Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $777 in Iowa versus $841 in Mississippi. Overall, Iowa runs roughly 8% cheaper on rent than Mississippi, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $64,497 in Iowa and $44,140 in Mississippi — about 32% higher in Iowa. Iowa has a top state income tax rate of 3.80% and a 6% state sales tax; Mississippi has a top state income tax rate of 4.00% and a 7% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
6%
7%
+1.0 pp in Mississippi
Income Tax (top rate)
3.80%
4.00%
+0.2 pp in Mississippi
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$777
$841
+8% in Mississippi
Median Home Value
$177,100
$153,600
+13% in Iowa
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$64,497
$44,140
+32% in Iowa
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
49.3°F
66.1°F
+16.8°F in Mississippi
Iowa vs Mississippi — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Iowa or Mississippi?
- Iowa is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $777 runs about 8% below Mississippi's $841, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Iowa than in Mississippi?
- 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 Mississippi.
- Which has lower taxes, Iowa or Mississippi?
- Iowa has a top state income tax rate of 3.80% and a 6% state sales tax. Mississippi has a top state income tax rate of 4.00% and a 7% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 3/3 cities we track in Iowa/Mississippi — 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.