Factors affecting the cost of moving from CA to IAtoggle

There are many factors that influence California moving costs. The cost to move from California 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 California 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 CA to IA

If you’re moving to Iowa from California, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.

Cost of living: California vs. Iowa

California Iowa
Average rent cost $1,856 $914
Average home cost $771,057 $220,277
Average income (per capita) $91,905 $70,571
Cost of Living Index 134 89
Unemployment rate 5.4% 3.0%
Average Sales Tax 8.68% 6.94%
State Income Tax 13.3% 4.4%
source: World Population Review, Zillow, US Census Bureau, US BLS, Tax Foundation
  • Rent is about 51% less expensive in Iowa than in California.
  • Home prices are about 71% lower in Iowa than in California.
  • The average income is about 23% lower in Iowa than in California.
  • Cost of living is 34% lower in Iowa than in California.
  • Iowa has a lower unemployment rate than California by about 44%.
  • Sales taxes are 20% lower in Iowa than in California.
  • Income taxes are 67% lower in Iowa than in California.

How life is different in Iowa vs. California

Iowa California
Population 3,207,004 39,029,342
Political leaning Republican 53-45 Democratic 59-41
Summer high 84ºF 87ºF
Winter low 10ºF 59ºF
Annual rain 35" 22"
Annual snow 30" 7"
Crime index 16.18 28.43
source: US Census Bureau, 270TOWIN, NeighborhoodScout, BestPlaces
  • The population of Iowa is approximately 92% lower than the population of California.
  • In the last presidential election, Iowa voted Republican and California voted Democratic.
  • The average high in the summertime in Iowa is 84ºF and in California, it’s 87ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, Iowa reaches the temperature of 10ºF and California gets down to 59ºF.
  • You can expect about 35 inches of annual rainfall in Iowa versus 22 inches of rainfall in California.
  • In Iowa, it snows about 30 inches annually versus 7 inches of snow in California.
  • Iowa has a lower crime rate than California with a crime index of 16.18 vs. 28.43.

Comparing the pros of California 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 California.

Pros of living in California Pros of living in Iowa
Ample economic opportunity Low cost of living
Pleasant weather Ample economic opportunity
Abundant recreational options High quality of education
High quality of life No traffic
Fresh and healthy foods Beautiful outdoors

Comparing the cons of living in California 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 California for Iowa.

Cons of living in California Cons of living in Iowa
High cost of living Severe weather conditions
Heavy tax burdens Limited recreational opportunities
Natural disasters High taxes
Terrible traffic High emphasis on politics
Strange laws Rustic food

Other things to consider for your California to Iowa movetoggle

  • 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 Iowatoggle

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
source: AttractionsofAmerica

FAQs

What is the cheapest way to move from California to Iowa?toggle

Hiring a full-service California moving company will be on the more expensive side, while a rental truck or a moving container is usually the cheaper way to go, but requires more work. Here’s our guide for the cheapest way to move out of state.

Do movers transport your car from California to Iowa?toggle

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 California to Iowa separately through one of the top car shipping companies.

What are the benefits of moving from California to Iowa?toggle

The main reasons people are moving from California 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 California or Iowa?toggle

It is generally cheaper to live in Iowa than in California. Housing is much more affordable in Iowa, with average rent about 51% less and home prices 71.4% lower than in California. Taxes are also lower in Iowa, most notably income taxes, which are more than 60% less than those paid by California residents.

How much should you make a year to live comfortably in Iowa?toggle

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.

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