Talk to a real mover now — free quote in 2 minutes
(833) 643-2351
Tap to call · Free · No obligation
MOVING near you
State-to-State Guide

Moving from California to Iowa

Compare cost of living, taxes, housing, and find the best moving companies for your California to Iowa move.

Quick Comparison

Leaving California

Population39.5M
State Income Tax1%-13.3%
Avg Home Price$785,000
Avg Rent$2,200/mo
Property Tax Rate0.76%
DESTINATION

Moving to Iowa

Population3.2M
State Income Tax4.4%-6%
Avg Home Price$200,000
Avg Rent$950/mo
Property Tax Rate1.57%

Why Are People Moving from California to Iowa?

The migration corridor between California and Iowa is a popular interstate move. Thousands of households explore this route every year.

Cost of Living: The cost of living in Iowa is significantly lower than California, which is a major draw for relocating families. The average home price in Iowa is $585,000 less than California, allowing movers to significantly upgrade their housing.

Climate & Weather: Both states have similar summer temperatures. Winters in Iowa average 22°F, compared to 55°F in California.

Jobs & Industry: Iowa's key industries include Agriculture, Insurance, Manufacturing, which attract professionals from California's Technology and Entertainment sectors.

Popular City-to-City Routes

1865 mi
33.9h drive
Los Angeles, CA
Des Moines, IA
via I-20 East
1856 mi
33.7h drive
San Diego, CA
Des Moines, IA
via I-20 East
1987 mi
36.1h drive
San Jose, CA
Des Moines, IA
via I-40 East
2010 mi
36.5h drive
San Francisco, CA
Des Moines, IA
via I-40 East
1866 mi
33.9h drive
Fresno, CA
Des Moines, IA
via I-40 East
1926 mi
35h drive
Sacramento, CA
Des Moines, IA
via I-40 East
1863 mi
33.9h drive
Bakersfield, CA
Des Moines, IA
via I-40 East
1853 mi
33.7h drive
Anaheim, CA
Des Moines, IA
via I-20 East
1854 mi
33.7h drive
Santa Ana, CA
Des Moines, IA
via I-20 East
1874 mi
34.1h drive
Long Beach, CA
Des Moines, IA
via I-20 East

Cities in California

Los Angeles

Population4.0M
Median Home Price$850,000

San Diego

Population1.4M
Median Home Price$850,000

San Jose

Population1.0M
Median Home Price$1,200,000

San Francisco

Population874K
Median Home Price$1,400,000

Fresno

Population542K
Median Home Price$340,000

Sacramento

Population525K
Median Home Price$430,000

Bakersfield

Population403K
Median Home Price$340,000

Anaheim

Population350K
Median Home Price$750,000

Santa Ana

Population309K
Median Home Price$700,000

Long Beach

Population467K
Median Home Price$700,000

Cities in Iowa

Des Moines

Population214K
Median Home Price$200,000

Other Major Cities

Cedar Rapids
Davenport
Iowa City

Estimated Moving Cost

Based on the average distance of 1895 miles between California and Iowa:

Studio / 1 BR
$1,748
3–4 BR Home
$4,274

Estimates based on typical full-service interstate moves. Actual costs vary.

California → Iowa Transition Checklist

Driver's License

You must obtain a Iowa driver's license within 30 days of establishing residency.

Vehicle Registration

Register your vehicle in Iowa within 30 days.

Voter Registration

Update your voter registration to Iowa after establishing residency. You can typically register at your local DMV or online.

Vehicle Inspection

Iowa vehicle inspection requirement: Not required.

Things to Know About Iowa

  • • Iowa caucuses are the first major event in presidential elections
  • • Property tax credits available for homesteads
  • • Wind energy is a major and growing industry

What's Different: California vs Iowa

Taxes

California Income Tax:1%-13.3%
Iowa Income Tax:4.4%-6%
California Property Tax:0.76%
Iowa Property Tax:1.57%

Weather

California Summer Avg:85°F
Iowa Summer Avg:83°F
California Winter Avg:55°F
Iowa Winter Avg:22°F

Cost of Living

California COL Index:150
Iowa COL Index:90
California Avg Home Price:$785,000
Iowa Avg Home Price:$200,000
California Avg Rent:$2,200/mo
Iowa Avg Rent:$950/mo

Ready to make the move to Iowa?

Get quotes from interstate carriers that regularly run routes between California and Iowa.