Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $1,181 in Connecticut versus $777 in Iowa. Overall, Iowa runs roughly 34% cheaper on rent than Connecticut, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $53,771 in Connecticut and $64,497 in Iowa — about 17% higher in Iowa. Connecticut has a top state income tax rate of 6.99% and a 6.35% state sales tax; Iowa has a top state income tax rate of 3.80% and a 6% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
6.35%
6%
+0.3 pp in Connecticut
Income Tax (top rate)
6.99%
3.80%
+3.2 pp in Connecticut
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$1,181
$777
+34% in Connecticut
Median Home Value
$249,000
$177,100
+29% in Connecticut
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$53,771
$64,497
+20% in Iowa
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
52.2°F
49.3°F
+2.9°F in Connecticut
Connecticut vs Iowa — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Connecticut or Iowa?
- Iowa is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $777 runs about 34% below Connecticut's $1,181, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Connecticut 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 $47,000 a year in Connecticut versus $31,000 in Iowa.
- Which has lower taxes, Connecticut or Iowa?
- Connecticut has a top state income tax rate of 6.99% and a 6.35% 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 Connecticut/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.