Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $777 in Iowa versus $803 in North Dakota. Overall, Iowa runs roughly 3% cheaper on rent than North Dakota, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $64,497 in Iowa and $66,029 in North Dakota — about 2% higher in North Dakota. Iowa has a top state income tax rate of 3.80% and a 6% state sales tax; North Dakota has a top state income tax rate of 2.50% and a 5% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
6%
5%
+1.0 pp in Iowa
Income Tax (top rate)
3.80%
2.50%
+1.3 pp in Iowa
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$777
$803
+3% in North Dakota
Median Home Value
$177,100
$269,800
+52% in North Dakota
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$64,497
$66,029
+2% in North Dakota
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
49.3°F
42.4°F
+6.9°F in Iowa
Iowa vs North Dakota — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Iowa or North Dakota?
- Iowa is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $777 runs about 3% below North Dakota's $803, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Iowa than in North Dakota?
- 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 $32,000 in North Dakota.
- Which has lower taxes, Iowa or North Dakota?
- Iowa has a top state income tax rate of 3.80% and a 6% state sales tax. North Dakota has a top state income tax rate of 2.50% and a 5% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 3/3 cities we track in Iowa/North Dakota — 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.