Best Iowa to California Movers and Practical Moving Guide
Get a Quote Now!
Trusted. Licensed. Insured.
Moving from state to state is an exciting adventure that signifies a major life change, filled with new possibilities and experiences. From the picturesque fields of the Hawkeye State to the sunny shores of the Golden State, you're about to swap a landscape known for its agricultural prowess for one celebrated for its innovation and natural beauty. Recognizing the magnitude of this transition, it's crucial to rely on trusted and reliable professional movers, which is why we've used an unbiased ranking algorithm to ensure you're paired with the best for your long-distance move.
Best Iowa to California Moving Companies
| Company Name | Rating  | BBB Rating | License | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OCD Moving Services LLC | 9.66 | A+ | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| Pure Moving | 9.64 | A+ | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| Adamantine Spine Moving | 9.53 | A+ | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
| Adamantine Spine Moving | 9.42 | A+ | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
| Best Move Inc | 9.23 | A+ | Authorized For Property | Contact |
| Hemmen Moving | 9.10 | A+ | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
(800) 787-5428
Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from California to Iowa guide.
6 Best IA to CA Moving Companies
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)
About OCD Moving Services LLC
For over five years, OCD Moving Services LLC has been providing Oakland and the Bay Area with residential and commercial relocation services...Read More >>
Services
- Local Moving
- Long Distance Moving
- Commercial Moving
About Pure Moving
Pure Moving has six locations across California, including an office in Los Angeles. This locally operated business moves over 10,000 client...Read More >>
Services
- Residential moving
- Commercial moving
- Long-distance moving
About Adamantine Spine Moving
With multiple locations in Iowa, Adamantine Spine Moving has excellent coverage of the entire state with its reliable and convenient moving ...Read More >>
Services
- Local Moving
- Long Distance Moving
- Apartment/Condo Moving
About Adamantine Spine Moving
Adamantine Spine Moving is an accomplished entity amongst the professional movers in Cedar Rapids, IA. This company can conveniently transp...Read More >>
Services
- Local Moving
- Long Distance Moving
- Apartment/Condo Moving
About Best Move Inc
Best Move, Inc. prides itself on being one of the most preferred and recommended moving companies in Fort Madison, IA. Its BBB accreditation...Read More >>
Services
- Material Packing
- Local Moving
- Long-Distance Moving
About Hemmen Moving
For over 25 years, Hemmen Moving has served the Ames area with full-service moving solutions. It provides services for residential and comme...Read More >>
Services
- Local moving
- Long distance moving
- Small moving
Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!
Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:
- No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
- Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.
Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!
Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:
- No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
- Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.
Pros and Cons of Moving from Iowa to California
Moving from Iowa to California represents a significant life change, encompassing a variety of factors. This comparison aims to provide an honest reflection of Iowa vs. California, detailing both the challenges and benefits of such a relocation. Understanding the nuances of both states can help in making an informed decision about this major move.
Iowa- Harsh winters
- Less diversity
- Smaller economy
California- Milder winters
- Greater diversity
- Larger economy
California- Higher cost of living
- Faster pace
- Can feel impersonal
Iowa- Lower cost of living
- Quiet lifestyle
- Community feel
Moving to California means embracing its rich diversity and economic opportunities not found in Iowa. You'll experience cultural melting pots in cities like Los Angeles, where neighborhoods like Koreatown and Little Ethiopia offer an array of international cuisines at establishments such as Gen Korean BBQ House and Merkato Ethiopian Restaurant. The vibrant city life extends to San Francisco's famous sights, including the Golden Gate Bridge and bustling marketplaces like the Ferry Building Marketplace. However, be prepared for the higher cost of living, with housing and everyday expenses significantly steeper compared to Iowa's more affordable and community-oriented towns like Des Moines or Ames. While the transition may challenge your adaptation to a faster-paced lifestyle, California's unparalleled natural beauty from the beaches of Santa Monica to the trails of Yosemite National Park offers a unique backdrop to this new chapter of your life.
