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Moving from Iowa to Georgia

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

IA state flag
Living now

Iowa

Capital: Des Moines

Median household income $70,571 · winter low 13°F · 200 sunny days

Corn country, low unemployment, surprisingly arts-rich.

GA state flag
Moving to

Georgia

Capital: Atlanta

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

Atlanta boomtown, film tax credits, Southern hospitality.

Georgia has an overall price level 96.3 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
Iowa
87.8
Georgia
96.3
Georgia has 9.7% higher overall price level
Housing index
Iowa
65.3
Georgia
88.7
Georgia has 36% higher housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Iowa
96.9
Georgia
99.1
Georgia has 2.2% higher groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Iowa
98.2
Georgia
99.4
Georgia has 1.3% higher utilities
Electricity rate
Iowa
13.4 ¢/kWh
Georgia
15 ¢/kWh
Georgia has 12% higher electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Iowa
97.6
Georgia
99.3
Georgia has 1.7% higher transportation
Median home value
Iowa
$227,300
Georgia
$343,300
Georgia is 51% more expensive to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Iowa
$769/mo
Georgia
$1,404/mo
Georgia is 83% more expensive to rent

Sources: NOAA Climate Normals · EPA AirNow (live) state-level

Summer high 90°F · Winter low 33°F · 218 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
Iowa
85°F
Georgia
90°F
Georgia is 5.9% more summer highs
Avg winter low
Iowa
13°F
Georgia
33°F
Georgia is 154% more winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Iowa
48°F
Georgia
63°F
Georgia is 31% more annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Iowa
200
Georgia
218
Georgia has 9.0% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
Iowa
35 in
Georgia
50 in
Georgia is 44% more annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Iowa
73
Georgia
56
Georgia has 23% lower AQI
Snow / year
Iowa
30 in
Georgia
1 in
Georgia is 97% less annual snowfall

Get the full IowaGeorgia 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 Georgia than Iowa?

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

Iowa tops out at 3.8% income tax. Georgia tops out at 5.19%.

How long do I have to register my vehicle in Georgia?

Most Georgia residents must register a vehicle within 30-60 days of moving. Check the piomover report for state-specific deadlines.

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