Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,305 in Colorado versus $777 in Iowa. Overall, Iowa runs roughly 40% cheaper on rent than Colorado, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $85,364 in Colorado and $64,497 in Iowa — about 24% higher in Colorado. Colorado has a top state income tax rate of 4.40% and a 2.9% state sales tax; Iowa has a top state income tax rate of 3.80% and a 6% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
2.9%
6%
+3.1 pp in Iowa
Income Tax (top rate)
4.40%
3.80%
+0.6 pp in Colorado
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,305
$777
+40% in Colorado
Median Home Value
$586,700
$177,100
+70% in Colorado
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$85,364
$64,497
+24% in Colorado
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
50.2°F
49.3°F
+0.9°F in Colorado
Colorado vs Iowa — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Colorado or Iowa?
- Iowa is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $777 runs about 40% below Colorado's $1,305, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Colorado 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 $52,000 a year in Colorado versus $31,000 in Iowa.
- Which has lower taxes, Colorado or Iowa?
- Colorado has a top state income tax rate of 4.40% and a 2.9% 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 Colorado/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.