Iowa's cost of living index is 90 — 10.0% below the US average of 100. Compare purchasing power and equivalent salaries across states.
CoL Index
90
US avg = 100
vs. National Avg
-10.0%
Less expensive
Median Income
$61,691
Iowa median household
Equiv. at US Avg
$68,546
Same purchasing power
| CoL Index | 90 | MIT/MERIC composite index (US avg = 100) |
| vs. National | 10.0% | Below average cost |
| Median Household Income | $61,691 | Iowa median (2023 ACS) |
| National Purchasing Power | $68,546 | Equivalent $ at US avg CoL |
| Overall Category | Low | Qualitative classification |
| Population | 3,190,369 | 2020 US Census |
With a cost of living index of 90, Iowa is 10% below the national average. Lower costs in Iowa mean your dollar goes further. A salary of $61,691 in Iowa provides the equivalent purchasing power of $68,546 in a state at the national average.
Housing is typically the largest driver of cost of living differences between states.Iowa's median home price of $205,000 is well below the national median of approximately $310,000. Other factors include state income tax (5.7% top rate in Iowa), sales tax (6.00% state rate), and local property tax rates (1.57%).
