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Moving from Iowa to Texas

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Corn country, low unemployment, surprisingly arts-rich. vs. No income tax, mega-economies, hot summers, big swings.

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.

TX state flag
Moving to

Texas

Capital: Austin

Median household income $75,780 · winter low 38°F · 232 sunny days

No income tax, mega-economies, hot summers, big swings.

Texas has an overall price level 97.1 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
Iowa
87.8
Texas
97.1
Texas has 11% higher overall price level
Housing index
Iowa
65.3
Texas
96.5
Texas has 48% higher housing costs
Groceries index
Iowa
93.7
Texas
98.1
Texas has 4.6% higher groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Iowa
98.2
Texas
99.6
Texas has 1.4% higher utilities
Electricity rate
Iowa
13.9 ¢/kWh
Texas
17 ¢/kWh
Texas has 23% higher electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Iowa
97.6
Texas
99.4
Texas has 1.9% higher transportation
Median home value
Iowa
$227,300
Texas
$313,200
Texas is 38% more expensive to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Iowa
$981/mo
Texas
$1,475/mo
Texas is 50% more expensive to rent

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

Summer high 96°F · Winter low 38°F · 232 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
Iowa
85°F
Texas
96°F
Texas is 13% more summer highs
Avg winter low
Iowa
13°F
Texas
38°F
Texas is 192% more winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Iowa
48°F
Texas
65°F
Texas is 35% more annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Iowa
200
Texas
232
Texas has 16% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
Iowa
35 in
Texas
33 in
Texas is 6.6% less annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Iowa
69
Texas
43
Texas has 38% lower AQI
Snow / year
Iowa
0 in
Texas
2 in

Get the full IowaTexas report

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

See the full comparison

Frequently asked

Is it cheaper to live in Texas than Iowa?

Texas's overall price level is roughly 96.3 (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. Texas tops out at 0%.

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

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

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