Planning on moving to the Hawkeye State? You’re not alone! Ranked as the #12 best state to live in, more than 3,000 people are moving to Iowa. With this growth, Iowa’s population has hit 3.2 million in 2024.
The Hawkeye State has a robust job market with a low unemployment rate of just 3%. The average cost to live in Iowa is $3,120 per month, which is 42% less expensive than the national average. Additionally, the state’s rich agricultural heritage and scenic landscapes appeal to potential movers too.
3 Reasons to Move to Iowa
Iowa is one of the favorite relocation destinations for Americans. Here are three reasons to move to IA:
| # | Reasons to Move to IA | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Cost of Living | The average cost of living in Iowa is 19.9% lower than the national average. |
| 2. | Employment | The Hawkeye State aims to add 113,420 new jobs by 2032 across different sectors. |
| 3. | Education | Iowa ranks #11 across the country in terms of education. |
1. Low Cost of Living
The cost of living in Iowa is 19.9% lower than the national average. It’s an attractive option compared to other Midwest states like Illinois and Michigan, where living costs are only 6.3% and 8.5% below the national average.
Here’s a breakdown of monthly expenses in Iowa’s popular cities:
| City | Median Home Price | Median Rent | Public Transport | Utilities | Food |
| Des Moines | $196,750 | $1,040 | $59.9 | $150.60 | $546 |
| Cedar Rapids | $195,000 | $765 | $54.8 | $205.33 | $496 |
| Davenport | $196,000 | $885 | $24.8 | $175.00 | $630 |
| Sioux City | $219,000 | $1,095 | $42.5 | $150.60 | $535 |
2. Employment Opportunities
Iowa’s robust economy offers various employment opportunities across several industries. The Hawkeye State aims to add 113,420 new jobs by the end of 2032.
- Transportation and Logistics: With 3 interstate highways, 60 barge terminals, and 104 airports, Iowa is a strategic location for transport and warehousing. The industry benefits from both geographic and tax advantages, and is projected to add 17,855 new jobs by 2032.
- Healthcare: As Iowa’s second-largest sector, healthcare comprises 14.2% of public and private jobs. By 2032, healthcare is expected to see 12,660 new positions in practitioner roles and 7,380 in home health and personal care.
- Education: The education sector employs over 147,000 people and accounts for 9.6% of Iowa’s workforce. It is expected to grow significantly, adding 93,455 jobs by 2032. Key roles in demand include elementary school teachers and teaching assistants, each with over 1,000 new positions projected.
- Construction: Employment in construction has grown by 5.3% in the last 5 years. Major employers like Pella, Wright Services, and Holcim contribute to this growth. By 2032, this sector is projected to add 8,790 new jobs across Iowa.
3. Excellent Education System
Iowa ranks #11 across the country in terms of education. The state serves over 517,444 students across 328 school districts.
- Public Schools: The state has 1,310 public schools known for their academic excellence. Notable schools include Pella High School and Denver Senior High School, both recipients of the College Success Award.
- Magnet and Charter Programs: With 7 charter schools, Iowa provides specialized programs in STEM and arts, tuition-free. Great Oaks Charter School and Empowering Excellence Charter School are among the best charter schools in the state.
- Private Schools: IA is home to 262 private schools. The average tuition for private schools is around $6,983 annually. Rivermont Collegiate, Dowling Catholic High School, and Lourdes Catholic School are among the top private schools in the state.
- Higher Education: Iowa is home to 70 accredited colleges and universities, including the University of Iowa and Iowa State University of Science and Technology. The state’s public colleges also have the 2nd-highest graduation rate in the nation.
Cost of Moving to Iowa 💲
There are additional costs involved in moving from one state to another. Here’s a breakdown of costs you may incur while relocating to IA:
1. Moving Costs ≈ $768 to $6,604
Moving to Iowa involves several costs, including the costs involved in moving your belongings.
- Iowa movers typically cost $199 per hour. However, this figure depends entirely on your belongings and the distance traveled.
- If you want to DIY your move, renting a truck can be a better option. The average rent of a mid-size moving truck with a load capacity of 4,000-6,000 pounds ranges between $40 and $80 per day.
- 👉 Tip: Moving can be expensive, especially if you are selling your home before you move. In this case, you can use a Flat Fee MLS company to save on listing agent commissions. This way, you can have additional cash when you move to Iowa.
2. Utility Expenses ≈ $400 to $500 Per Month
Apart from moving and housing costs, you will have to incur utility expenses when migrating to Iowa.
- When relocating to Iowa, you must set up utilities like gas, electricity, water, etc. The average cost of utilities in IA is around $423/month.
- You will have to register your vehicle in Iowa. The first-time registration cost of a passenger vehicle in IA is up to 1% of the list price. A standard title replacement is around $25.
3. Housing Costs
Housing costs in the Hawkeye State can vary depending on your location.
- In popular cities like Cedar Rapids, Des Moines, and Sioux City, the average rent ranges between $700 and $1,200.
- However, if you plan to buy, make sure you find cheap houses for sale in Iowa in your budget. Popular neighborhoods like Polk City have a median home price of $357K. On the other hand, the average cost of a home in small cities like Keokuk is $84K.
4 Tips for a Seamless Move to Iowa ✅
Moving to a new place can be tough. Here are some tips to help you make a smooth transition.
- Research Cities and Neighborhoods: It’s important to research the area you want to live in. You must know if your home is in the city or suburbs. Find out where the nearby schools, hospitals, coffee shops, or restaurants are.
- Find the Living Costs: Your living costs will change once you migrate. Before moving to IA, get an estimate of the basic living expenses in your desired location.
- Visit the Neighborhood: Once you’ve decided where you want to live. You must visit that Iowa neighborhood in person and see what you feel about the area.
- Meet Your Neighbors: Connect with your neighbors and socialize. Local Facebook groups can be the best way to meet your neighbors.
