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Moving from Kansas to Iowa

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Plains, aviation industry, university towns. vs. Corn country, low unemployment, surprisingly arts-rich.

KS state flag
Living now

Kansas

Capital: Topeka

Median household income $69,747 · winter low 21°F · 217 sunny days

Plains, aviation industry, university towns.

IA state flag
Moving to

Iowa

Capital: Des Moines

Median household income $70,571 · winter low 13°F · 200 sunny days

Corn country, low unemployment, surprisingly arts-rich.

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

Overall price index
Kansas
90.1
Iowa
87.8
Iowa has 2.6% lower overall price level
Housing index
Kansas
71.2
Iowa
65.3
Iowa has 8.2% lower housing costs
Groceries index
Kansas
94.0
Iowa
93.7
Utilities index (modeled)
Kansas
98.5
Iowa
98.2
Electricity rate
Kansas
15.8 ¢/kWh
Iowa
13.9 ¢/kWh
Iowa has 12% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Kansas
98.0
Iowa
97.6
Median home value
Kansas
$238,700
Iowa
$227,300
Iowa is 4.8% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Kansas
$1,079/mo
Iowa
$981/mo
Iowa is 9.1% cheaper to rent

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

Summer high 85°F · Winter low 13°F · 200 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
Kansas
89°F
Iowa
85°F
Iowa is 4.5% less summer highs
Avg winter low
Kansas
21°F
Iowa
13°F
Iowa is 38% less winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Kansas
55°F
Iowa
48°F
Iowa is 12% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Kansas
217
Iowa
200
Iowa has 7.8% lower sunny days
Annual precipitation
Kansas
32 in
Iowa
35 in
Iowa is 11% more annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Kansas
80
Iowa
69
Iowa has 14% lower AQI
Earthquakes (M3+, past yr)
Kansas
12
Iowa
0
Iowa has 100% lower felt earthquakes
Snow / year
Kansas
16 in
Iowa
30 in
Iowa is 88% more annual snowfall

Get the full KansasIowa 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 Iowa than Kansas?

Iowa's overall price level is roughly 90 (US avg = 100), vs about 90.1 for Kansas, 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?

Kansas tops out at 5.58% income tax. Iowa tops out at 3.8%.

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

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

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