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Moving from Iowa to Hawaii

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

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.

HI state flag
Moving to

Hawaii

Capital: Honolulu

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

Pacific paradise, eye-watering housing, isolated.

Hawaii has an overall price level 110.0 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
Iowa
87.8
Hawaii
110.0
Hawaii has 25% higher overall price level
Housing index
Iowa
65.3
Hawaii
125.3
Hawaii has 92% higher housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Iowa
96.9
Hawaii
102.5
Hawaii has 5.7% higher groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Iowa
98.2
Hawaii
101.5
Hawaii has 3.4% higher utilities
Electricity rate
Iowa
13.4 ¢/kWh
Hawaii
42.2 ¢/kWh
Hawaii has 215% higher electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Iowa
97.6
Hawaii
102.0
Hawaii has 4.5% higher transportation
Median home value
Iowa
$227,300
Hawaii
$875,900
Hawaii is 285% more expensive to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Iowa
$769/mo
Hawaii
$1,579/mo
Hawaii is 105% more expensive to rent

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

Summer high 87°F · Winter low 65°F · 271 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
Iowa
85°F
Hawaii
87°F
Hawaii is 2.4% more summer highs
Avg winter low
Iowa
13°F
Hawaii
65°F
Hawaii is 400% more winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Iowa
48°F
Hawaii
72°F
Hawaii is 49% more annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Iowa
200
Hawaii
271
Hawaii has 36% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
Iowa
35 in
Hawaii
57 in
Hawaii is 62% more annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Iowa
73
Hawaii
17
Hawaii has 77% lower AQI
Snow / year
Iowa
30 in
Hawaii
0 in
Hawaii is 100% less annual snowfall

Get the full IowaHawaii 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 Hawaii than Iowa?

Hawaii's overall price level is roughly 113.2 (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. Hawaii tops out at 11%.

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

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

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