Cost of living in Iowa
Updated Updated for 2026 tax law
Prices in Iowa are 12.2% below the national average — a Regional Price Parity of 87.8 (U.S. = 100), making it the #3 cheapest of 51 states and DC. Compare Iowa with any other state below, including the effect of taxes.
- Texas vs Iowa prices
- 10.6% pricier
- Take-home in Iowa at $75,000
- $59,394$4,950 / month
- Take-home you'd need in Texas
- $65,685$5,474 / month
- Take-home in Texas at the same $75,000
- $61,593$5,133 / month
- Same salary: change in real take-home
- −6.2%−$4,092 a year in Iowa buying power
Equivalent after tax = the gross pay in Texas whose take-home, adjusted for Texas prices, buys what your Iowa take-home buys today. Statewide averages — big metros (and rent) vary a lot within a state.
How to compare Iowa with another state
- Enter your salary — the calculator starts with Iowa as your current state.
- Pick the state you're comparing with (moving to Iowa? press ⇄ to swap).
- Read the salary with equal buying power after taxes, and the "same salary" change in your real take-home.
Iowa prices by category
| Category | Iowa | vs U.S. average |
|---|---|---|
| All items | 87.8 | −12.2% |
| Goods | 93.7 | −6.3% |
| Housing (rent) | 65.3 | −34.7% |
| Utilities | 83.3 | −16.7% |
| Other services | 92.9 | −7.1% |
Low housing costs keep Iowa affordable: rents run 35% below average. The overall price level fell 1.1% relative to the nation versus 2023 (88.8). Housing covers rent and the rental value of owner-occupied homes; "other services" includes health care, dining out, transportation and education.
Take-home pay in Iowa, adjusted for prices
| Salary | Taxes | Take-home | Real take-home | U.S.-average equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $8,893 | $41,107 | $46,839 | $56,972 |
| $75,000 | $15,606 | $59,394 | $67,677 | $85,458 |
| $100,000 | $23,968 | $76,032 | $86,634 | $113,945 |
At $75,000, Iowa ranks #6 of 51 for real take-home pay, after both taxes and prices. Full paycheck details: Iowa paycheck calculator.
What $75,000 in Iowa equals in other states
Prices = price level relative to Iowa. "Salary (after tax)" is what you'd need to earn there, single filer, to live like you do on $75,000 in Iowa once both prices and state taxes are counted.
| State | Prices | Salary (prices only) | Salary (after tax) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minnesota | +12.4% | $84,280 | $89,352 |
| Wisconsin | +7.2% | $80,412 | $82,811 |
| Illinois | +13.9% | $85,423 | $89,715 |
| Missouri | +3.5% | $77,611 | $78,652 |
| Nebraska | +2.7% | $77,001 | $77,917 |
| South Dakota | +0.9% | $75,704 | $72,668 |
| State | Prices | Salary (prices only) | Salary (after tax) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | −0.9% | $74,295 | $74,296 |
| Mississippi | −0.9% | $74,309 | $74,280 |
| Oklahoma | +0.1% | $75,069 | $76,042 |
| Louisiana | +0.5% | $75,380 | $74,951 |
| California | +26.2% | $94,620 | $103,525 |
| Hawaii | +25.3% | $93,962 | $102,259 |
| Washington, DC | +25.2% | $93,920 | $101,329 |
| New Jersey | +24.0% | $92,983 | $98,814 |
| Texas | +10.6% | $82,943 | $80,817 |
| Florida | +17.8% | $88,376 | $86,933 |
| New York | +23.0% | $92,228 | $98,697 |
Moving from Iowa to a pricier state? The "after taxes too" column folds in state income tax, so a no-tax state can beat a cheaper state with a high income tax. Statewide averages hide large metro differences — check local rents before you move.
Sources: U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Regional Price Parities by State, 2024 (table SARPP, released February 19, 2026, bea.gov). Take-home pay: our 2026 federal, FICA and state income-tax engine, single filer, no pre-tax deductions; local income taxes are not included.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Iowa expensive to live in?
Iowa has a price level of 87.8 (U.S. = 100), so living costs are 12.2% below the national average. It ranks #3 of 51 from cheapest to most expensive (BEA 2024).
How much do you need to make to live in Iowa?
To match the buying power of a $75,000 salary at national-average prices, you need about $65,822 in Iowa before taxes. After Iowa taxes, $75,000 takes home $59,394 — worth $67,677 at U.S.-average prices, #6 of 51 states.
How much more expensive is rent in Iowa?
Iowa's housing price level is 65.3, meaning rents are 34.7% below the national average. Goods are 93.7 and utilities 83.3.
Which neighboring state is cheapest?
South Dakota (price level 88.6, +0.9% vs Iowa). A $75,000 Iowa salary is equivalent to $72,668 there after taxes.
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Estimates for information only — not tax, legal or financial advice.