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Moving from Iowa to New Jersey

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Corn country, low unemployment, surprisingly arts-rich. vs. Highest property taxes, wealthy suburbs, NYC + Philly access.

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.

NJ state flag
Moving to

New Jersey

Capital: Trenton

Median household income $97,126 · winter low 24°F · 207 sunny days

Highest property taxes, wealthy suburbs, NYC + Philly access.

New Jersey has an overall price level 108.8 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
Iowa
87.8
New Jersey
108.8
New Jersey has 24% higher overall price level
Housing index
Iowa
65.3
New Jersey
134.3
New Jersey has 106% higher housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Iowa
96.9
New Jersey
102.2
New Jersey has 5.4% higher groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Iowa
98.2
New Jersey
101.3
New Jersey has 3.2% higher utilities
Electricity rate
Iowa
13.4 ¢/kWh
New Jersey
23.5 ¢/kWh
New Jersey has 75% higher electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Iowa
97.6
New Jersey
101.8
New Jersey has 4.3% higher transportation
Median home value
Iowa
$227,300
New Jersey
$496,000
New Jersey is 118% more expensive to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Iowa
$769/mo
New Jersey
$1,554/mo
New Jersey is 102% more expensive to rent

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

Summer high 86°F · Winter low 24°F · 207 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
Iowa
85°F
New Jersey
86°F
New Jersey is 1.2% more summer highs
Avg winter low
Iowa
13°F
New Jersey
24°F
New Jersey is 85% more winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Iowa
48°F
New Jersey
53°F
New Jersey is 9.1% more annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Iowa
200
New Jersey
207
New Jersey has 3.5% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
Iowa
35 in
New Jersey
48 in
New Jersey is 35% more annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Iowa
73
New Jersey
44
New Jersey has 40% lower AQI
Snow / year
Iowa
30 in
New Jersey
24 in
New Jersey is 20% less annual snowfall

Get the full IowaNew Jersey 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 New Jersey than Iowa?

New Jersey's overall price level is roughly 110.5 (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 Jersey tops out at 10.75%.

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

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

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