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State-to-State Guide

Moving from Florida to Iowa

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

Quick Comparison

Leaving Florida

Population21.5M
State Income Tax0% (None)
Avg Home Price$400,000
Avg Rent$1,700/mo
Property Tax Rate0.89%
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 Florida to Iowa?

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

Tax Savings: Florida has no state income tax, compared to 4.4%-6% in Iowa. This tax difference is one of the primary financial motivations for this move.

Cost of Living: The cost of living in Iowa is significantly lower than Florida, which is a major draw for relocating families. The average home price in Iowa is $200,000 less than Florida, allowing movers to significantly upgrade their housing.

Climate & Weather: Both states have similar summer temperatures. Winters in Iowa average 22°F, compared to 60°F in Florida.

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

Popular City-to-City Routes

1331 mi
24.2h drive
Jacksonville, FL
Des Moines, IA
via I-95 North / I-10 West
1736 mi
31.6h drive
Miami, FL
Des Moines, IA
via I-95 North / I-10 West
1473 mi
26.8h drive
Tampa, FL
Des Moines, IA
via I-95 North / I-10 West
1475 mi
26.8h drive
Orlando, FL
Des Moines, IA
via I-95 North / I-10 West
1711 mi
31.1h drive
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Des Moines, IA
via I-95 North / I-10 West

Cities in Florida

Jacksonville

Population950K
Median Home Price$280,000

Miami

Population442K
Median Home Price$550,000

Tampa

Population385K
Median Home Price$380,000

Orlando

Population308K
Median Home Price$350,000

Fort Lauderdale

Population183K
Median Home Price$420,000

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 1545 miles between Florida and Iowa:

Studio / 1 BR
$1,573
3–4 BR Home
$3,854

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

Florida → 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: Florida vs Iowa

Taxes

Florida Income Tax:None
Iowa Income Tax:4.4%-6%
Florida Property Tax:0.89%
Iowa Property Tax:1.57%

Weather

Florida Summer Avg:92°F
Iowa Summer Avg:83°F
Florida Winter Avg:60°F
Iowa Winter Avg:22°F

Cost of Living

Florida COL Index:103
Iowa COL Index:90
Florida Avg Home Price:$400,000
Iowa Avg Home Price:$200,000
Florida Avg Rent:$1,700/mo
Iowa Avg Rent:$950/mo

Ready to make the move to Iowa?

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