Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $870 in Iowa versus $1,978 in Massachusetts. Overall, Iowa runs roughly 56% cheaper on rent than Massachusetts, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $63,966 in Iowa and $94,755 in Massachusetts — about 32% higher in Massachusetts. Iowa has a top state income tax rate of 3.80% and a 6% state sales tax; Massachusetts has a top state income tax rate of 9.00% and a 6.25% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
6%
6.25%
+0.3 pp in Massachusetts
Income Tax (top rate)
3.80%
9.00%
+5.2 pp in Massachusetts
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$870
$1,978
+127% in Massachusetts
Median Home Value
$183,700
$710,400
+287% in Massachusetts
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$63,966
$94,755
+48% in Massachusetts
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
50.9°F
51.5°F
+0.6°F in Massachusetts
Iowa vs Massachusetts — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Iowa or Massachusetts?
- Iowa is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $870 runs about 56% below Massachusetts's $1,978, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Iowa than in Massachusetts?
- 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 $79,000 in Massachusetts.
- Which has lower taxes, Iowa or Massachusetts?
- Iowa has a top state income tax rate of 3.80% and a 6% state sales tax. Massachusetts has a top state income tax rate of 9.00% and a 6.25% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 1/1 cities we track in Iowa/Massachusetts — 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.