Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $777 in Iowa versus $854 in Louisiana. Overall, Iowa runs roughly 9% cheaper on rent than Louisiana, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $64,497 in Iowa and $49,944 in Louisiana — about 23% higher in Iowa. Iowa has a top state income tax rate of 3.80% and a 6% state sales tax; Louisiana has a top state income tax rate of 3.00% and a 5% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
6%
5%
+1.0 pp in Iowa
Income Tax (top rate)
3.80%
3.00%
+0.8 pp in Iowa
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$777
$854
+10% in Louisiana
Median Home Value
$177,100
$224,500
+27% in Louisiana
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$64,497
$49,944
+23% in Iowa
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
49.3°F
68.5°F
+19.2°F in Louisiana
Iowa vs Louisiana — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Iowa or Louisiana?
- Iowa is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $777 runs about 9% below Louisiana's $854, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Iowa than in Louisiana?
- To keep rent near the recommended 30% of gross income, based on median rent across tracked cities, you'd want to earn roughly $31,000 a year in Iowa versus $34,000 in Louisiana.
- Which has lower taxes, Iowa or Louisiana?
- Iowa has a top state income tax rate of 3.80% and a 6% state sales tax. Louisiana has a top state income tax rate of 3.00% and a 5% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 3/3 cities we track in Iowa/Louisiana — 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.