Thinking about moving to Iowa? The state has a $201.7 billion economy, with growing jobs in the construction, healthcare, energy, and manufacturing sectors. With its affordability and easy access to healthcare and education, it ranks 2nd nationally for opportunities.
But the move comes with trade-offs. Due to its location in the Tornado Alley, Iowa faces a high risk of tornadoes, derechos, and floods. Still, many are choosing cities like Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, and Davenport for their lower living costs and a better quality of life.
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AT A GLANCE:
- The Hawkeye State has a $201.7 billion economy, with growing jobs in the construction, healthcare, energy, and manufacturing sectors.
- The state has over 70,000 job openings in 2025, and aims to add 113,420 more by the end of 2032.
- Iowa ranks 4th in the US for its robust healthcare and education system.
- The cost of living in Iowa is 3% lower than the national average, and rent in Iowa is 46% cheaper.
- With a flat 3.8% state income tax, Iowa has the 6th-lowest income tax in the country.
- Expect to pay between $2,200 and $6,400 for your move, depending on how far you’re moving and the size of your belongings.
- Iowa has a humid continental climate. Summers are typically hot and humid, while winters see heavy snowfall.
4 Reasons to Move to Iowa
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1. Jobs in Iowa
Iowa’s robust economy has around 70,000 job openings in 2025, and aims to add 113,420 more by the end of 2032. Construction, healthcare, energy, and advanced manufacturing are the fastest-growing job sectors.
- Construction: With over 9,500 construction establishments, the sector contributes around $12 billion to Iowa’s GDP, and supports over 85,800 jobs across the state. On average, a construction worker in Iowa makes $46,500 annually.
- Healthcare: The healthcare sector in Iowa contributes around $22.9 billion, and supports over 141,000 jobs across the state. Roles like registered nurses, physical therapists, and occupational therapists are in high demand.
- Renewable Energy: The renewable energy sector contributes $23.6 billion to the state’s GDP, and supports over 34,600 jobs. On average, a renewable energy worker makes over $76,000 per year. High demand roles include wind turbine technicians and solar installers.
- Advanced Manufacturing: Contributing $35 billion annually, advanced manufacturing is the state’s largest industry and accounts for 17% of Iowa’s GDP. The average annual salary is $90,170, and roles like CNC machinists, welders, and design engineers are in high demand.
2. Education in Iowa
Iowa ranks #11 nationally for education and #4 for education choice. The state serves over 559,000 students across 303 school districts.
- Public Schools: The state has 1,325 public schools located across the state. West Senior High School and Pleasant Valley High School, both known for high rates of Advanced Placement (AP) course participation, are among the top-ranked public schools in Iowa.
- Private Schools: Iowa is home to 225 private schools. The average tuition for private schools is $9,773 per year. Rivermont Collegiate, Dowling Catholic High School, and Lourdes Catholic School are among the top private schools in the state.
- Higher Education: Iowa has nearly 70 accredited colleges and universities. This includes the University of Iowa, known for its medical center, and Iowa State University, renowned for its programs in engineering and aerospace.
3. Healthcare in Iowa
With 132 hospitals statewide, Iowa’s healthcare system ranks as the 4th best nationally. Moreover, the state has the lowest healthcare costs in the country. UI Health Care and Iowa Methodist Medical Center are leading hospitals in Iowa.
Additionally, Iowa offers several state-funded healthcare programs, including Iowa Medicaid, which provides healthcare coverage to eligible individuals. Hawki (Healthy and Well Kids in Iowa) is an insurance program for children who don’t qualify for Medicaid but cannot afford private insurance.
4. Affordable Housing
Iowa ranks among the top 10 states for affordable housing. The state has a median house price of $233K, which is 36% lower than the national average, and rent in Iowa is 46% less.
Recent trends show that 25% of listed homes have seen a price drop. The average property spends 6 more days on the market before being sold, compared to the last year. This combination of falling prices and slower demand gives buyers greater negotiating power.
Pros and Cons of Living in Iowa
Here are the benefits and drawbacks of moving to Iowa:
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. You will have easy access to growing jobs in the construction, healthcare, energy, and manufacturing sectors. | 1. Due to its location in the infamous Tornado Alley, the state is prone to natural disasters like tornadoes, derechos, and floods. |
| 2. The cost of living in Iowa is 3% lower than the national average. Housing and renting is also significantly cheaper. | 2. Public transportation is sparse outside of major urban areas. Owning a car for daily errands is a necessity here. |
| 3. Iowa has a low crime rate, with just 2.87 violent crimes per 1,000 residents, compared to 4 incidents nationally. | 3. Winters in Iowa are harsh. The state receives 18 to 42 inches of snowfall each year, depending on location. |
Things to Know Before Moving to Iowa📌
Here are some things to keep in mind before relocating to Iowa:
1. Cost of Living in Iowa
The cost of living in Iowa is 3% lower than the national average. So, you’ll save on utilities and rent, though transportation, healthcare, and groceries can get expensive.
The Hawkeye State is an appealing option compared to more popular states like California and New York, where living costs are 58% and 30% above the national average.
2. Infrastructure and Transportation
With recent investments in infrastructure projects, the infrastructure score of Iowa has improved. However, 19.2% of its bridges are structurally deficient. Moreover, 24% of the roads in Iowa are in poor or fair condition.
Iowa continues to invest in infrastructure projects such as the Burlington Street Bridge replacement and Rochester Avenue reconstruction. The state is set to receive $3.4 billion in federal funding to improve its highways and $432 million for bridge replacement.
