Factors affecting the cost of moving from PA to IA
There are many factors that influence
Pennsylvania moving costs.
The cost to move from Pennsylvania to Iowa 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 Pennsylvania 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 PA to IA
If you’re moving to Iowa from Pennsylvania, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.
Cost of living: Pennsylvania vs. Iowa
|
Pennsylvania |
Iowa |
| Average rent cost |
$1,110 |
$914 |
| Average home cost |
$268,824 |
$220,277 |
| Average income (per capita) |
$73,170 |
$70,571 |
| Cost of Living Index |
99 |
89 |
| Unemployment rate |
3.4% |
3.0% |
| Average Sales Tax |
6.34% |
6.94% |
| State Income Tax |
3.07% |
4.4% |
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Rent is about 18% less expensive in Iowa than in Pennsylvania.
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Home prices are about 18% lower in Iowa than in Pennsylvania.
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The average income is about 4% lower in Iowa than in Pennsylvania.
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Cost of living is 10% lower in Iowa than in Pennsylvania.
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Iowa has a lower unemployment rate than Pennsylvania by about 12%.
-
Sales taxes are 9% higher in Iowa than in Pennsylvania.
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Income taxes are 43% higher in Iowa than in Pennsylvania.
How life is different in Iowa vs. Pennsylvania
|
Iowa |
Pennsylvania |
| Population |
3,207,004 |
12,961,683 |
| Political leaning |
Republican 53-45 |
Republican 51-49 |
| Summer high |
84ºF |
83ºF |
| Winter low |
10ºF |
19ºF |
| Annual rain |
35" |
44" |
| Annual snow |
30" |
38" |
| Crime index |
16.18 |
17.62 |
-
The population of Iowa is approximately 75% lower than the population of Pennsylvania.
-
In the last presidential election, Iowa voted Republican and Pennsylvania voted Republican.
-
The average high in the summertime in Iowa is 84ºF
and in Pennsylvania, it’s 83ºF.
-
During the coldest part of the year, Iowa reaches the temperature of 10ºF
and Pennsylvania gets down to 19ºF.
-
You can expect about 35 inches of annual rainfall in Iowa versus 44 inches of rainfall in Pennsylvania.
-
In Iowa, it snows about 30 inches annually
versus 38 inches of snow in Pennsylvania.
-
Iowa has a lower crime rate than Pennsylvania with a crime index
of 16.18 vs. 17.62.
Comparing the pros of Pennsylvania vs. Iowa
Getting a fresh start in a new location is exciting. Here’s a side-by-side look at the perks of living in Iowa compared to Pennsylvania.
| Pros of living in Pennsylvania |
Pros of living in Iowa |
| Low cost of living |
Low cost of living |
| Abundant fun and recreational activities |
Ample economic opportunity |
| Beautiful landscapes |
High quality of education |
| Ample economic opportunity |
No traffic |
| Excellent education options |
Beautiful outdoors |
Comparing the cons of living in Pennsylvania vs. Iowa
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 Pennsylvania for Iowa.
| Cons of living in Pennsylvania |
Cons of living in Iowa |
| Harsh winter weather |
Severe weather conditions |
| Bad driving conditions |
Limited recreational opportunities |
| Nuclear power plants |
High taxes |
| Unpredictable weather |
High emphasis on politics |
| High taxes on gasoline |
Rustic food |
Other things to consider for your Pennsylvania to Iowa move
- 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:
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:
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 they’ve 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.
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Moving permits:
Iowa does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
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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 Iowa.
Get started here.
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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 cost-free Released Value Protection from movers for basic coverage at 60 cents per pound.
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Moving checklist:
Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.
Things to do in Iowa
While you’re in Iowa, you won’t be bored. These are some of the coolest places to visit in your new home state:
- Iowa State Capitol
- Amana Colonies
- Blank Park Zoo
- Greater Des Moines Botanical Center
- Lost Island Waterpark
- National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium
- Pikes Peak State Park
- Visit Okoboji
- Field of Dreams
- Grotto of the Redemption
- National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library
- Buffalo Bill Museum
- Herbert Hoover National Historic Site
- Adventureland Park
- Maquoketa Caves State Park
- Pappajohn Sculpture Park
- Ledges State Park
- American Gothic House & Center
- Brucemore
- Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad
FAQs
What is the cheapest way to move from Pennsylvania to Iowa?
Do movers transport your car from Pennsylvania to Iowa?
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 Pennsylvania to Iowa
separately through one of the top car shipping companies.
What are the benefits of moving from Pennsylvania to Iowa?
The main reasons people are moving from Pennsylvania to Iowa are the amazing upsides of living in Iowa such as
low cost of living and ample economic opportunity.
Is it cheaper to live in Pennsylvania or Iowa?
It is generally cheaper to live in Iowa than in Pennsylvania.
Housing
is more affordable in Iowa,
with average rent about 18% less and home prices 18.1% lower than in Pennsylvania.
However, taxes are lower in Pennsylvania, most notably income taxes,
which are more than 30% less than those paid by
Iowa residents.
How much should you make a year to live comfortably in Iowa?
You should make approximately $63,176 as a single adult with no children to live comfortably in Iowa.
The cost of living in Iowa is approximately $2,292 per month for an individual and $5,001 for a family of four.
The exact amount you’ll need to live comfortably may be more or less depending on where in Iowa you live
For example, larger cities like Des Moines and Cedar Rapids will have higher housing costs than those in smaller towns.
Helpful moving resources
Pennsylvania moving services
Popular Pennsylvania routes
Best overall value
