Iowa Cost of Living Calculator
Iowa scores 86.1 on the C2ER cost of living index (housing 70.6, Q2 2026): $75,000 at the U.S. average equals about $64,575 here; its highest part is groceries at 96.2.
| Index | Iowa |
|---|---|
| Composite (sets the equivalent salary) | 86.1 |
| Housing (sets the equivalent rent) | 70.6 |
| Groceries | 96.2 |
| Utilities | 81.7 |
| Transportation | 93.5 |
| Health care | 93.0 |
| Other goods and services | 93.4 |
Source: MERIC Cost of Living Data Series, C2ER (https://meric.mo.gov/data/cost-living-data-series).
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Pre-filled: MERIC (C2ER Cost of Living Index)
Additional Details
Pre-filled: MERIC (C2ER Cost of Living Index, Housing component)
Equivalent Salary Needed
Estimated • Based on your inputs
Salary Difference
-$10,425.00
Detailed Breakdown
Disclaimer: This calculator provides estimates for informational purposes only. Results should not be considered financial, tax, or legal advice. Consult a qualified professional for your specific situation.
How This Calculator Works
Calculation methodology and assumptions
Iowa's figures fill the destination side: composite 86.1 for the salary, housing 70.6 for the rent, and 3.8% flat for the tax line.
How the salary, rent and tax lines are worked out (the same for every state)
Key State Information
Iowa ranks 3rd lowest of the 50 states on the composite index (86.1). Median household income: $75,501 (U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2024 1-year, table B19013). Statewide two-bedroom Fair Market Rent (HUD FY2027): $1,125 a month.
What Iowa's index does to a salary and a rent
| Salary at the U.S. average | Same buying power in Iowa | Rent at the U.S. average → in Iowa | Iowa income tax on that salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $43,050 | $1,000 → $706 | $997 (2.3%) |
| $75,000 | $64,575 | $1,500 → $1,059 | $1,815 (2.8%) |
| $100,000 | $86,100 | $2,000 → $1,412 | $2,633 (3.1%) |
| $150,000 | $129,150 | $2,500 → $1,765 | $4,269 (3.3%) |
Iowa 2026 single-filer rates, after Iowa Department of Revenue — 2025 IA 1040, Step 3 (personal credit) and line 2 (federal taxable income) (tax year 2025).
Iowa and the states it borders
| State | Its composite / housing | $75,000 there = in Iowa | $1,500 rent there = in Iowa | $75,000 in Iowa = there | Income tax there → here |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 94.5 / 83.3 | $68,333 | $1,271 | $82,317 | 4.95% flat → 3.8% flat |
| Minnesota | 93.4 / 79.1 | $69,138 | $1,339 | $81,359 | 9.85% top rate → 3.8% flat |
| Missouri | 88.2 / 77.7 | $73,214 | $1,363 | $76,829 | 4.7% top rate → 3.8% flat |
| Nebraska | 90.1 / 76.5 | $71,670 | $1,384 | $78,484 | 4.55% top rate → 3.8% flat |
| South Dakota | 93.5 / 86.3 | $69,064 | $1,227 | $81,446 | none on wages → 3.8% flat |
| Wisconsin | 95.7 / 91.2 | $67,476 | $1,161 | $83,362 | 7.65% top rate → 3.8% flat |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Iowa?
Iowa's composite index is 86.1 for Q2 2026, the 3rd lowest of the 50 states. A $75,000 salary at the national average buys what about $64,575 buys in Iowa.
Which prices are highest and lowest in Iowa?
Against a U.S. average of 100, Iowa's highest part is groceries (96.2) and its lowest is housing (70.6); none of the six parts is above the national average (C2ER, Q2 2026).
What salary keeps a two-bedroom rent in Iowa at 30% of income?
About $45,000 a year: Iowa's FY2027 statewide two-bedroom Fair Market Rent is $1,125 a month, and $13,500 a year is 30% of that salary.