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Moving from Arizona to Iowa

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Sun-belt sprawl, growing tech hubs, retirees love it. vs. Corn country, low unemployment, surprisingly arts-rich.

AZ state flag
Living now

Arizona

Capital: Phoenix

Median household income $72,581 · winter low 43°F · 286 sunny days

Sun-belt sprawl, growing tech hubs, retirees love it.

IA state flag
Moving to

Iowa

Capital: Des Moines

Median household income $70,571 · winter low 13°F · 200 sunny days

Corn country, low unemployment, surprisingly arts-rich.

Iowa has an overall price level 87.8 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
Arizona
100.7
Iowa
87.8
Iowa has 13% lower overall price level
Housing index
Arizona
106.8
Iowa
65.3
Iowa has 39% lower housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Arizona
100.2
Iowa
96.9
Iowa has 3.2% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Arizona
100.1
Iowa
98.2
Iowa has 1.9% lower utilities
Electricity rate
Arizona
15.6 ¢/kWh
Iowa
13.4 ¢/kWh
Iowa has 14% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Arizona
100.1
Iowa
97.6
Iowa has 2.6% lower transportation
Median home value
Arizona
$426,000
Iowa
$227,300
Iowa is 47% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Arizona
$1,416/mo
Iowa
$769/mo
Iowa is 46% cheaper to rent

Sources: NOAA Climate Normals · EPA AirNow (live) state-level

Summer high 85°F · Winter low 13°F · 200 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
Arizona
105°F
Iowa
85°F
Iowa is 19% less summer highs
Avg winter low
Arizona
43°F
Iowa
13°F
Iowa is 70% less winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Arizona
62°F
Iowa
48°F
Iowa is 22% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Arizona
286
Iowa
200
Iowa has 30% lower sunny days
Annual precipitation
Arizona
13 in
Iowa
35 in
Iowa is 162% more annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Arizona
48
Iowa
73
Iowa has 52% higher AQI
Snow / year
Arizona
10 in
Iowa
30 in
Iowa is 200% more annual snowfall

Get the full ArizonaIowa report

Schools, healthcare, taxes, transportation, lifestyle, crime, family fit, move logistics, AI assistant, and 90-day timeline.

See the full comparison

Frequently asked

Is it cheaper to live in Iowa than Arizona?

Iowa's overall price level is roughly 90 (US avg = 100), vs about 100.7 for Arizona — based on BEA Regional Price Parities. Housing is the dominant driver of the difference. Run a comparison for the full, current breakdown.

What's the income tax difference?

Arizona tops out at 2.5% income tax. Iowa tops out at 3.8%.

How long do I have to register my vehicle in Iowa?

Most Iowa residents must register a vehicle within 30-60 days of moving. Check the piomover report for state-specific deadlines.

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