Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $777 in Iowa versus $953 in Montana. Overall, Iowa runs roughly 18% cheaper on rent than Montana, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $64,497 in Iowa and $71,855 in Montana — about 10% higher in Montana. Iowa has a top state income tax rate of 3.80% and a 6% state sales tax; Montana has a top state income tax rate of 5.65% and no state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
6%
None
+6.0 pp in Iowa
Income Tax (top rate)
3.80%
5.65%
+1.9 pp in Montana
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$777
$953
+23% in Montana
Median Home Value
$177,100
$427,400
+141% in Montana
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$64,497
$71,855
+11% in Montana
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
49.3°F
45.9°F
+3.4°F in Iowa
Iowa vs Montana — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Iowa or Montana?
- Iowa is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $777 runs about 18% below Montana's $953, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Iowa than in Montana?
- 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 $38,000 in Montana.
- Which has lower taxes, Iowa or Montana?
- Iowa has a top state income tax rate of 3.80% and a 6% state sales tax. Montana has a top state income tax rate of 5.65% and no state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 3/3 cities we track in Iowa/Montana — 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.