Things to know before moving from Iowa to Garland, TX

Cost of living: Iowa vs Garland, TX

Iowa Garland
Average rent cost $914 $1,624
Average home value $220,277 $294,156
Average income (per capita) $70,571 $68,107
Unemployment rate 3% 7%
State income tax 4% 0%
  • Rent is about 78% more expensive in Garland than in Iowa.
  • Home prices are about 34% higher in Garland than in Iowa.
  • The average income is about 3% lower in Garland than in Iowa.
  • Garland has a higher unemployment rate than Iowa by about 117%.
  • Income taxes are 100% lower in Garland than in Iowa.

How life is different in Garland from Iowa

Garland Iowa
Population 239,928 3,207,004
Political leaning Republican 56-43 Republican 53-45
Summer high 96ºF 84ºF
Winter low 35ºF 10ºF
Annual rain 40" 35"
Annual snow 1" 30"
Crime index 37.13 16.18
  • The population of Garland is approximately 93% lower than the population of Iowa.
  • In the last presidential election, Garland voted Republican and Iowa voted Republican.
  • The average high in the summertime in Garland is 96ºF and in Iowa, it’s 84ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, Garland reaches the temperature of 35ºF and Iowa gets down to 10ºF.
  • You can expect about 40 inches of annual rainfall in Garland vs 35 inches of rainfall in Iowa.
  • In Garland, it snows about 1 inch annually vs 30 inches of snow in Iowa.
  • Garland has a higher crime rate than Iowa with a crime index of 37.13 vs 16.18.

Things to do in Garland

Whether you’re looking for parks, museums, sports, or even universities, you’ll be happy to find a plethora of these in Garland.

Museums in Garlandtoggle

  • Garland Landmark Museum

Parks in Garlandtoggle

  • Rowlett Creek Preserve
  • Spring Creek Park
  • Lake Ray Hubbard

Sports Teams in Garlandtoggle

  • Garland Independent School District (IISD) high schools

Universities in Garlandtoggle

  • Richland College
  • Amberton University

Other considerations when moving to Garland, TX

  • Weather: Although temperatures throughout the year are suitable for moving, rainfall is more frequent in May and October meaning your move could be slightly delayed. Spring is the time of year that tornados in Irving are most likely.
  • 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: In-state movers operating in the Lone Star State are legally required to be licensed by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TXDMV), which issues 10-digit TXDMV numbers to commercial carriers. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Texas moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
  • Moving permits: Texas 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 Texas. Get started here.
  • Mover's insurance: Every state has their own requirements when it comes to insurance. In Texas, movers typically provide Released Value Protection at no additional cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. For enhanced protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Alternatively, explore third-party insurance providers for customized plans. It's crucial to understand coverage limits, potential additional costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Texas.
  • Moving checklist: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.

Compare the pros and cons of Iowa vs. Garland, TX

Comparing the pros of Iowa vs. Garland, TX:

There are always a lot of reasons to get excited about living somewhere new. These are the best parts of living in Iowa vs Garland side-by-side.

Pros of living in Iowa Pros of living in Garland, TX
Low cost of living Quality education
Ample economic opportunity Diversity
High quality of education Low crime rates
No traffic Ample economic opportunity
Beautiful outdoors Bountiful arts and recreational activities

Comparing the cons of living in Iowa vs. Garland, TX:

Not everything is sunshine and rainbows, these are the things to be aware of when leaving Iowa for Garland.

Cons of living in Iowa Cons of living in Garland, TX
Severe weather conditions Severe storms
Limited recreational opportunities Extreme heat
High taxes High cost of living
High emphasis on politics Floods

FAQ

How long does a move from Iowa to Garland take?

The time frame for a move from Iowa to Garland, TX, varies based on your moving method and starting location. The actual loading up of your items should not take more than a day, even with DIY moves.

Obviously, the further upstate you are in Iowa, the longer the drive time to Garland will be. If you’re driving a rental truck, the move could be completed in one or two days, on average, depending on your route and how often you stop.

With professional movers or moving containers, delivery times to Garland from Iowa can range from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the company’s schedule and transit logistics. You can always ask for a general timeline before booking.

How far in advance should I book movers when moving from Iowa to Garland?

Because of the 731-mile move, it’s best to book your move from Iowa to Garland as soon as you have your moving details. Ideally, you’d book your move two to three months ahead of time.

What time of year is the cheapest to move to Garland, TX?

With the summer highs of 96ºF and the winter lows of 35ºF, most people move to Garland from Iowa during the spring and fall months. To avoid competing during those busy moving seasons, you could save some money by booking your move to Garland during summer or winter.

Helpful moving resources