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Factors influencing moving costs from Kansas City to Iowa
The cost of Kansas City 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 Kansas City, 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 Kansas City, MO, to Iowa
If youโre moving to Iowa from Kansas City, MO, youโll want to compare what life will be like.
Compare cost of living: Kansas City vs. Iowa
| Kansas City, MO | Iowa | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,300 | $914 |
| Average home cost | $233,378 | $220,277 |
| Average income (per capita) | $64,551 | $70,571 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.3% | 3.0% |
| State income tax | 4.8% | 4.4% |
Iowa sources: World Population Review, US Census Bureau, US BLS, Tax Foundation
- Rent is about 40% less expensive in Iowa than in Kansas City.
- Home prices are about 5.3% lower in Iowa than in Kansas City.
- The average income is about 9.1% higher in Iowa than in Kansas City.
- Iowa has a lower unemployment rate than Kansas City by about 60.5%.
- Income taxes are 8.33% lower in Iowa than in Kansas City.
How life is different in Kansas City, MO, from Iowa
| Kansas City, MO | Iowa | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 508,090 | 3,207,004 |
| Political leaning | Democrat 60-37 | Republican 53-45 |
| Summer high | 89ยบF | 84ยบF |
| Winter low | 20ยบF | 10ยบF |
| Annual rain | 42" | 35" |
| Annual snow | 15" | 30" |
| Crime index | 58.4 | 16.18 |
Iowa sources: US Census Bureau, 270TOWIN, BestPlaces
- The population of Iowa is approximately 531% greater than the population of Kansas City.
- In the last presidential election, Iowa voted Republican and Kansas City voted Democrat.
- The average high in the summertime in Iowa is 84ยบ F and in Kansas City, itโs 89ยบ F.
- During the coldest part of the year, Iowa reaches the temperature of 10ยบ F and Kansas City gets down to 20ยบ F.
- You can expect about 35 inches of annual rainfall in Iowa vs. 42 inches of rainfall in Kansas City.
- In Iowa, it snows about 30 inches annually vs. 15 inches of snow in Kansas City.
Comparing the pros of Kansas City, MO, vs. Iowa:
There are always a lot of reasons to get excited about living somewhere new. These are the best parts of living in Kansas City vs Iowa side-by-side.
| Pros of living in Kansas City, MO | Pros of living in Iowa |
|---|---|
| Ample economic opportunity | Low cost of living |
| Delicious barbecue | Ample economic opportunity |
| Low cost of living | High quality of education |
| Bountiful arts and recreational activities | No traffic |
| Rich history | Beautiful outdoors |
Comparing the cons of living in Kansas City, MO, vs. Iowa:
Not everything is sunshine and rainbows, these are the things to be aware of when leaving Kansas City for Iowa.
| Cons of living in Kansas City, MO | Cons of living in Iowa |
|---|---|
| Tornadoes | Severe weather conditions |
| Extreme weather | Limited recreational opportunities |
| High crime rate | High taxes |
| High taxes | High emphasis on politics |
| Limited public transportation | Rustic food |
Other considerations when moving to Iowa from Kansas City
- 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, youโll 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 theyโve 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 youโve got everything covered.
Things to do in Iowa
Whether youโre looking for parks, museums, sports, or even universities, youโll be happy to find a plethora of these in Iowa.
Museums in Iowa
Parks in Iowa
Sports Teams in Iowa
Universities in Iowa
FAQs
How long does a move from Kansas City to Iowa take?
The time it takes to move from Kansas City, MO, 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 youโre 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 Kansas City to Iowa?
Need to get your car from Kansas City to Iowa? Use a company that prioritizes professionalism, cares for your vehicle, and is experienced. Here is our list of the best Kansas City to Iowa car shippers.
Why are people moving from Kansas City 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 Kansas City because of the tornadoes and extreme weather.
Where can I find a list of long-distance moving companies in Kansas City?
Here are our top picks for the best long-distance movers in Kansas City.
