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Moving from Iowa to Wyoming

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Corn country, low unemployment, surprisingly arts-rich. vs. Lowest population, no income tax, energy + tourism.

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.

WY state flag
Moving to

Wyoming

Capital: Cheyenne

Median household income $72,495 · winter low 13°F · 220 sunny days

Lowest population, no income tax, energy + tourism.

Wyoming has an overall price level 92.7 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
Iowa
87.8
Wyoming
92.7
Wyoming has 5.6% higher overall price level
Housing index
Iowa
65.3
Wyoming
71.1
Wyoming has 8.9% higher housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Iowa
96.9
Wyoming
98.2
Wyoming has 1.3% higher groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Iowa
98.2
Wyoming
98.9
Wyoming has 0.8% higher utilities
Electricity rate
Iowa
13.4 ¢/kWh
Wyoming
13.6 ¢/kWh
Wyoming has 1.3% higher electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Iowa
97.6
Wyoming
98.5
Wyoming has 1.0% higher transportation
Median home value
Iowa
$227,300
Wyoming
$339,500
Wyoming is 49% more expensive to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Iowa
$769/mo
Wyoming
$783/mo
Wyoming is 1.8% more expensive to rent

Sources: NOAA Climate Normals (live) state-level

Summer high 82°F · Winter low 13°F · 220 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
Iowa
85°F
Wyoming
82°F
Wyoming is 3.5% less summer highs
Avg winter low
Iowa
13°F
Wyoming
13°F
Avg annual temperature
Iowa
48°F
Wyoming
43°F
Wyoming is 10% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Iowa
200
Wyoming
220
Wyoming has 10% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
Iowa
35 in
Wyoming
13 in
Wyoming is 62% less annual precipitation
Air quality (est. AQI)
Iowa
73
Wyoming
42
Wyoming has 42% lower AQI
Snow / year
Iowa
30 in
Wyoming
58 in
Wyoming is 93% more annual snowfall

Get the full IowaWyoming 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 Wyoming than Iowa?

Wyoming's overall price level is roughly 96.4 (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. Wyoming tops out at 0%.

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

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

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