Things to know before moving from Iowa to Laredo, TX

Cost of living: Iowa vs Laredo, TX

Iowa Laredo
Average rent cost $914 $1,241
Average home value $220,277 $210,593
Average income (per capita) $70,571 $58,896
Unemployment rate 3% 8%
State income tax 4% 0%
  • Rent is about 36% more expensive in Laredo than in Iowa.
  • Home prices are about 4% lower in Laredo than in Iowa.
  • The average income is about 17% lower in Laredo than in Iowa.
  • Laredo has a higher unemployment rate than Iowa by about 163%.
  • Income taxes are 100% lower in Laredo than in Iowa.

How life is different in Laredo from Iowa

Laredo Iowa
Population 255,205 3,207,004
Political leaning Republican 56-42 Republican 53-45
Summer high 100ºF 84ºF
Winter low 45ºF 10ºF
Annual rain 21" 35"
Annual snow 0" 30"
Crime index 36.23 16.18
  • The population of Laredo is approximately 92% lower than the population of Iowa.
  • In the last presidential election, Laredo voted Republican and Iowa voted Republican.
  • The average high in the summertime in Laredo is 100ºF and in Iowa, it’s 84ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, Laredo reaches the temperature of 45ºF and Iowa gets down to 10ºF.
  • You can expect about 21 inches of annual rainfall in Laredo vs 35 inches of rainfall in Iowa.
  • In Laredo, it snows about 0 inches annually vs 30 inches of snow in Iowa.
  • Laredo has a higher crime rate than Iowa with a crime index of 36.23 vs 16.18.

Things to do in Laredo

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

Museums in Laredotoggle

  • Republic of the Rio Grande Museum
  • Villa Antigua Border Heritage Museum

Parks in Laredotoggle

  • Lake Casa Blanca
  • David B. Barkley Plaza
  • City of Laredo Shiloh Trail

Sports Teams in Laredotoggle

  • Laredo Heat
  • Tecolotes de los Dos Laredos

Universities in Laredotoggle

  • Laredo College
  • Texas A&M International University
  • The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio

Other considerations when moving to Laredo, TX

  • Weather: In Laredo, your move is unlikely to be affected by the climate. Temperatures are almost never below freezing and precipitation is mild when compared to other parts of Texas.
  • 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. Laredo, TX

Comparing the pros of Iowa vs. Laredo, 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 Laredo side-by-side.

Pros of living in Iowa Pros of living in Laredo, TX
Low cost of living Delicious Mexican food
Ample economic opportunity Culture rich
High quality of education Quality education
No traffic Pleasant weather
Beautiful outdoors No income tax

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

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

Cons of living in Iowa Cons of living in Laredo, TX
Severe weather conditions Limited recreational opportunities
Limited recreational opportunities Hot summers
High taxes High cost of living
High emphasis on politics High crime rate
Rustic food Border violence

FAQ

How long does a move from Iowa to Laredo take?

The time frame for a move from Iowa to Laredo, 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 Laredo 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 Laredo 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 Laredo?

Because of the 1204-mile move, it’s best to book your move from Iowa to Laredo 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 Laredo, TX?

With the summer highs of 100ºF and the winter lows of 45ºF, most people move to Laredo 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 Laredo during summer or winter.

Helpful moving resources