Factors affecting the cost of moving from UT to IA
There are many factors that influence
Utah moving costs.
The cost to move from Utah 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 Utah 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 UT to IA
If you’re moving to Iowa from Utah, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.
Cost of living: Utah vs. Iowa
|
Utah |
Iowa |
| Average rent cost |
$1,302 |
$914 |
| Average home cost |
$517,020 |
$220,277 |
| Average income (per capita) |
$86,833 |
$70,571 |
| Cost of Living Index |
0 |
89 |
| Unemployment rate |
3.5% |
3.0% |
| Average Sales Tax |
7.19% |
6.94% |
| State Income Tax |
4.95% |
4.4% |
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Rent is about 30% less expensive in Iowa than in Utah.
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Home prices are about 57% lower in Iowa than in Utah.
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The average income is about 19% lower in Iowa than in Utah.
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Cost of living is inf% lower in Iowa than in Utah.
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Iowa has a lower unemployment rate than Utah by about 14%.
-
Sales taxes are 3% lower in Iowa than in Utah.
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Income taxes are 11% lower in Iowa than in Utah.
How life is different in Iowa vs. Utah
|
Iowa |
Utah |
| Population |
3,207,004 |
3,417,734 |
| Political leaning |
Republican 53-45 |
Republican 60-40 |
| Summer high |
84ºF |
90ºF |
| Winter low |
10ºF |
17ºF |
| Annual rain |
35" |
15" |
| Annual snow |
30" |
43" |
| Crime index |
16.18 |
21.37 |
-
The population of Iowa is approximately 6% lower than the population of Utah.
-
In the last presidential election, Iowa voted Republican and Utah voted Republican.
-
The average high in the summertime in Iowa is 84ºF
and in Utah, it’s 90ºF.
-
During the coldest part of the year, Iowa reaches the temperature of 10ºF
and Utah gets down to 17ºF.
-
You can expect about 35 inches of annual rainfall in Iowa versus 15 inches of rainfall in Utah.
-
In Iowa, it snows about 30 inches annually
versus 43 inches of snow in Utah.
-
Iowa has a lower crime rate than Utah with a crime index
of 16.18 vs. 21.37.
Comparing the pros of Utah 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 Utah.
| Pros of living in Utah |
Pros of living in Iowa |
| Robust economic growth |
Low cost of living |
| Abundant outdoor activities |
Ample economic opportunity |
| Growing population |
High quality of education |
| Outdoor paradise |
No traffic |
| Diverse |
Beautiful outdoors |
Comparing the cons of living in Utah 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 Utah for Iowa.
| Cons of living in Utah |
Cons of living in Iowa |
| Extreme weather |
Severe weather conditions |
| High cost of housing |
Limited recreational opportunities |
| Peculiar liquor laws |
High taxes |
| Dangerous drivers |
High emphasis on politics |
| Huge emphasis on religious identity |
Rustic food |
Other things to consider for your Utah 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 Utah to Iowa?
Do movers transport your car from Utah 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 Utah to Iowa
separately through one of the top car shipping companies.
What are the benefits of moving from Utah to Iowa?
The main reasons people are moving from Utah 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 Utah or Iowa?
It is generally cheaper to live in Utah than in Iowa.
Housing
is much more affordable in Iowa,
with average rent about 30% less and home prices 57.4% lower than in Utah.
Taxes are also lower in Iowa, most notably income taxes,
which are more than 10% less than those paid by
Utah 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
Best overall value
