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Moving from Hawaii to Iowa

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Pacific paradise, eye-watering housing, isolated. vs. Corn country, low unemployment, surprisingly arts-rich.

HI state flag
Living now

Hawaii

Capital: Honolulu

Median household income $94,814 · winter low 65°F · 271 sunny days

Pacific paradise, eye-watering housing, isolated.

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
Hawaii
110.0
Iowa
87.8
Iowa has 20% lower overall price level
Housing index
Hawaii
125.3
Iowa
65.3
Iowa has 48% lower housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Hawaii
102.5
Iowa
96.9
Iowa has 5.4% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Hawaii
101.5
Iowa
98.2
Iowa has 3.3% lower utilities
Electricity rate
Hawaii
42.2 ¢/kWh
Iowa
13.4 ¢/kWh
Iowa has 68% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Hawaii
102.0
Iowa
97.6
Iowa has 4.4% lower transportation
Median home value
Hawaii
$875,900
Iowa
$227,300
Iowa is 74% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Hawaii
$1,579/mo
Iowa
$769/mo
Iowa is 51% 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
Hawaii
87°F
Iowa
85°F
Iowa is 2.3% less summer highs
Avg winter low
Hawaii
65°F
Iowa
13°F
Iowa is 80% less winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Hawaii
72°F
Iowa
48°F
Iowa is 33% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Hawaii
271
Iowa
200
Iowa has 26% lower sunny days
Annual precipitation
Hawaii
57 in
Iowa
35 in
Iowa is 38% less annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Hawaii
17
Iowa
73
Iowa has 329% higher AQI
Snow / year
Hawaii
0 in
Iowa
30 in

Get the full HawaiiIowa 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 Hawaii?

Iowa's overall price level is roughly 90 (US avg = 100), vs about 113.2 for Hawaii — 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?

Hawaii tops out at 11% 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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