State Comparison

Nebraska vs Iowa

Side-by-side comparison of 16 financial metrics including taxes, housing costs, cost of living, wages, and insurance — powered by verified government data.

Overall Score

5
Nebraska
NE
vs
of 16 metrics
11
Iowa
IA

Cost of Living

Cost of Living Index
NE: 90.8
IA: 90.1
IA

Housing

Median Home Price
NE: $240,000
IA: $205,000
IA
Median 2BR Rent
NE: $960/mo
IA: $870/mo
IA
Closing Costs
NE: 2.70%
IA: 2.80%
NE
Transfer Tax Rate
NE: 0.23%
IA: 0.16%
IA

Taxes

Property Tax Rate
NE: 1.73%
IA: 1.57%
IA
Top Income Tax Rate
NE: 5.84%
IA: 3.90%
IA
Sales Tax Rate
NE: 5.50%
IA: 6.00%
NE
Capital Gains Tax Rate
NE: 5.84%
IA: 3.90%
IA

Income & Employment

Median Household Income
NE: $66,644
IA: $65,573
NE
Minimum Wage
NE: $13.50/hr
IA: $7.25/hr
NE
Max Unemployment Benefit
NE: $440/wk
IA: $507/wk
IA

Business

LLC Filing Fee
NE: $100
IA: $50
IA
LLC Annual Fee
NE: $13
IA: $60
NE

Insurance & Living

Avg Car Insurance
NE: $1,520/yr
IA: $1,280/yr
IA
Avg Home Insurance
NE: $3,050/yr
IA: $2,020/yr
IA

Key Takeaways

  • 1

    Iowa leads in 11 of 16 financial metrics, making it the more favorable state overall.

  • 2

    Housing: Median home prices are $240,000 in Nebraska vs $205,000 in Iowa — a $35,000 difference.

  • 3

    Taxes: Nebraska has a 5.84% top income tax rate while Iowa has a 3.9% top rate. Property tax rates are 1.73% vs 1.57%.

  • 4

    Cost of Living: Nebraska's index is 90.8 and Iowa's is 90.1 (national average = 100).

Run the Numbers

Use our free calculators with real Nebraska and Iowa data to model your specific scenario.

Nebraska Property Tax Calculator Iowa Property Tax Calculator Nebraska Paycheck Calculator Iowa Paycheck Calculator Nebraska Cost of Living Calculator Iowa Cost of Living Calculator

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Nebraska or Iowa more affordable?

Iowa has a lower cost of living index (90.1) compared to Nebraska (90.8), where 100 is the national average. However, affordability depends on your specific situation — compare housing, taxes, and income together for a complete picture.

Which state has lower taxes — Nebraska or Iowa?

Overall, Iowa has a lower combined tax burden. Nebraska has a 5.84% top income tax, 5.5% sales tax, and 1.73% property tax. Iowa has a 3.9% top income tax, 6% sales tax, and 1.57% property tax.

What are housing costs in Nebraska vs Iowa?

The median home price in Nebraska is $240,000 compared to $205,000 in Iowa. For renters, a 2-bedroom apartment averages $960/month in Nebraska vs $870/month in Iowa.

Which state is better for starting a business — Nebraska or Iowa?

LLC filing costs are $100 in Nebraska vs $50 in Iowa, with annual fees of $13 and $60 respectively. Nebraska's 5.84% top tax rate compared to Iowa's 3.9% rate may also factor into your decision.

Should I move from Nebraska to Iowa?

It depends on your priorities. Iowa wins in 11 of 16 metrics we compared. Use our free calculators to model your specific financial scenario — including salary, property tax, and cost of living for each state.

Related Comparisons

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Comparing Nebraska and Iowa

When deciding between living in Nebraska or Iowa, the financial picture goes beyond just one metric. This comparison analyzes 16 key financial indicators sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau, Tax Foundation, HUD Fair Market Rent data, and Bureau of Labor Statistics to give you a comprehensive overview.

Nebraska (NE) has a median household income of $66,644 with a cost of living index of 90.8. Iowa (IA) has a median household income of $65,573 with a cost of living index of 90.1.

These numbers are estimates. Individual circumstances vary based on location within each state, family size, profession, and lifestyle. Use our free Nebraska calculator or Iowa calculator to model your specific financial scenario.

Data sources: Census Bureau ACS, Tax Foundation, HUD FMR, BLS. Last verified January 2026. Calculators provide estimates only — consult a qualified professional for financial advice.