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State-to-State Guide

Moving from Illinois to Iowa

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

Quick Comparison

Leaving Illinois

Population12.8M
State Income Tax4.95%
Avg Home Price$270,000
Avg Rent$1,300/mo
Property Tax Rate2.27%
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 Illinois to Iowa?

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

Cost of Living: Both states have a comparable cost of living. The average home price in Iowa is $70,000 less than Illinois, allowing movers to significantly upgrade their housing.

Climate & Weather: Both states have similar summer temperatures. Winters in Iowa average 22°F, compared to 28°F in Illinois.

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

Cities in Illinois

Other Major Cities

Aurora
Naperville
Rockford
Springfield

Cities in Iowa

Other Major Cities

Cedar Rapids
Davenport
Iowa City

Estimated Moving Cost

Based on the average distance of 403 miles between Illinois and Iowa:

Studio / 1 BR
$1,002
3–4 BR Home
$2,484

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

IllinoisIowa 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: Illinois vs Iowa

Taxes

Illinois Income Tax:4.95%
Iowa Income Tax:4.4%-6%
Illinois Property Tax:2.27%
Iowa Property Tax:1.57%

Weather

Illinois Summer Avg:84°F
Iowa Summer Avg:83°F
Illinois Winter Avg:28°F
Iowa Winter Avg:22°F

Cost of Living

Illinois COL Index:97
Iowa COL Index:90
Illinois Avg Home Price:$270,000
Iowa Avg Home Price:$200,000
Illinois Avg Rent:$1,300/mo
Iowa Avg Rent:$950/mo

Ready to make the move to Iowa?

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