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Moving from Louisiana to Iowa

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Distinct culture, food, music — high crime metros. vs. Corn country, low unemployment, surprisingly arts-rich.

LA state flag
Living now

Louisiana

Capital: Baton Rouge

Median household income $57,852 · winter low 41°F · 216 sunny days

Distinct culture, food, music — high crime metros.

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
Louisiana
88.2
Iowa
87.8
Iowa has 0.5% lower overall price level
Housing index
Louisiana
63.1
Iowa
65.3
Iowa has 3.5% higher housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Louisiana
97.1
Iowa
96.9
Utilities index (modeled)
Louisiana
98.2
Iowa
98.2
Electricity rate
Louisiana
14.2 ¢/kWh
Iowa
13.4 ¢/kWh
Iowa has 5.2% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Louisiana
97.6
Iowa
97.6
Median home value
Louisiana
$223,200
Iowa
$227,300
Iowa is 1.8% more expensive to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Louisiana
$932/mo
Iowa
$769/mo
Iowa is 17% cheaper to rent

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

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

Avg summer high
Louisiana
92°F
Iowa
85°F
Iowa is 7.6% less summer highs
Avg winter low
Louisiana
41°F
Iowa
13°F
Iowa is 68% less winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Louisiana
67°F
Iowa
48°F
Iowa is 28% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Louisiana
216
Iowa
200
Iowa has 7.4% lower sunny days
Annual precipitation
Louisiana
60 in
Iowa
35 in
Iowa is 41% less annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Louisiana
76
Iowa
73
Iowa has 3.9% lower AQI
Snow / year
Louisiana
0 in
Iowa
30 in

Get the full LouisianaIowa 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 Iowa than Louisiana?

Iowa's overall price level is roughly 90 (US avg = 100), vs about 90.6 for Louisiana — 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?

Louisiana tops out at 3% 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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