Skip to content

Free comparison

Moving from Wyoming to Iowa

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Lowest population, no income tax, energy + tourism. vs. Corn country, low unemployment, surprisingly arts-rich.

WY state flag
Living now

Wyoming

Capital: Cheyenne

Median household income $72,495 · winter low 13°F · 220 sunny days

Lowest population, no income tax, energy + tourism.

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
Wyoming
92.7
Iowa
87.8
Iowa has 5.3% lower overall price level
Housing index
Wyoming
71.1
Iowa
65.3
Iowa has 8.2% lower housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Wyoming
98.2
Iowa
96.9
Iowa has 1.3% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Wyoming
98.9
Iowa
98.2
Iowa has 0.7% lower utilities
Electricity rate
Wyoming
13.6 ¢/kWh
Iowa
13.4 ¢/kWh
Iowa has 1.3% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Wyoming
98.5
Iowa
97.6
Iowa has 1.0% lower transportation
Median home value
Wyoming
$339,500
Iowa
$227,300
Iowa is 33% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Wyoming
$783/mo
Iowa
$769/mo
Iowa is 1.8% 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
Wyoming
82°F
Iowa
85°F
Iowa is 3.7% more summer highs
Avg winter low
Wyoming
13°F
Iowa
13°F
Avg annual temperature
Wyoming
43°F
Iowa
48°F
Iowa is 11% more annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Wyoming
220
Iowa
200
Iowa has 9.1% lower sunny days
Annual precipitation
Wyoming
13 in
Iowa
35 in
Iowa is 164% more annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Wyoming
42
Iowa
73
Iowa has 74% higher AQI
Snow / year
Wyoming
58 in
Iowa
30 in
Iowa is 48% less annual snowfall

Get the full WyomingIowa 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 Wyoming?

Iowa's overall price level is roughly 90 (US avg = 100), vs about 96.4 for Wyoming — 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?

Wyoming tops out at 0% 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.

Related comparisons