Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,004 in Alabama versus $870 in Iowa. Overall, Iowa runs roughly 13% cheaper on rent than Alabama, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $44,376 in Alabama and $63,966 in Iowa — about 31% higher in Iowa. Alabama has a top state income tax rate of 5.00% and a 4% state sales tax; Iowa has a top state income tax rate of 3.80% and a 6% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
4%
6%
+2.0 pp in Iowa
Income Tax (top rate)
5.00%
3.80%
+1.2 pp in Alabama
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,004
$870
+13% in Alabama
Median Home Value
$138,600
$183,700
+33% in Iowa
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$44,376
$63,966
+44% in Iowa
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
63.3°F
50.9°F
+12.4°F in Alabama
Alabama vs Iowa — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Alabama or Iowa?
- Iowa is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $870 runs about 13% below Alabama's $1,004, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Alabama than in Iowa?
- To keep rent near the recommended 30% of gross income, based on median rent across tracked cities, you'd want to earn roughly $40,000 a year in Alabama versus $35,000 in Iowa.
- Which has lower taxes, Alabama or Iowa?
- Alabama has a top state income tax rate of 5.00% and a 4% state sales tax. Iowa has a top state income tax rate of 3.80% and a 6% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 1/1 cities we track in Alabama/Iowa — not population-weighted statewide figures. Taxes are exact state-level rates. Sources: US Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year; NOAA Climate Normals 1981–2010; Tax Foundation 2026.