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Moving from Vermont to Iowa

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Foliage, syrup, progressive politics, aging population. vs. Corn country, low unemployment, surprisingly arts-rich.

VT state flag
Living now

Vermont

Capital: Montpelier

Median household income $74,014 · winter low 9°F · 152 sunny days

Foliage, syrup, progressive politics, aging population.

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
Vermont
98.0
Iowa
87.8
Iowa has 10% lower overall price level
Housing index
Vermont
86.5
Iowa
65.3
Iowa has 24% lower housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Vermont
99.5
Iowa
96.9
Iowa has 2.6% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Vermont
99.7
Iowa
98.2
Iowa has 1.5% lower utilities
Electricity rate
Vermont
24.1 ¢/kWh
Iowa
13.4 ¢/kWh
Iowa has 44% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Vermont
99.6
Iowa
97.6
Iowa has 2.0% lower transportation
Median home value
Vermont
$352,800
Iowa
$227,300
Iowa is 36% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Vermont
$1,089/mo
Iowa
$769/mo
Iowa is 29% 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
Vermont
80°F
Iowa
85°F
Iowa is 6.3% more summer highs
Avg winter low
Vermont
9°F
Iowa
13°F
Iowa is 44% more winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Vermont
43°F
Iowa
48°F
Iowa is 12% more annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Vermont
152
Iowa
200
Iowa has 32% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
Vermont
45 in
Iowa
35 in
Iowa is 21% less annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Vermont
42
Iowa
73
Iowa has 74% higher AQI
Snow / year
Vermont
90 in
Iowa
30 in
Iowa is 67% less annual snowfall

Get the full VermontIowa 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 Vermont?

Iowa's overall price level is roughly 90 (US avg = 100), vs about 99.3 for Vermont — 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?

Vermont tops out at 8.75% 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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