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Moving from Nebraska to Iowa

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Steady Plains economy, Buffett's Berkshire, low unemployment. vs. Corn country, low unemployment, surprisingly arts-rich.

NE state flag
Living now

Nebraska

Capital: Lincoln

Median household income $71,722 · winter low 14°F · 220 sunny days

Steady Plains economy, Buffett's Berkshire, low unemployment.

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
Nebraska
90.1
Iowa
87.8
Iowa has 2.6% lower overall price level
Housing index
Nebraska
75.2
Iowa
65.3
Iowa has 13% lower housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Nebraska
97.5
Iowa
96.9
Iowa has 0.6% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Nebraska
98.5
Iowa
98.2
Electricity rate
Nebraska
13.1 ¢/kWh
Iowa
13.4 ¢/kWh
Iowa has 2.4% higher electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Nebraska
98.0
Iowa
97.6
Median home value
Nebraska
$263,100
Iowa
$227,300
Iowa is 14% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Nebraska
$999/mo
Iowa
$769/mo
Iowa is 23% 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
Nebraska
88°F
Iowa
85°F
Iowa is 3.4% less summer highs
Avg winter low
Nebraska
14°F
Iowa
13°F
Iowa is 7.1% less winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Nebraska
49°F
Iowa
48°F
Iowa is 2.0% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Nebraska
220
Iowa
200
Iowa has 9.1% lower sunny days
Annual precipitation
Nebraska
25 in
Iowa
35 in
Iowa is 38% more annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Nebraska
40
Iowa
73
Iowa has 83% higher AQI
Snow / year
Nebraska
29 in
Iowa
30 in
Iowa is 3.4% more annual snowfall

Get the full NebraskaIowa 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 Nebraska?

Iowa's overall price level is roughly 90 (US avg = 100), vs about 90.3 for Nebraska — 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?

Nebraska tops out at 4.55% 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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