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Moving from Iowa to Vermont

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Corn country, low unemployment, surprisingly arts-rich. vs. Foliage, syrup, progressive politics, aging population.

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.

VT state flag
Moving to

Vermont

Capital: Montpelier

Median household income $74,014 · winter low 9°F · 152 sunny days

Foliage, syrup, progressive politics, aging population.

Vermont has an overall price level 98.0 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
Iowa
87.8
Vermont
98.0
Vermont has 12% higher overall price level
Housing index
Iowa
65.3
Vermont
86.5
Vermont has 32% higher housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Iowa
96.9
Vermont
99.5
Vermont has 2.6% higher groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Iowa
98.2
Vermont
99.7
Vermont has 1.6% higher utilities
Electricity rate
Iowa
13.4 ¢/kWh
Vermont
24.1 ¢/kWh
Vermont has 80% higher electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Iowa
97.6
Vermont
99.6
Vermont has 2.1% higher transportation
Median home value
Iowa
$227,300
Vermont
$352,800
Vermont is 55% more expensive to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Iowa
$769/mo
Vermont
$1,089/mo
Vermont is 42% more expensive to rent

Sources: NOAA Climate Normals (live) state-level

Summer high 80°F · Winter low 9°F · 152 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
Iowa
85°F
Vermont
80°F
Vermont is 5.9% less summer highs
Avg winter low
Iowa
13°F
Vermont
9°F
Vermont is 31% less winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Iowa
48°F
Vermont
43°F
Vermont is 10% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Iowa
200
Vermont
152
Vermont has 24% lower sunny days
Annual precipitation
Iowa
35 in
Vermont
45 in
Vermont is 27% more annual precipitation
Air quality (est. AQI)
Iowa
73
Vermont
42
Vermont has 42% lower AQI
Snow / year
Iowa
30 in
Vermont
90 in
Vermont is 200% more annual snowfall

Get the full IowaVermont 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 Vermont than Iowa?

Vermont's overall price level is roughly 99.3 (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. Vermont tops out at 8.75%.

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

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

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