Factors affecting the cost of moving from AZ to IA
There are many factors that influence
Arizona moving costs.
The cost to move from Arizona 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 Arizona 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 AZ to IA
If you’re moving to Iowa from Arizona, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.
Cost of living: Arizona vs. Iowa
|
Arizona |
Iowa |
| Average rent cost |
$1,308 |
$914 |
| Average home cost |
$428,711 |
$220,277 |
| Average income (per capita) |
$72,581 |
$70,571 |
| Cost of Living Index |
107 |
89 |
| Unemployment rate |
3.6% |
3.0% |
| Average Sales Tax |
8.4% |
6.94% |
| State Income Tax |
2.5% |
4.4% |
-
Rent is about 30% less expensive in Iowa than in Arizona.
-
Home prices are about 49% lower in Iowa than in Arizona.
-
The average income is about 3% lower in Iowa than in Arizona.
-
Cost of living is 17% lower in Iowa than in Arizona.
-
Iowa has a lower unemployment rate than Arizona by about 17%.
-
Sales taxes are 17% lower in Iowa than in Arizona.
-
Income taxes are 76% higher in Iowa than in Arizona.
How life is different in Iowa vs. Arizona
|
Iowa |
Arizona |
| Population |
3,207,004 |
7,431,344 |
| Political leaning |
Republican 53-45 |
Democrat 56-44 |
| Summer high |
84ºF |
99ºF |
| Winter low |
10ºF |
34ºF |
| Annual rain |
35" |
12" |
| Annual snow |
30" |
6" |
| Crime index |
16.18 |
24.89 |
-
The population of Iowa is approximately 57% lower than the population of Arizona.
-
In the last presidential election, Iowa voted Republican and Arizona voted Democrat.
-
The average high in the summertime in Iowa is 84ºF
and in Arizona, it’s 99ºF.
-
During the coldest part of the year, Iowa reaches the temperature of 10ºF
and Arizona gets down to 34ºF.
-
You can expect about 35 inches of annual rainfall in Iowa versus 12 inches of rainfall in Arizona.
-
In Iowa, it snows about 30 inches annually
versus 6 inches of snow in Arizona.
-
Iowa has a lower crime rate than Arizona with a crime index
of 16.18 vs. 24.89.
Comparing the pros of Arizona 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 Arizona.
| Pros of living in Arizona |
Pros of living in Iowa |
| Ample economic opportunity |
Low cost of living |
| Pleasant weather |
Ample economic opportunity |
| Abundant recreational opportunities |
High quality of education |
| Cultural diversity |
No traffic |
| No traffic |
Beautiful outdoors |
Comparing the cons of living in Arizona 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 Arizona for Iowa.
| Cons of living in Arizona |
Cons of living in Iowa |
| Extreme weather |
Severe weather conditions |
| Barren desert land |
Limited recreational opportunities |
| Health hazards |
High taxes |
| Limited public transportation |
High emphasis on politics |
| No winter |
Rustic food |
Other things to consider for your Arizona 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.
-
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 so that all your mail will get properly forwarded to Iowa.
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 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 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 Arizona to Iowa?
Do movers transport your car from Arizona 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 Arizona to Iowa
separately through one of the top car shipping companies.
What are the benefits of moving from Arizona to Iowa?
The main reasons people are moving from Arizona 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 Arizona or Iowa?
It is generally cheaper to live in Iowa than in Arizona.
Housing
is much more affordable in Iowa,
with average rent about 30% less and home prices 48.6% lower than in Arizona.
However, taxes are lower in Arizona, most notably income taxes,
which are more than 40% 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
Best overall value
