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Moving from Indiana to Iowa

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Affordable, manufacturing & logistics, Indy 500. vs. Corn country, low unemployment, surprisingly arts-rich.

IN state flag
Living now

Indiana

Capital: Indianapolis

Median household income $67,173 · winter low 22°F · 186 sunny days

Affordable, manufacturing & logistics, Indy 500.

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
Indiana
93.3
Iowa
87.8
Iowa has 6.0% lower overall price level
Housing index
Indiana
73.9
Iowa
65.3
Iowa has 12% lower housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Indiana
98.3
Iowa
96.9
Iowa has 1.4% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Indiana
99.0
Iowa
98.2
Iowa has 0.8% lower utilities
Electricity rate
Indiana
17.9 ¢/kWh
Iowa
13.4 ¢/kWh
Iowa has 25% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Indiana
98.7
Iowa
97.6
Iowa has 1.1% lower transportation
Median home value
Indiana
$243,500
Iowa
$227,300
Iowa is 6.7% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Indiana
$931/mo
Iowa
$769/mo
Iowa is 17% 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
Indiana
85°F
Iowa
85°F
Avg winter low
Indiana
22°F
Iowa
13°F
Iowa is 41% less winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Indiana
52°F
Iowa
48°F
Iowa is 7.5% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Indiana
186
Iowa
200
Iowa has 7.5% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
Indiana
43 in
Iowa
35 in
Iowa is 18% less annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Indiana
56
Iowa
73
Iowa has 30% higher AQI
Snow / year
Indiana
20 in
Iowa
30 in
Iowa is 50% more annual snowfall

Get the full IndianaIowa 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 Indiana?

Iowa's overall price level is roughly 90 (US avg = 100), vs about 90.4 for Indiana — 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?

Indiana tops out at 2.95% 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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