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Things to know before moving from Iowa to Raleigh, NC
Cost of living: Iowa vs Raleigh, NC
| Iowa | Raleigh | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $914 | $1,670 |
| Average home value | $220,277 | $431,795 |
| Average income (per capita) | $70,571 | $2,572 |
| Unemployment rate | 3% | 4% |
| State income tax | 4% | 5% |
Raleigh sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
- Rent is about 83% more expensive in Raleigh than in Iowa.
- Home prices are about 96% higher in Raleigh than in Iowa.
- The average income is about 96% lower in Raleigh than in Iowa.
- Raleigh has a higher unemployment rate than Iowa by about 43%.
- Income taxes are 2% higher in Raleigh than in Iowa.
How life is different in Raleigh from Iowa
| Raleigh | Iowa | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 467,665 | 3,207,004 |
| Political leaning | Republican 51-48 | Republican 53-45 |
| Summer high | 90ºF | 84ºF |
| Winter low | 30ºF | 10ºF |
| Annual rain | 46" | 35" |
| Annual snow | 4" | 30" |
| Crime index | 38.87 | 16.18 |
Raleigh sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- The population of Raleigh is approximately 85% lower than the population of Iowa.
- In the last presidential election, Raleigh voted Republican and Iowa voted Republican.
- The average high in the summertime in Raleigh is 90ºF and in Iowa, it’s 84ºF.
- During the coldest part of the year, Raleigh reaches the temperature of 30ºF and Iowa gets down to 10ºF.
- You can expect about 46 inches of annual rainfall in Raleigh vs 35 inches of rainfall in Iowa.
- In Raleigh, it snows about 4 inches annually vs 30 inches of snow in Iowa.
- Raleigh has a higher crime rate than Iowa with a crime index of 38.87 vs 16.18.
Things to do in Raleigh
Whether you’re looking for parks, museums, sports, or even universities, you’ll be happy to find a plethora of these in Raleigh.
Museums in Raleigh
Parks in Raleigh
Sports Teams in Raleigh
Universities in Raleigh
Other considerations when moving to Raleigh, NC
- Weather: The climate in Raleigh is unlikely to affect your move. However, some days in the winter, the roads may become icy which causes traffic issues.
- 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: For-profit household goods carriers in the state fall under the jurisdiction of the North Carolina Utilities Commission, Transportation Division. All legitimate movers should have a “C Number” issued by the commission, signifying that they’ve met minimum insurance requirements and adhere to the provisions outlined in the state’s Maximum Rate Tariff (MRT). Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can verify a North Carolina moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
- Moving permits: North Carolina 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 North Carolina. Get started here.
- Mover's insurance: Every state has their own requirements when it comes to insurance. Choose Released Value Protection for no-cost, minimal coverage from movers, with responsibility limited to 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage, explore alternatives with your chosen moving company 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.
Compare the pros and cons of Iowa vs. Raleigh, NC
Comparing the pros of Iowa vs. Raleigh, NC:
There are always a lot of reasons to get excited about living somewhere new. These are the best parts of living in Iowa vs Raleigh side-by-side.
| Pros of living in Iowa | Pros of living in Raleigh, NC |
|---|---|
| Low cost of living | Exceptional beauty |
| Ample economic opportunity | Ample economic opportunity |
| High quality of education | Quality education |
| No traffic | Bountiful arts and recreational activities |
| Beautiful outdoors | Quality healthcare |
Comparing the cons of living in Iowa vs. Raleigh, NC:
Not everything is sunshine and rainbows, these are the things to be aware of when leaving Iowa for Raleigh.
| Cons of living in Iowa | Cons of living in Raleigh, NC |
|---|---|
| Severe weather conditions | High cost of living |
| Limited recreational opportunities | Quiet nightlife |
| High taxes | Temperamental weather |
| High emphasis on politics | Allergy-inducing pollen |
| Rustic food | Urban sprawl |
FAQ
How long does a move from Iowa to Raleigh take?
The time frame for a move from Iowa to Raleigh, NC, varies based on your moving method and starting location. The actual loading up of your items should not take more than a day, even with DIY moves.
Obviously, the further upstate you are in Iowa, the longer the drive time to Raleigh will be. If you’re driving a rental truck, the move could be completed in one or two days, on average, depending on your route and how often you stop.
With professional movers or moving containers, delivery times to Raleigh from Iowa can range from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the company’s schedule and transit logistics. You can always ask for a general timeline before booking.
How far in advance should I book movers when moving from Iowa to Raleigh?
Because of the 1085-mile move, it’s best to book your move from Iowa to Raleigh as soon as you have your moving details. Ideally, you’d book your move two to three months ahead of time.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Raleigh, NC?
With the summer highs of 90ºF and the winter lows of 30ºF, most people move to Raleigh from Iowa during the spring and fall months. To avoid competing during those busy moving seasons, you could save some money by booking your move to Raleigh during summer or winter.
