Factors affecting the cost of moving from IA to MN
There are many factors that influence
Iowa moving costs.
The cost to move from Iowa to Minnesota will depend on these factors:
- Move size: Moving a large home costs more than moving a studio apartment.
-
Time of year: The peak moving season
in Iowa is in the summer, so moving companies will likely charge more.
-
DIY vs. professional mover:
DIY moving services are cheaper but you do all the heavy lifting compared to letting the pros handle your move.
What to know before moving from IA to MN
If you’re moving to Minnesota from Iowa, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.
Cost of living: Iowa vs. Minnesota
|
Iowa |
Minnesota |
| Average rent cost |
$914 |
$1,178 |
| Average home cost |
$220,277 |
$334,119 |
| Average income (per capita) |
$70,571 |
$84,313 |
| Cost of Living Index |
89 |
94 |
| Unemployment rate |
3.0% |
3.4% |
| Average Sales Tax |
6.94% |
8.03% |
| State Income Tax |
4.4% |
9.85% |
-
Rent is about 29% more expensive in Minnesota than in Iowa.
-
Home prices are about 52% higher in Minnesota than in Iowa.
-
The average income is about 19% higher in Minnesota than in Iowa.
-
Cost of living is 6% lower in Minnesota than in Iowa.
-
Minnesota has a higher unemployment rate than Iowa by about 13%.
-
Sales taxes are 16% higher in Minnesota than in Iowa.
-
Income taxes are 124% higher in Minnesota than in Iowa.
How life is different in Minnesota vs. Iowa
|
Minnesota |
Iowa |
| Population |
5,737,915 |
3,207,004 |
| Political leaning |
Democratic 51.1-46.9 |
Republican 53-45 |
| Summer high |
81ºF |
84ºF |
| Winter low |
2ºF |
10ºF |
| Annual rain |
29" |
35" |
| Annual snow |
47" |
30" |
| Crime index |
22.47 |
16.18 |
-
The population of Minnesota is approximately 79% greater than the population of Iowa.
-
In the last presidential election, Minnesota voted Democratic and Iowa voted Republican.
-
The average high in the summertime in Minnesota is 81ºF
and in Iowa, it’s 84ºF.
-
During the coldest part of the year, Minnesota reaches the temperature of 2ºF
and Iowa gets down to 10ºF.
-
You can expect about 29 inches of annual rainfall in Minnesota versus 35 inches of rainfall in Iowa.
-
In Minnesota, it snows about 47 inches annually
versus 30 inches of snow in Iowa.
-
Minnesota has a higher crime rate than Iowa with a crime index
of 22.47 vs. 16.18.
Comparing the pros of Iowa vs. Minnesota
Getting a fresh start in a new location is exciting. Here’s a side-by-side look at the perks of living in Minnesota compared to Iowa.
| Pros of living in Iowa |
Pros of living in Minnesota |
| Low cost of living |
Ample economic opportunity |
| Ample economic opportunity |
Bountiful recreational outdoor opportunities |
| High quality of education |
Multitudinous lakes |
| No traffic |
Diverse festivals |
| Beautiful outdoors |
Friendly people |
Comparing the cons of living in Iowa vs. Minnesota
Everything can’t be sunshine and rainbows all the time, no matter where you live.
Here are some things to be aware of when leaving Iowa for Minnesota.
| Cons of living in Iowa |
Cons of living in Minnesota |
| Severe weather conditions |
Bland food |
| Limited recreational opportunities |
Cold snowy winters |
| High taxes |
Terrible traffic |
| High emphasis on politics |
High tax burden |
| Rustic food |
Thick accents |
Other things to consider for your Iowa to Minnesota move
- Weather: Minnesota experiences temperature extremes characteristic of its continental climate, with cold winters and hot summers. Minnesota does experience weather such as: rain, snow, blizzards, thunderstorms, hail, derechos, tornadoes, and high-velocity straight-line winds.
-
HOA rules:
Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
-
Elevator reservation:
One common and important example of something that should be handled ahead of time is reserving the building's elevator
and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
-
Parking permits:
Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles, find out ahead of time with your new local rules.
-
State licensing:
To operate legally within the state, Minnesota household goods movers must have a current permit from the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT).
Before being granted operating authority, each moving company must file a public tariff, provide proof of insurance and submit a Certificate of Compliance to MnDOT. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
-
State regulator:
You can verify a Minnesota moving license
and its status on the state regulator's official website.
-
Moving permits:
Minnesota 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 so that all your mail will get properly forwarded to Minnesota.
Get started here.
-
Mover's insurance:
Interstate moving companies are required under federal law to provide basic insurance — also called “released value protection” — free of charge to all moving customers.
In Minnesota, opt for the budget-friendly Released Value Protection provided by movers at no extra charge. While economical, it offers minimal coverage at 60 cents per pound per article. For full value coverage of your items, consult with your chosen moving company for alternatives or consider a third-party insurance provider.
-
Moving checklist:
Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.
Things to do in Minnesota
While you’re in Minnesota, you won’t be bored. These are some of the coolest places to visit in your new home state:
- Mall of America
- Como Park Zoo and Conservatory
- Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness
- Cathedral of Saint Paul
- North Shore Scenic Drive
- Split Rock Lighthouse State Park
- Minnehaha Falls
- Munsinger Clemens Gardens
- Itasca State Park
- Valleyfair Amusement Park
- Voyageurs National Park
- International Wolf Center
- Frederick R. Weisman Art Museum
- Duluth Aerial Lift Bridge
- Gooseberry Falls State Park
- Devil’s Kettle
- Niagara Cave
- Greyhound Bus Museum
- Minneapolis Institute of Art
- Stone Arch Bridge
- Pipestone National Monument
- Guthrie Theater
- Paul Bunyan & Babe the Blue Ox Statues
- SPAM Museum
- Quarry Hill Nature Center
FAQs
What is the cheapest way to move from Iowa to Minnesota?
Do movers transport your car from Iowa to Minnesota?
Some full-service movers can coordinate auto transport for you as part of your relocation package for an additional fee.
But you can also handle
vehicle transport from Iowa to Minnesota
separately through one of the top car shipping companies.
What are the benefits of moving from Iowa to Minnesota?
The main reasons people are moving from Iowa to Minnesota are the amazing upsides of living in Minnesota such as
ample economic opportunity and bountiful recreational outdoor opportunities.
Is it cheaper to live in Iowa or Minnesota?
It is generally cheaper to live in Iowa than in Minnesota.
Housing
is much more affordable in Iowa,
with average rent about 22% less
and home prices 34% lower than in Minnesota.
Taxes are also lower in Iowa, most notably income taxes,
which are more than 50% less than those paid by
Minnesota residents.
How much should you make a year to live comfortably in Minnesota?
You should make approximately $78,470 as a single adult with no children to live comfortably in Minnesota.
The cost of living in Minnesota is approximately $3,191 per month for an individual and $6,662 for a family of four.
The exact amount you’ll need to live comfortably may be more or less depending on where in Minnesota you live
For example, larger cities like Bloomington and Duluth will have higher housing costs than those in smaller towns.
Helpful moving resources
Best overall value
