Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $777 in Iowa versus $866 in Missouri. Overall, Iowa runs roughly 10% cheaper on rent than Missouri, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $64,497 in Iowa and $55,279 in Missouri — about 14% higher in Iowa. Iowa has a top state income tax rate of 3.80% and a 6% state sales tax; Missouri has a top state income tax rate of 4.70% and a 4.225% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
6%
4.225%
+1.8 pp in Iowa
Income Tax (top rate)
3.80%
4.70%
+0.9 pp in Missouri
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$777
$866
+11% in Missouri
Median Home Value
$177,100
$185,100
+5% in Missouri
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$64,497
$55,279
+14% in Iowa
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
49.3°F
56.3°F
+7.0°F in Missouri
Iowa vs Missouri — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Iowa or Missouri?
- Iowa is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $777 runs about 10% below Missouri's $866, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Iowa than in Missouri?
- 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 $35,000 in Missouri.
- Which has lower taxes, Iowa or Missouri?
- Iowa has a top state income tax rate of 3.80% and a 6% state sales tax. Missouri has a top state income tax rate of 4.70% and a 4.225% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 3/3 cities we track in Iowa/Missouri — 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.