Iowa vs. California Food Guide
Understanding the essence of a place stretches into its culinary scene. Food is a vibrant expression of local culture and daily living. With that in mind, this is a comparison of the local cuisine between Iowa & California , helping you immerse into what awaits your palate as you transition from one state to another.
| Iowa | California | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Pork Tenderloin Sandwich | California Roll |
| Most popular meat dish | Iowa Chop | Tri-tip Steak |
| Most popular street food item | Deep Fried Butter | Fish Tacos |
| Most popular vegan food | Quinoa Salad | Avocado Toast |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state |
|
|
| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
While Iowa is celebrated for its hearty comfort foods, such as the iconic Pork Tenderloin Sandwich, California shines through its fresh, innovative cuisine reflecting its cultural diversity, like the iconic California Roll. In California, cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco are hotspots for food enthusiasts looking for an eclectic mix from food trucks serving up the best Fish Tacos to upscale dining experiences at places like Chez Panisse in Berkeley. The health-conscious and vegan-friendly outlook of California is evident in its high ratings, mirroring the state's affinity towards fresh, local ingredients epitomized by the popular Avocado Toast. Whether you crave the down-to-earth charm of Iowa's food scene or the vibrant, health-oriented culinary adventures in California, each state offers a unique palate experience that's reflective of its culture and lifestyle.
Ready to start your move?
Iowa vs. California Real Estate & Living Facts
When planning a move, understanding the real estate differences between your current and future home is key. This comparison chart outlines the housing characteristics of Iowa and California, highlighting aspects vital for making an informed decision.
| Comparison | Iowa | California |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Modern Farmhouse | Spanish Revival |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Large Yards, Quiet Streets | Proximity to Beach, Modern Amenities |
Comparing the real estate landscapes of Iowa and California reveals significant differences. The stark contrast in the median home prices and monthly rents demonstrates the higher cost of living in California, yet, it's important to consider the lifestyle and amenities it offers. California's high walkability and bikeability scores reflect its urban infrastructure designed for an active lifestyle, in stark contrast to Iowa's more spacious and quiet neighborhoods that prioritize large yards. Moreover, the prevalent architecture styles, from Iowa's modern farmhouse to California's Spanish Revival, symbolize the cultural and historical influences unique to each state. Whether you're drawn to Iowa's serene landscapes or California's vibrant cities, such characteristics are crucial in finding a place that feels like home.
Iowa vs. California Weather Considerations
If you're moving from one location to another, it’s crucial to grasp how the climate will shift. Comparing the weather between Iowa and California emphasizes the importance of understanding these changes to better prepare for your relocation.
Iowa
California
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Iowa
California
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Iowa
California
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Iowa
California
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | Iowa | California |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Good | Varies greatly by area |
| Natural Disasters | Tornadoes, Floods | Earthquakes, Wildfires |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
While both Iowa and California offer distinct weather patterns, moving from the former to the latter will present a notable shift in climate experiences. California generally promises more days of sunshine and milder winters, contrasting with Iowa's humid summers and cold winters. The differences in natural disasters, such as the prevalence of tornadoes in Iowa versus earthquakes and wildfires in California, highlight the need for varying preparedness methods. Additionally, the marked difference in air quality and top allergens between the two states underscores the importance of acclimation to new environmental conditions.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Iowa to California
When planning a move from one state to another, it’s crucial to understand how financial aspects such as the cost of living, taxes, and average incomes will change. This comparison aims to elucidate the financial contrasts you’ll encounter when relocating from Iowa to California , highlighting vital money and finance metrics to help you anticipate and prepare for the economic adjustments this big move will entail.
| Comparison | Iowa | California |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $69,588 | $91,551 |
| Cost of Living Index | 95.9 | 136.4 |
| State Income Tax | 0.33 to 8.53 | 1 to 13.3 |
| Avg. Property Tax | 1.53 | 0.73 |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 6.94 | 8.66 |
| Top 3 Industries | Manufacturing, Agriculture, Financial Services | Technology, Agriculture, Entertainment |
| Affluence | Moderate | High |
| Poverty | Moderate | High |
| Homelessness | Low | Very High |
While the average household income in California is significantly higher than in Iowa, this difference is offset by the such higher cost of living in California, particularly in housing, where the cost of living index far exceeds the national average. State income tax is also notable, with California having one of the highest top marginal rates in the country. However, it's worth considering that despite California's higher expenses and taxes, it hosts industries like technology and entertainment, offering unique career opportunities not as prevalent in Iowa. Moreover, although the property tax rate is lower in California, the higher property values mean the overall tax burden can still be quite substantial. This contrast highlights the importance of considering both income potential and living costs in your moving decision.
