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Moving from Oklahoma to Iowa

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Energy, tornados, very low housing costs. vs. Corn country, low unemployment, surprisingly arts-rich.

OK state flag
Living now

Oklahoma

Capital: Oklahoma City

Median household income $61,364 · winter low 27°F · 235 sunny days

Energy, tornados, very low housing costs.

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
Oklahoma
87.8
Iowa
87.8
Housing index
Oklahoma
62.8
Iowa
65.3
Iowa has 4.1% higher housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Oklahoma
97.0
Iowa
96.9
Utilities index (modeled)
Oklahoma
98.2
Iowa
98.2
Electricity rate
Oklahoma
13.6 ¢/kWh
Iowa
13.4 ¢/kWh
Iowa has 1.0% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Oklahoma
97.6
Iowa
97.6
Median home value
Oklahoma
$222,100
Iowa
$227,300
Iowa is 2.3% more expensive to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Oklahoma
$852/mo
Iowa
$769/mo
Iowa is 9.7% 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
Oklahoma
93°F
Iowa
85°F
Iowa is 8.6% less summer highs
Avg winter low
Oklahoma
27°F
Iowa
13°F
Iowa is 52% less winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Oklahoma
60°F
Iowa
48°F
Iowa is 19% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Oklahoma
235
Iowa
200
Iowa has 15% lower sunny days
Annual precipitation
Oklahoma
38 in
Iowa
35 in
Iowa is 6.4% less annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Oklahoma
47
Iowa
73
Iowa has 55% higher AQI
Snow / year
Oklahoma
6 in
Iowa
30 in
Iowa is 400% more annual snowfall

Get the full OklahomaIowa 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 Oklahoma?

Iowa's overall price level is roughly 90 (US avg = 100), vs about 87.4 for Oklahoma — 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?

Oklahoma tops out at 4.5% 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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