Planning to move from Colorado to Iowa? An interstate move can be challenging since it involves a lot of work, from packing your goods to setting up your new house. But when it comes to moving to Iowa, it’s definitely worth it.
Because of Iowa’s low cost of living, beautiful neighborhoods, educational possibilities, year-round good weather, and abundant attractions and services, it is a great place to live. Also known as “Hawkeye State,” Iowa offers a taste of each of the four seasons. However, there are several things you should be aware of and prepare yourself for if you move from Colorado to Iowa.
And considering the challenges you might face while planning an interstate move, it’s best to hire a long-distance moving company. Our guide on moving from Colorado to Iowa discusses the Denver movers’ cost and the pros and cons, with details concerning public transit, state taxes, entertainment, housing, and the job market.
Pros of Moving from Colorado to Iowa
People generally move to Iowa for different reasons. For the last decade or so, the state has become an appealing destination for millennials and retired people. While the list of all the reasons to move from Colorado to Iowa is virtually endless, here are the top reasons, in our opinion, you should consider making the big move.
Scenic Beauty
Iowa has been rated among the most attractive states in the U.S. The beauty of the natural landscapes and picturesque views of Iowa, especially in spring, makes it a coveted site in the States. It is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering everything from pretty bluffs with panoramic views to twisting caverns for exploring at night with a lantern.
High Education Culture
The state’s high education ranks above that of other states. It has several prestigious educational institutions, including universities, colleges, high schools, and elementary schools. Iowa has a 99% literacy rate, one of the highest in the country.
Low Cost of Housing
In Iowa, the housing cost is much lower than Colorado’s or the national average costs. Currently, almost 70 % of Iowans have a family home or apartment. Rental costs are also considerably lower compared to other states.
No Traffic Congestion
With almost no traffic congestion whatsoever, Iowa is in the top ten states for being the most enjoyable to drive a car. Des Moines, the state’s largest city, is typically reachable from the suburbs in less than 30 minutes.
Attractive Job Market
Iowa has a variety of industries that fuel its economic growth. It has a solid economic and employment market, making it a desirable place for millennials. Advanced manufacturing, biosciences, banking, and insurance, for instance, form the leading businesses. Iowa has the highest concentration of agricultural engineers in any state. Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, and Des Moines have the most attractive job market and life quality in Iowa.
Low Crime Rates
Compared to the rest of America, Iowa has a lower crime rate and is great for leading a safer life. Compared to national norms, there are 20% fewer violent crimes and 10% fewer property crimes. The USA Today ranks Iowa as the safest state in the MidWest and 15th safest nationwide for moving.
According to BestPlaces.net crime review reports, the crime rate in Colorado, CO, and Iowa, IA is as follows: (GDocs link to the comparison table)
The crime indices are determined by a score of 1 (lowest crime rate) to 100 (highest crime rate). The number is based on FBI data.
Cons of Moving from Colorado to Iowa
Like any other state, Iowa has a few downsides to living as well. They include:
Harsh Winters
Winter is extremely harsh in Iowa, it usually starts in October, and January is the coldest month. Snowfall is at its maximum, and pulling cars out of a snowdrift is common.
You must prepare your home for extreme weather in winter and have a strategy for clearing snow. To clean their driveway in the winter, every homeowner needs a snowblower. In winter, thunderstorms, hailstorms, floods, and tornadoes occur frequently.
What Are the Best Cities to Live in Iowa?
Iowa has 922 active zip codes, offering you a variety of regions to move to. Among the best cities of Iowa is Des Moines, the capital and the biggest city in Iowa by population. The Des Moines Register lists the city as one of the top extensive U.S. metro areas for high earnings and low cost of living in Iowa. In 2022, however, the Governor of Iowa reformed the corporate income tax and eliminated state taxes on retirement income.
Ames is located in Story County’s western region, about 30 miles north of Des Moines, the state capital. The cost of living in Ames is less, especially for those who don’t aim to buy their own house. Iowa’s top public schools are located in Ames. There are 16 schools in the district, ranging from kindergarten through high school.
Iowa City, which is home to the University of Iowa, is filled with nightclubs and entertainment options for students. The University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics form the main hospital service of the city. Iowa city consistently ranked among the best U.S. cities for business.
What Fun Things Should You Do in Iowa?
Moving to Iowa allows you to see all kinds of amazing sights. The Dubuque Museum is one of the most prominent museums in the world dedicated to the rich history, cultural life, and ecosystem of the Mississippi and the surrounding area. The museum displays birds, turtles, and fish. A few American alligators are exhibited in Lower Mississippi.
The lake system is a must-visit place, and it comprises the Big Spirit, Lake West Okoboji, and Lake East Okoboji. Regarding literature, the University of Iowa Writers Workshop is among the world’s most prestigious centers for people interested in writing and poetry.
