Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,253 in Arizona versus $777 in Iowa. Overall, Iowa runs roughly 38% cheaper on rent than Arizona, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $77,041 in Arizona and $64,497 in Iowa — about 16% higher in Arizona. Arizona has a top state income tax rate of 2.50% and a 5.6% state sales tax; Iowa has a top state income tax rate of 3.80% and a 6% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
5.6%
6%
+0.4 pp in Iowa
Income Tax (top rate)
2.50%
3.80%
+1.3 pp in Iowa
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,253
$777
+38% in Arizona
Median Home Value
$364,300
$177,100
+51% in Arizona
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$77,041
$64,497
+16% in Arizona
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
75.1°F
49.3°F
+25.8°F in Arizona
Arizona vs Iowa — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Arizona or Iowa?
- Iowa is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $777 runs about 38% below Arizona's $1,253, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Arizona 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 $50,000 a year in Arizona versus $31,000 in Iowa.
- Which has lower taxes, Arizona or Iowa?
- Arizona has a top state income tax rate of 2.50% and a 5.6% 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 3/3 cities we track in Arizona/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.