moving container companies. You can pack and load your stuff on your own schedule, and the company handles all the driving for you. It’s a great way to get the best of both worlds—flexibility and savings—without going completely DIY or splurging on a pricey full-service move.
Trying to save some cash? Renting a moving truck is your most budget-friendly option. You’ll be in charge of packing, loading, driving, and unloading everything on your own.
Ready to ditch the hassle of moving by yourself? Professional interstate movers can take care of it all. Just keep in mind, this convenience typically costs more—so be sure to compare quotes and find an option that fits both your needs and your budget.
| Company | Quote | Rating |
|---|---|---|
Safeway Moving
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Mayzlin Relocation
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BLVD Moving
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PODS
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American Van Lines
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Cost to bring your car to Iowa
Bringing a car with you? Use our car shipping calculator below to estimate how much it’ll cost to transport your vehicle to Iowa.
Iowa car insurance requirements
Iowa drivers license requirements
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