Skip to content

Free comparison

Moving from Arkansas to Iowa

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Walmart HQ, Ozarks, low cost of living. vs. Corn country, low unemployment, surprisingly arts-rich.

AR state flag
Living now

Arkansas

Capital: Little Rock

Median household income $56,335 · winter low 30°F · 217 sunny days

Walmart HQ, Ozarks, low cost of living.

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
Arkansas
86.9
Iowa
87.8
Iowa has 0.9% higher overall price level
Housing index
Arkansas
58.2
Iowa
65.3
Iowa has 12% higher housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Arkansas
96.7
Iowa
96.9
Utilities index (modeled)
Arkansas
98.0
Iowa
98.2
Electricity rate
Arkansas
13.6 ¢/kWh
Iowa
13.4 ¢/kWh
Iowa has 1.5% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Arkansas
97.4
Iowa
97.6
Median home value
Arkansas
$215,600
Iowa
$227,300
Iowa is 5.4% more expensive to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Arkansas
$794/mo
Iowa
$769/mo
Iowa is 3.1% 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
Arkansas
92°F
Iowa
85°F
Iowa is 7.6% less summer highs
Avg winter low
Arkansas
30°F
Iowa
13°F
Iowa is 57% less winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Arkansas
61°F
Iowa
48°F
Iowa is 20% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Arkansas
217
Iowa
200
Iowa has 7.8% lower sunny days
Annual precipitation
Arkansas
51 in
Iowa
35 in
Iowa is 32% less annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Arkansas
42
Iowa
73
Iowa has 74% higher AQI
Snow / year
Arkansas
3 in
Iowa
30 in
Iowa is 900% more annual snowfall

Get the full ArkansasIowa 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 Arkansas?

Iowa's overall price level is roughly 90 (US avg = 100), vs about 87.1 for Arkansas — 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?

Arkansas tops out at 3.9% 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.

Related comparisons