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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 (modeled)
Iowa
96.9
Texas
99.3
Texas has 2.4% higher groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Iowa
98.2
Texas
99.6
Texas has 1.4% higher utilities
Electricity rate
Iowa
13.4 ¢/kWh
Texas
16.4 ¢/kWh
Texas has 22% 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
$769/mo
Texas
$1,307/mo
Texas is 70% more expensive to rent

Sources: 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
Sunny days / year
Iowa
48.2
Texas
232
Texas has 381% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
Iowa
200 in
Texas
28 in
Texas is 86% less annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Iowa
35.1
Texas
57
Texas has 62% higher AQI
Snow / year
Iowa
73 in
Texas
3 in
Texas is 96% less annual snowfall

Get the full IowaTexas 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 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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