Factors influencing moving costs from Atlanta to Iowa

The cost of Atlanta movers will depend on:

  • Move size: The amount of items you have โ€” as well as your home size and layout โ€” will impact the total cost of your relocation.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Atlanta, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • DIY vs. professional mover: DIY moving services are usually cheaper but involve more work and stress compared to hiring the pros.

What to know before moving from Atlanta, GA, to Iowa

If youโ€™re moving to Iowa from Atlanta, GA, youโ€™ll want to compare what life will be like.

Compare cost of living: Atlanta vs. Iowa

Atlanta, GA Iowa
Average rent cost $1,900 $914
Average home cost $388,167 $220,277
Average income (per capita) $66,107 $70,571
Unemployment rate 6.0% 3.0%
State income tax 5.49% 4.4%
  • Rent is about 81% less expensive in Iowa than in Atlanta.
  • Home prices are about 51.4% lower in Iowa than in Atlanta.
  • The average income is about 6.3% higher in Iowa than in Atlanta.
  • Iowa has a lower unemployment rate than Atlanta by about 83.3%.
  • Income taxes are 19.85% lower in Iowa than in Atlanta.

How life is different in Atlanta, GA, from Iowa

Atlanta, GA Iowa
Population 498,715 3,207,004
Political leaning Republican 51-49 Republican 53-45
Summer high 88ยบF 84ยบF
Winter low 33ยบF 10ยบF
Annual rain 52" 35"
Annual snow 1" 30"
Crime index 64.23 16.18
  • The population of Iowa is approximately 543% greater than the population of Atlanta.
  • In the last presidential election, Iowa voted Republican and Atlanta voted Republican.
  • The average high in the summertime in Iowa is 84ยบ F and in Atlanta, itโ€™s 88ยบ F.
  • During the coldest part of the year, Iowa reaches the temperature of 10ยบ F and Atlanta gets down to 33ยบ F.
  • You can expect about 35 inches of annual rainfall in Iowa vs. 52 inches of rainfall in Atlanta.
  • In Iowa, it snows about 30 inches annually vs. 1 inches of snow in Atlanta.

Comparing the pros of Atlanta, GA, vs. Iowa:

There are always a lot of reasons to get excited about living somewhere new. These are the best parts of living in Atlanta vs Iowa side-by-side.

Pros of living in Atlanta, GA Pros of living in Iowa
Ample economic opportunity Low cost of living
Mild winters Ample economic opportunity
Bountiful arts and recreational activities High quality of education
Abundant entertainment No traffic
Quality education Beautiful outdoors

Comparing the cons of living in Atlanta, GA, vs. Iowa:

Not everything is sunshine and rainbows, these are the things to be aware of when leaving Atlanta for Iowa.

Cons of living in Atlanta, GA Cons of living in Iowa
Terrible traffic Severe weather conditions
Urban sprawl Limited recreational opportunities
Hot summers High taxes
Poverty High emphasis on politics
High crime rate Rustic food

Other considerations when moving to Iowa from Atlanta

  • Weather: Iowa has a humid continental climate throughout the state. Snowfall is common in Iowa. Spring brings in severe weather season. Iowa has about 50 thunderstorm days per year and has a tornado season. Iowa is known for hot and humid summers. Be sure to check the weather before your move, especially during the springtime..
  • HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, youโ€™ll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
  • Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
  • State licensing: When moving within Iowa, make sure to hire a company that is licensed by the Iowa Department of Transportation. Each household goods mover in the state should have an Iowa Motor Carrier (IOWAMC) Number, which means theyโ€™ve met minimum insurance and highway safety requirements. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Iowa moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
  • Moving permits: Iowa does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Iowa. Get started here.
  • Moving insurance: Every state has their own requirements when it comes to insurance. Choose cost-free Released Value Protection from movers for basic coverage at 60 cents per pound.
  • Moving checklist: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know youโ€™ve got everything covered.

Things to do in Iowa

Whether youโ€™re looking for parks, museums, sports, or even universities, youโ€™ll be happy to find a plethora of these in Iowa.

Museums in Iowatoggle

  • 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
  • Des Moines Art Center
  • Iowa Great Lakes Maritime Museum
  • Pottawattamie County Squirrel Cage Jail and Museum
  • Sioux City Public Museum
  • State Historical Museum

Parks in Iowatoggle

  • 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
  • West Lake Park
  • Centennial Park
  • Effigy Mounds National Monument
  • Rand Park
  • Bayliss Park

Sports Teams in Iowatoggle

  • Iowa Wolves (NBA G League)
  • Iowa Hawkeyes (NCAA)
  • Northern Iowa Panthers (NCAA)
  • Iowa State Cyclones (NCAA)
  • Drake Bulldogs (NCAA)

Universities in Iowatoggle

  • 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

FAQs

How long does a move from Atlanta to Iowa take?

The time it takes to move from Atlanta, GA, to Iowa depends on the moving method you choose. A DIY move with a rental truck can take a day or two, depending on your exact destination and how much you stop along the way. If youโ€™re using professional movers or a moving container company, delivery times can range from a few days to two weeks, depending on demand. Deliveries will likely take longer during the busy summer months.

For the fastest turnaround, ask your moving company for an estimated delivery window before booking.

What is the best way to get a car from Atlanta to Iowa?

Need to get your car from Atlanta to Iowa? Use a company that prioritizes professionalism, cares for your vehicle, and is experienced. Here is our list of the best Atlanta to Iowa car shippers.

Why are people moving from Atlanta to Iowa?

Many people are moving to Iowa because of its low cost of living and ample economic opportunity. On the other hand, people are moving away from Atlanta because of the terrible traffic and urban sprawl.

Where can I find a list of long-distance moving companies in Atlanta?

Here are our top picks for the best long-distance movers in Atlanta.

Helpful moving resources