Factors affecting the cost of moving from IA to NYtoggle

There are many factors that influence Iowa moving costs. The cost to move from Iowa to New York 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 NY

If you’re moving to New York from Iowa, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.

Cost of living: Iowa vs. New York

Iowa New York
Average rent cost $914 $1,507
Average home cost $220,277 $482,742
Average income (per capita) $70,571 $81,386
Cost of Living Index 89 100
Unemployment rate 3.0% 4.4%
Average Sales Tax 6.94% 8.52%
State Income Tax 4.4% 10.9%
source: World Population Review, Zillow, US Census Bureau, US BLS, Tax Foundation
  • Rent is about 65% more expensive in New York than in Iowa.
  • Home prices are about 119% higher in New York than in Iowa.
  • The average income is about 15% higher in New York than in Iowa.
  • Cost of living is 12% lower in New York than in Iowa.
  • New York has a higher unemployment rate than Iowa by about 47%.
  • Sales taxes are 23% higher in New York than in Iowa.
  • Income taxes are 148% higher in New York than in Iowa.

How life is different in New York vs. Iowa

New York Iowa
Population 19,571,216 3,207,004
Political leaning Democratic 60-40 Republican 53-45
Summer high 81ºF 84ºF
Winter low 16ºF 10ºF
Annual rain 44" 35"
Annual snow 62" 30"
Crime index 21.51 16.18
source: US Census Bureau, 270TOWIN, NeighborhoodScout, BestPlaces
  • The population of New York is approximately 510% greater than the population of Iowa.
  • In the last presidential election, New York voted Democratic and Iowa voted Republican.
  • The average high in the summertime in New York is 81ºF and in Iowa, it’s 84ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, New York reaches the temperature of 16ºF and Iowa gets down to 10ºF.
  • You can expect about 44 inches of annual rainfall in New York versus 35 inches of rainfall in Iowa.
  • In New York, it snows about 62 inches annually versus 30 inches of snow in Iowa.
  • New York has a higher crime rate than Iowa with a crime index of 21.51 vs. 16.18.

Comparing the pros of Iowa vs. New York

Getting a fresh start in a new location is exciting. Here’s a side-by-side look at the perks of living in New York compared to Iowa.

Pros of living in Iowa Pros of living in New York
Low cost of living Natural beauty
Ample economic opportunity Arts
High quality of education Ample economic opportunity
No traffic Abundant outdoor recreational opportunities
Beautiful outdoors Distinct seasons

Comparing the cons of living in Iowa vs. New York

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 New York.

Cons of living in Iowa Cons of living in New York
Severe weather conditions High tax burden
Limited recreational opportunities Rough winter weather
High taxes High cost of living
High emphasis on politics Poor quality healthcare
Rustic food Populous

Other things to consider for your Iowa to New York movetoggle

  • Weather: The climate of New York state is generally has warm to hot summers and cold winters. In the farther southeastern portion of the state (New York City and Long Island area) hot and humid summers and cool to mild winters. Winter temperatures average below freezing during January and February in much of New York state, but several degrees above freezing along the Atlantic coastline, including New York City.
  • 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: New York requires moving companies to have a license and obtain a New York Department of Transportation (NYDOT) number. A NYDOT license ensures your mover is in compliance with the state's safety, insurance, and operational regulations. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a New York moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
  • Moving permits: New York 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 New York. 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. Choose Released Value Protection for no-cost, minimal coverage from movers. They're responsible for a maximum of 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage, discuss alternatives with your 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.

Things to do in New Yorktoggle

While you’re in New York, you won’t be bored. These are some of the coolest places to visit in your new home state:

  • Times Square
  • Statue of Liberty
  • Niagara Falls
  • Metropolitan Museum of Art
  • Central Park
  • Hudson Valley
  • Letchworth State Park
  • Adirondack Mountains
  • Thousand Islands
  • Finger Lakes
  • Watkins Glen State Park
  • Lake Placid
  • Brooklyn Bridge
  • Coney Island
  • The Bronx Zoo
  • Ausable Chasm
  • Corning Museum of Glass
  • Lake George
  • Darwin D. Martin House Complex
  • Cooperstown
source: AttractionsofAmerica

FAQs

What is the cheapest way to move from Iowa to New York?toggle

Hiring a full-service Iowa moving company will be on the more expensive side, while a rental truck or a moving container is usually the cheaper way to go, but requires more work. Here’s our guide for the cheapest way to move out of state.

Do movers transport your car from Iowa to New York?toggle

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 New York separately through one of the top car shipping companies.

What are the benefits of moving from Iowa to New York?toggle

The main reasons people are moving from Iowa to New York are the amazing upsides of living in New York such as natural beauty and arts.

Is it cheaper to live in Iowa or New York?toggle

It is generally cheaper to live in Iowa than in New York. Housing is much more affordable in Iowa, with average rent about 39% less and home prices 54% lower than in New York. Taxes are also lower in Iowa, most notably income taxes, which are more than 50% less than those paid by New York residents.

How much should you make a year to live comfortably in New York?toggle

You should make approximately $39,029 as a single adult with no children to live comfortably in New York. The cost of living in New York is approximately $5,700 per month for an individual and $13,509 for a family of four. The exact amount you’ll need to live comfortably may be more or less depending on where in New York you live For example, larger cities like New York City and Brooklyn will have higher housing costs than those in smaller towns.

Helpful moving resources

Iowa moving services

Popular Iowa routes

Popular moving resources