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Moving from Iowa to Louisiana

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Corn country, low unemployment, surprisingly arts-rich. vs. Distinct culture, food, music — high crime metros.

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.

LA state flag
Moving to

Louisiana

Capital: Baton Rouge

Median household income $57,852 · winter low 41°F · 216 sunny days

Distinct culture, food, music — high crime metros.

Louisiana has an overall price level 88.2 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
Iowa
87.8
Louisiana
88.2
Louisiana has 0.5% higher overall price level
Housing index
Iowa
65.3
Louisiana
63.1
Louisiana has 3.4% lower housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Iowa
96.9
Louisiana
97.1
Utilities index (modeled)
Iowa
98.2
Louisiana
98.2
Electricity rate
Iowa
13.4 ¢/kWh
Louisiana
14.2 ¢/kWh
Louisiana has 5.5% higher electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Iowa
97.6
Louisiana
97.6
Median home value
Iowa
$227,300
Louisiana
$223,200
Louisiana is 1.8% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Iowa
$769/mo
Louisiana
$932/mo
Louisiana is 21% more expensive to rent

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

Summer high 92°F · Winter low 41°F · 216 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
Iowa
85°F
Louisiana
92°F
Louisiana is 8.2% more summer highs
Avg winter low
Iowa
13°F
Louisiana
41°F
Louisiana is 215% more winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Iowa
48°F
Louisiana
67°F
Louisiana is 38% more annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Iowa
200
Louisiana
216
Louisiana has 8.0% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
Iowa
35 in
Louisiana
60 in
Louisiana is 70% more annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Iowa
73
Louisiana
76
Louisiana has 4.1% higher AQI
Snow / year
Iowa
30 in
Louisiana
0 in
Louisiana is 100% less annual snowfall

Get the full IowaLouisiana 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 Louisiana than Iowa?

Louisiana's overall price level is roughly 90.6 (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. Louisiana tops out at 3%.

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

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

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