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Moving from Florida to Iowa

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. No income tax, beaches, hurricanes, retiree haven. vs. Corn country, low unemployment, surprisingly arts-rich.

FL state flag
Living now

Florida

Capital: Tallahassee

Median household income $67,917 · winter low 53°F · 237 sunny days

No income tax, beaches, hurricanes, retiree haven.

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
Florida
103.4
Iowa
87.8
Iowa has 15% lower overall price level
Housing index
Florida
122.1
Iowa
65.3
Iowa has 47% lower housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Florida
100.9
Iowa
96.9
Iowa has 3.9% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Florida
100.5
Iowa
98.2
Iowa has 2.3% lower utilities
Electricity rate
Florida
14.9 ¢/kWh
Iowa
13.4 ¢/kWh
Iowa has 9.7% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Florida
100.7
Iowa
97.6
Iowa has 3.1% lower transportation
Median home value
Florida
$396,900
Iowa
$227,300
Iowa is 43% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Florida
$1,589/mo
Iowa
$769/mo
Iowa is 52% 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
Florida
91°F
Iowa
85°F
Iowa is 6.6% less summer highs
Avg winter low
Florida
53°F
Iowa
13°F
Iowa is 75% less winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Florida
72°F
Iowa
48°F
Iowa is 33% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Florida
237
Iowa
200
Iowa has 16% lower sunny days
Annual precipitation
Florida
55 in
Iowa
35 in
Iowa is 36% less annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Florida
43
Iowa
73
Iowa has 70% higher AQI
Snow / year
Florida
0 in
Iowa
30 in

Get the full FloridaIowa 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 Florida?

Iowa's overall price level is roughly 90 (US avg = 100), vs about 99.6 for Florida — 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?

Florida tops out at 0% 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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