Things to know before moving from Iowa to Burlington, VT

Cost of living: Iowa vs Burlington, VT

Iowa Burlington
Average rent cost $914 $2,200
Average home value $220,277 $495,758
Average income (per capita) $70,571 $66,546
Unemployment rate 3% 3%
State income tax 4% 9%
  • Rent is about 141% more expensive in Burlington than in Iowa.
  • Home prices are about 125% higher in Burlington than in Iowa.
  • The average income is about 6% lower in Burlington than in Iowa.
  • Burlington has a higher unemployment rate than Iowa by about 7%.
  • Income taxes are 99% higher in Burlington than in Iowa.

How life is different in Burlington from Iowa

Burlington Iowa
Population 44,743 3,207,004
Political leaning Democratic 76-21 Republican 53-45
Summer high 81ºF 84ºF
Winter low 9ºF 10ºF
Annual rain 36" 35"
Annual snow 72" 30"
Crime index 43.33 16.18
  • The population of Burlington is approximately 99% lower than the population of Iowa.
  • In the last presidential election, Burlington voted Democratic and Iowa voted Republican.
  • The average high in the summertime in Burlington is 81ºF and in Iowa, it’s 84ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, Burlington reaches the temperature of 9ºF and Iowa gets down to 10ºF.
  • You can expect about 36 inches of annual rainfall in Burlington vs 35 inches of rainfall in Iowa.
  • In Burlington, it snows about 72 inches annually vs 30 inches of snow in Iowa.
  • Burlington has a higher crime rate than Iowa with a crime index of 43.33 vs 16.18.

Things to do in Burlington

Whether you’re looking for parks, museums, sports, or even universities, you’ll be happy to find a plethora of these in Burlington.

Museums in Burlingtontoggle

  • Frog Hollow Craft Center
  • Burlington City Arts Center
  • Robert Hull Fleming Museum
  • New City Galerie

Parks in Burlingtontoggle

  • Burlington Bike Path
  • Waterfront Park
  • North Beach Park
  • Oakledge
  • Battery Park
  • Leddy Park
  • Starr Farm Dog Park

Sports Teams in Burlingtontoggle

  • Vermont Catamounts (America East)

Universities in Burlingtontoggle

  • Champlain College
  • University of Vermont

Other considerations when moving to Burlington, VT

  • Weather: August, July and June are the most pleasant months in Burlington, while January and February are the least comfortable months.
  • 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: Although a local license is not required in Vermont, make sure the moving company you’ll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if you’re dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Vermont moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
  • Moving permits: Vermont 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 Vermont. Get started here.
  • Mover's insurance: Every state has their own requirements when it comes to insurance. When it comes to movers' insurance in Vermont, many moving companies provide Released Value Protection at no extra charge, covering items at 60 cents per pound. For heightened protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Exploring third-party insurance providers for personalized plans is also an option. It's essential to understand coverage limits, potential additional costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Vermont.
  • Moving checklist: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.

FAQ

How long does a move from Iowa to Burlington take?

The time frame for a move from Iowa to Burlington, VT, 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 Burlington 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 Burlington 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 Burlington?

Because of the 1199-mile move, it’s best to book your move from Iowa to Burlington 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 Burlington, VT?

With the summer highs of 81ºF and the winter lows of 9ºF, most people move to Burlington 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 Burlington during summer or winter.

Helpful moving resources