Iowa vs. California Political & Religious Comparison
In preparing for your move from Iowa to California, it's useful to understand the contrasting landscapes in terms of the political and religious makeup of their residents. This comparison provides a quick snapshot to help you grasp the fundamental differences between the politics and religious inclinations in Iowa & California , offering insights into the social fabric of your future home.
| Iowa | California | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Mixed, tends to swing between parties | Strongly Democratic |
| Local Politics | Moderate with both Republican and Democratic influence | Liberal, with strong Democratic control in urban areas |
| Religion | Christianity predominant, with diverse religious communities | Diverse, with significant numbers of non-religious residents |
While Iowa's political climate can be described as a balanced battleground state, often swinging between Democratic and Republican control depending on the election, California is known for its strong Democratic lean, especially in its urban centers like Los Angeles and San Francisco. This fundamental difference can indicate a more liberal local politics and social policies in California compared to Iowa. On the religious front, both states boast diversity, but California stands out with a larger proportion of residents identifying as non-religious or practicing a wider variety of religions. Understanding these differences will help you navigate your social engagements and community integration once you relocate.
Education Guide When Moving from Iowa to California
Moving from Iowa to California brings a lot of changes, especially in terms of education. To help you better understand what the comparisons are between school options in Iowa and California , we've compiled a detailed comparison. This guide will assist in making informed decisions for your family's educational needs.
| Iowa | California |
|---|---|
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3) University of Iowa Iowa State University University of Northern IowaUniversity of California California State University Stanford University | |
Top 3 Elementary Schools Wickham Elementary (Coralville) Roosevelt Elementary (Ames) Hoover Elementary (West Branch)Point Vicente Elementary (Rancho Palos Verdes) Pacific Elementary (Manhattan Beach) El Carmelo Elementary (Palo Alto) | |
Top 3 Middle Schools Ames Middle School (Ames) North Central Junior High (North Liberty) South East Junior High (Iowa City)Henry M. Gunn High (Palo Alto) Canyon Crest Academy (San Diego) Lynbrook High (San Jose) | |
Top 3 High School Schools West High School (Iowa City) Ames High School (Ames) Valley High School (West Des Moines)Troy High School (Fullerton) Palo Alto High (Palo Alto) Henry M. Gunn High (Palo Alto) | |
Top 3 private high schools Phillips Academy (Andover) St. Paul's School (Concord) Choate Rosemary Hall (Wallingford)Harvard-Westlake School (Los Angeles) Phillips Exeter Academy (Exeter) The College Preparatory School (Oakland) | |
Top 3 private K-12 schools Scattergood Friends School (West Branch) Maharishi School (Fairfield) Green Valley School (Orange City)The Nueva School (San Mateo) Crossroads School for Arts & Sciences (Santa Monica) The Head-Royce School (Oakland) | |
Top 3 School Districts Iowa City Community School District Ames Community School District West Des Moines Community SchoolsLos Gatos-Saratoga Joint Union High School District Palo Alto Unified School District San Marino Unified School District | |
When comparing the educational landscape of Iowa and California, a few key differences emerge. Iowa's top colleges predominantly consist of public state schools, attracting students with a variety of programs and affordable tuition rates. In contrast, California boasts a mix of prestigious public universities and elite private institutions, reflecting the state's diverse educational opportunities and higher cost of living. Specifically, the contrast in top high schools, both public and private, illustrates the broader range of choices and arguably more competitive schooling environment found in California. This is complemented by the high rankings of California's specific school districts, which are often recognized for their innovative programs and high levels of student achievement. Whether you're evaluating public schools, private institutions, or districts overall, California's educational system offers a dynamic and varied landscape compared to Iowa's more homogenized one.
Popular Iowa to California Moving Routes
- Des Moines to Los Angeles
- Des Moines to San Diego
- Des Moines to San Jose
- Des Moines to San Francisco
- Des Moines to Fresno
- Des Moines to Sacramento
- Des Moines to Long Beach
- Des Moines to Oakland
- Des Moines to Bakersfield
- Des Moines to Anaheim
- Des Moines to Santa Ana
- Des Moines to Riverside
- Des Moines to Stockton
- Des Moines to Irvine
- Des Moines to Chula Vista