3. Climate in Iowa
Iowa has a continental climate. Summers are usually hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from 68°F to 91°F. Meanwhile, winters are cold and snowy, with temperatures between 0°F and 32°F. Plus, there are 200 days of sunshine a year.
However, due to its location in the infamous Tornado Alley, Iowa is prone to tornadoes, derechos, and flooding. Climate change is also increasing the risk of extreme heat and flooding events. It’s crucial to check the FEMA-designated risk zones before moving to Iowa.
4. Laws and Regulations
- Vehicle and Driver’s License Registration: You have to register your vehicle and obtain an Iowa driver’s license within 30 days of establishing your residency. You will need proof of identity, residence, and Social Security number for the process.
- Moving to Iowa with a Gun: No permits are required to purchase or carry a firearm for those aged 18 years or older. Though the permits are not necessary, they are useful when you carry your firearm to another state.
- Recreational Marijuana: Use of marijuana for recreational purposes is not legal in Iowa. Possession can lead to $1,000 to $100,000 in fines, and 6 months to 10 years in prison.
- Pet Registration Laws: There is no statewide law for pet registration and vaccination in Iowa. However, cities often have their own local laws. Visit your city website to check for any such requirements.
5. Tax Burden in Iowa
Iowa has the 6th-lowest income tax burden in the country. Here’s a breakdown:
- Income Tax in Iowa: Iowa has recently reduced its income tax rate from 5.7% in 2024 to a flat 3.8% rate in 2025. Additionally, cities are not allowed to levy additional income tax.
- Sales Tax in Iowa: Iowa levies a flat 6% state sales tax, which is among the lowest in the country. However, the cities often levy up to 2% more, making the effective rate of sales tax in Iowa between 6% and 8%.
- Property Taxes in Iowa: The median property tax in Iowa is 1.55%, which is significantly higher than the national average of 1.02% of the assessed value of your house. On average, a homeowner pays $2,508 in property taxes for a house valued at $167,100.
How to Move to Iowa?
Before buying a house in Iowa, follow this step-by-step guide for a seamless move:
1. How to Plan Your Logistics?
- If you want to skip all the heavy lifting, consider hiring a professional mover. You can expect to pay around $199 per hour. However, this amount can vary depending on the size of your belongings and the distance.
- If you want to DIY, renting a truck is a better option. The average cost to rent a mid-sized truck with a load capacity of 4,000 to 6,000 lbs ranges between $40 and $80 per day. Be sure to factor in additional charges for mileage, fuel, and insurance.
2. How to Set Up Utilities in Iowa?
Setting up your utilities in Iowa is a straightforward process:
- Electricity and Gas: MidAmerican Energy serves the central, western, and southeastern regions, while also Alliant Energy serves communities statewide. Visit the provider’s website to check availability in your area and start service.
- Water and Sewer: These services in Iowa are usually provided by the local municipality’s utility department, along with some local providers. Visit your city website to find out the appropriate service provider for your area.
- Internet and Cable: Mediacom and CenturyLink are among the largest service providers in Iowa. Internet and cable costs typically range from $35 to $80 per month.
3. How to Enroll Your Kids in Schools in Iowa?
Most schools in Iowa offer online registration:
- For Kindergarten: Your children must be 5 years old for kindergarten and 6 years old for first grade before September 15th. You will need the child’s birth certificate, vaccination records, proof of residency, and a photo ID.
- For Older Kids: You’ll need all the above-mentioned documents, in addition to transcripts and a withdrawal form from their previous school. If your kids are high school athletes, check their athletic eligibility with the new school before enrolling.
- Transfer and Special Cases: Transfers and special cases in Iowa are typically managed by the local school districts. You can directly visit their website or contact the school district office for assistance in the enrollment process.
4. How to Transfer Your Job or Find a New One?
- Work From Home: 21% of employees in Iowa work from home. If you are someone who works remotely, just ask your employer about any state-specific tax and employment laws.
- Find a New Job: IowaWorks Centers offer counseling, search assistance, and workshops, while IowaWorks.gov is the state’s largest job bank. You can also visit job portals like Indeed and LinkedIn to search and apply for jobs in your city.
5. How to Find the Perfect House?
The Iowa housing market leans in favor of buyers at present. 25.5% of listed homes have experienced price drops, and inventory has increased by 21.1%. This gives buyers more negotiating power to secure better deals.
- In popular cities like Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, and Davenport, the average rent is around $1,125. It depends on the neighborhood you’re moving to and the available amenities.
- If you plan to buy a home in a popular city, homes for sale in Des Moines cost around $211K. Meanwhile, cities like Keokuk and Oelwein offer more affordable options, with median home prices of $85K and $108K respectively.
Should I Move to Iowa?
Yes, you should definitely move to Iowa. The state combines new opportunities, a good quality of life, and friendly communities. However, relocating to Iowa isn’t easy. It takes time, careful planning, and effort to find the perfect place to call your home.
With Houzeo, Iowa’s best home-buying website, buying a house in the Hawkeye State is simple. You can browse through the latest listings, save your favorites, schedule showings, and submit offers, all at your fingertips.
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Data Sources
To help you make a smart move to Iowa, we analyzed key data points that impact relocation costs, lifestyle, and employment prospects. We’ve sourced reliable, up-to-date data across the following categories:
- Statistical Atlas: Major employers
- Zillow: Average rent, Median home price
- MoveBuddha: Estimated moving costs
- Thisoldhouse: DIY truck rental rates, Average cost of moving
By backing our insights with real numbers, we give you a clear picture of what it really takes to relocate to Iowa, long before the moving boxes are packed.
