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Moving from Iowa to New Hampshire

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Corn country, low unemployment, surprisingly arts-rich. vs. No income or sales tax, white mountains, libertarian streak.

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.

NH state flag
Moving to

New Hampshire

Capital: Concord

Median household income $90,845 · winter low 14°F · 197 sunny days

No income or sales tax, white mountains, libertarian streak.

New Hampshire has an overall price level 104.2 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
Iowa
87.8
New Hampshire
104.2
New Hampshire has 19% higher overall price level
Housing index
Iowa
65.3
New Hampshire
114.9
New Hampshire has 76% higher housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Iowa
96.9
New Hampshire
101.0
New Hampshire has 4.2% higher groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Iowa
98.2
New Hampshire
100.6
New Hampshire has 2.5% higher utilities
Electricity rate
Iowa
13.4 ¢/kWh
New Hampshire
26.9 ¢/kWh
New Hampshire has 101% higher electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Iowa
97.6
New Hampshire
100.8
New Hampshire has 3.4% higher transportation
Median home value
Iowa
$227,300
New Hampshire
$458,800
New Hampshire is 102% more expensive to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Iowa
$769/mo
New Hampshire
$1,250/mo
New Hampshire is 63% more expensive to rent

Sources: NOAA Climate Normals (live) state-level

Summer high 81°F · Winter low 14°F · 197 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
Iowa
85°F
New Hampshire
81°F
New Hampshire is 4.7% less summer highs
Avg winter low
Iowa
13°F
New Hampshire
14°F
New Hampshire is 7.7% more winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Iowa
48°F
New Hampshire
44°F
New Hampshire is 7.9% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Iowa
200
New Hampshire
197
New Hampshire has 1.5% lower sunny days
Annual precipitation
Iowa
35 in
New Hampshire
47 in
New Hampshire is 32% more annual precipitation
Air quality (est. AQI)
Iowa
73
New Hampshire
42
New Hampshire has 42% lower AQI
Snow / year
Iowa
30 in
New Hampshire
78 in
New Hampshire is 160% more annual snowfall

Get the full IowaNew Hampshire report

Schools, healthcare, taxes, transportation, lifestyle, crime, family fit, move logistics, AI assistant, and 90-day timeline.

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Frequently asked

Is it cheaper to live in New Hampshire than Iowa?

New Hampshire's overall price level is roughly 105.4 (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. New Hampshire tops out at 0%.

How long do I have to register my vehicle in New Hampshire?

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

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