Due to harsh winters, you are limited to indoor activities for half the year because of rain and snow. You can go shopping, dining, walking, drinking, to a show for a date, visit a tourist spot, attend the occasional holiday event, play a football tournament, or take a warm vacation to escape the cold.
Conversely, you can spend the Iowian summers doing lots of fun activities, including fishing, cycling at Ragbrai, road tripping, and going to music festivals, food festivals, farmers markets, outdoor concerts, and events like the famous Iowa State Fair.
Housing Market of Colorado vs. Iowa
For most American households, housing costs form the most significant expense. Rent and housing costs are typically factored into the living costs. In Iowa City, for example, the median price of a property is roughly $299,800, while the average monthly rental fee is $824, for a one-bedroom, according to Zumper. The current mortgage rate, December 9th, 2022, is 6.5%.
However, according to Colorado’s Office of Economic Development and International Trade, Colorado’s overall housing cost is 12% more than the national average, and it continues to rise. So moving from Colorado to Iowa is a wise decision considering that the housing costs are considerably lower in Iowa.
Job Market of Colorado vs. Iowa
The job market of both Colorado and Iowa offers multiple opportunities. With a lower-than-average unemployment rate, people in Colorado can find well-paying employment possibilities, especially in Denver. The employment industry ranges from well-established multinationals to cutting-edge start-ups in several fields. And the job market in Iowa is improving as well.
According to a U.S. News assessment of states’ economic opportunities, Iowa is among the top third economic hubs. Jobs in Iowa have increased by 0.9% over the last year, which is likely to continue. Notable companies, for example, Facebook, Microsoft, and Apple have built or plan to build data centers in neighboring cities, leading to an increase in job opportunities for highly skilled tech workers.
What is the Average Median Salary in Iowa?
As per Zip Recruiter’s data, the average yearly salary in Iowa is $51,792 as of November 2022. That comes to about $24.90 an hour, $996 weekly, or $4,316 monthly. Naturally, wages will differ based on your profession, experience, and many other criteria. Hospitalist, Neurohospitalist, and Body Imaging Radiologist are a few of the highest-paying job categories in Iowa.
Which Cities in Iowa Have the Highest Salaries?
Iowa’s cities with the highest average wages exceed the state’s $51,792 median wage, significantly increasing your chances of increasing your earnings by moving to Iowa.
Remember that some cities might have a higher cost of living. Des Moines, with an average annual pay of $67,519, and Russell, with an average annual salary of $66,706, have the highest average salaries in Iowa.
The top cities with the highest average salaries and job hire rates include:
- Des Moines, IA
- Russell, IA
- West Burlington, IA
- Cedar Rapids, IA
- Nevada, IA
- Cincinnati, IA
- Mason City, IA
- Fort Collins, IA
What is The Living Cost in Iowa?
The average living cost of Iowa is between 10 and 15% less than the national average, per RentCafe. The exact living cost will depend on which city you live in. The cost of living is affected by transportation, utilities, and groceries. Iowa has a median household price of $200,000.
Iowa’s cost of living differs depending on the city you reside in. Iowa City, Cedar Rapids, and Des Moines have the highest cost of living, which is 7% higher than the state average and 4% lower than the rest of the country. Burlington’s cost of living is 14% below the national average and 5% below the state average, making it one of the least expensive major cities in Iowa.
According to Numbeo, consumer prices, including rental costs, in Iowa City are 17.31% lower than in Denver, Colorado.
How Much Does Moving from Colorado to Iowa Cost?
The number of belongings being transported, storage, the season, and whether you employ a moving company or handle the move alone will all affect the moving cost.
The number of things you’re moving will determine the actual moving costs. You can expect an estimate of moving costs from long-distance moving companies in Denver, CO, based on an in-home estimate. The following factors will determine your exact cost:
- Size of the move: Moving a big house from Colorado to Iowa is more expensive than moving a studio apartment.
- Season: Since the summer is the busiest time of the year in the moving industry, prices are higher.
- DIY vs. Professional Movers: With a DIY move from Colorado to Iowa, you might save money, but you’ll also have to perform all the effort.
Eden’s Moving Services – Top Rated Moving Companies in Denver, CO
Moving out of state is an overwhelming task. This is especially true if you’re moving long-distance for the first time or are going to a state you’re unfamiliar with. There’re many factors to consider, like the Iowa moving costs, and hiring an expert moving company in Denver or Iowa movers, if they have a moving truck in the area, can help.
Eden’s moving services is one of the finest Denver movers, prioritizing safe moving and storing your furniture and other possessions to your desired destination. Eden’s professionals offer timely and superb moving services to guarantee a smooth office, house, or studio apartment move. You can depend on the experienced Denver movers at our family-owned company. Call (720) 370-3455 and get a free moving quote from today.
