Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $870 in Iowa versus $1,133 in Idaho. Overall, Iowa runs roughly 23% cheaper on rent than Idaho, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $63,966 in Iowa and $81,308 in Idaho — about 21% higher in Idaho. Iowa has a top state income tax rate of 3.80% and a 6% state sales tax; Idaho has a top state income tax rate of 5.30% and a 6% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
6%
6%
about equal
Income Tax (top rate)
3.80%
5.30%
+1.5 pp in Idaho
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$870
$1,133
+30% in Idaho
Median Home Value
$183,700
$456,000
+148% in Idaho
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$63,966
$81,308
+27% in Idaho
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
50.9°F
52.5°F
+1.6°F in Idaho
Iowa vs Idaho — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Iowa or Idaho?
- Iowa is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $870 runs about 23% below Idaho's $1,133, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Iowa than in Idaho?
- To keep rent near the recommended 30% of gross income, based on median rent across tracked cities, you'd want to earn roughly $35,000 a year in Iowa versus $45,000 in Idaho.
- Which has lower taxes, Iowa or Idaho?
- Iowa has a top state income tax rate of 3.80% and a 6% state sales tax. Idaho has a top state income tax rate of 5.30% and a 6% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 1/1 cities we track in Iowa/Idaho — 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.