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Moving from Iowa to Missouri

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Corn country, low unemployment, surprisingly arts-rich. vs. Show-Me State, KC + STL metros, BBQ rivalries.

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.

MO state flag
Moving to

Missouri

Capital: Jefferson City

Median household income $65,920 · winter low 24°F · 200 sunny days

Show-Me State, KC + STL metros, BBQ rivalries.

Missouri has an overall price level 90.8 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
Iowa
87.8
Missouri
90.8
Missouri has 3.5% higher overall price level
Housing index
Iowa
65.3
Missouri
69.9
Missouri has 7.0% higher housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Iowa
96.9
Missouri
97.7
Missouri has 0.8% higher groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Iowa
98.2
Missouri
98.6
Electricity rate
Iowa
13.4 ¢/kWh
Missouri
13.4 ¢/kWh
Transportation index (modeled)
Iowa
97.6
Missouri
98.2
Missouri has 0.6% higher transportation
Median home value
Iowa
$227,300
Missouri
$254,400
Missouri is 12% more expensive to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Iowa
$769/mo
Missouri
$870/mo
Missouri is 13% more expensive to rent

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

Summer high 88°F · Winter low 24°F · 200 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
Iowa
85°F
Missouri
88°F
Missouri is 3.5% more summer highs
Avg winter low
Iowa
13°F
Missouri
24°F
Missouri is 85% more winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Iowa
48°F
Missouri
55°F
Missouri is 14% more annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Iowa
200
Missouri
200
Annual precipitation
Iowa
35 in
Missouri
44 in
Missouri is 24% more annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Iowa
73
Missouri
44
Missouri has 40% lower AQI
Snow / year
Iowa
30 in
Missouri
12 in
Missouri is 60% less annual snowfall

Get the full IowaMissouri 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 Missouri than Iowa?

Missouri's overall price level is roughly 89.1 (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. Missouri tops out at 4.7%.

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

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

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