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Moving from Iowa to Oklahoma

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Corn country, low unemployment, surprisingly arts-rich. vs. Energy, tornados, very low housing costs.

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.

OK state flag
Moving to

Oklahoma

Capital: Oklahoma City

Median household income $61,364 · winter low 27°F · 235 sunny days

Energy, tornados, very low housing costs.

Oklahoma has an overall price level 87.8 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
Iowa
87.8
Oklahoma
87.8
Housing index
Iowa
65.3
Oklahoma
62.8
Oklahoma has 3.9% lower housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Iowa
96.9
Oklahoma
97.0
Utilities index (modeled)
Iowa
98.2
Oklahoma
98.2
Electricity rate
Iowa
13.4 ¢/kWh
Oklahoma
13.6 ¢/kWh
Oklahoma has 1.0% higher electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Iowa
97.6
Oklahoma
97.6
Median home value
Iowa
$227,300
Oklahoma
$222,100
Oklahoma is 2.3% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Iowa
$769/mo
Oklahoma
$852/mo
Oklahoma is 11% more expensive to rent

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

Summer high 93°F · Winter low 27°F · 235 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
Iowa
85°F
Oklahoma
93°F
Oklahoma is 9.4% more summer highs
Avg winter low
Iowa
13°F
Oklahoma
27°F
Oklahoma is 108% more winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Iowa
48°F
Oklahoma
60°F
Oklahoma is 24% more annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Iowa
200
Oklahoma
235
Oklahoma has 18% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
Iowa
35 in
Oklahoma
38 in
Oklahoma is 6.8% more annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Iowa
73
Oklahoma
47
Oklahoma has 36% lower AQI
Snow / year
Iowa
30 in
Oklahoma
6 in
Oklahoma is 80% less annual snowfall

Get the full IowaOklahoma 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 Oklahoma than Iowa?

Oklahoma's overall price level is roughly 87.4 (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. Oklahoma tops out at 4.5%.

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

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

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