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Moving from Iowa to Nebraska

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Corn country, low unemployment, surprisingly arts-rich. vs. Steady Plains economy, Buffett's Berkshire, low unemployment.

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.

NE state flag
Moving to

Nebraska

Capital: Lincoln

Median household income $71,722 · winter low 14°F · 220 sunny days

Steady Plains economy, Buffett's Berkshire, low unemployment.

Nebraska has an overall price level 90.1 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
Iowa
87.8
Nebraska
90.1
Nebraska has 2.7% higher overall price level
Housing index
Iowa
65.3
Nebraska
75.2
Nebraska has 15% higher housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Iowa
96.9
Nebraska
97.5
Nebraska has 0.6% higher groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Iowa
98.2
Nebraska
98.5
Electricity rate
Iowa
13.4 ¢/kWh
Nebraska
13.1 ¢/kWh
Nebraska has 2.4% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Iowa
97.6
Nebraska
98.0
Median home value
Iowa
$227,300
Nebraska
$263,100
Nebraska is 16% more expensive to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Iowa
$769/mo
Nebraska
$999/mo
Nebraska is 30% more expensive to rent

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

Summer high 88°F · Winter low 14°F · 220 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
Iowa
85°F
Nebraska
88°F
Nebraska is 3.5% more summer highs
Avg winter low
Iowa
13°F
Nebraska
14°F
Nebraska is 7.7% more winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Iowa
48°F
Nebraska
49°F
Nebraska is 2.1% more annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Iowa
200
Nebraska
220
Nebraska has 10% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
Iowa
35 in
Nebraska
25 in
Nebraska is 28% less annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Iowa
73
Nebraska
40
Nebraska has 45% lower AQI
Snow / year
Iowa
30 in
Nebraska
29 in
Nebraska is 3.3% less annual snowfall

Get the full IowaNebraska 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 Nebraska than Iowa?

Nebraska's overall price level is roughly 90.3 (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. Nebraska tops out at 4.55%.

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

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

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