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Moving from Georgia to Iowa

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Atlanta boomtown, film tax credits, Southern hospitality. vs. Corn country, low unemployment, surprisingly arts-rich.

GA state flag
Living now

Georgia

Capital: Atlanta

Median household income $71,355 · winter low 33°F · 218 sunny days

Atlanta boomtown, film tax credits, Southern hospitality.

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
Georgia
96.3
Iowa
87.8
Iowa has 8.9% lower overall price level
Housing index
Georgia
88.7
Iowa
65.3
Iowa has 26% lower housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Georgia
99.1
Iowa
96.9
Iowa has 2.2% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Georgia
99.4
Iowa
98.2
Iowa has 1.3% lower utilities
Electricity rate
Georgia
15 ¢/kWh
Iowa
13.4 ¢/kWh
Iowa has 11% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Georgia
99.3
Iowa
97.6
Iowa has 1.7% lower transportation
Median home value
Georgia
$343,300
Iowa
$227,300
Iowa is 34% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Georgia
$1,404/mo
Iowa
$769/mo
Iowa is 45% 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
Georgia
90°F
Iowa
85°F
Iowa is 5.6% less summer highs
Avg winter low
Georgia
33°F
Iowa
13°F
Iowa is 61% less winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Georgia
63°F
Iowa
48°F
Iowa is 24% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Georgia
218
Iowa
200
Iowa has 8.3% lower sunny days
Annual precipitation
Georgia
50 in
Iowa
35 in
Iowa is 30% less annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Georgia
56
Iowa
73
Iowa has 30% higher AQI
Snow / year
Georgia
1 in
Iowa
30 in
Iowa is 2900% more annual snowfall

Get the full GeorgiaIowa 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 Georgia?

Iowa's overall price level is roughly 90 (US avg = 100), vs about 95.6 for Georgia — 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?

Georgia tops out at 5.19% 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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