Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $777 in Iowa versus $984 in Nebraska. Overall, Iowa runs roughly 21% cheaper on rent than Nebraska, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $64,497 in Iowa and $72,708 in Nebraska — about 11% higher in Nebraska. Iowa has a top state income tax rate of 3.80% and a 6% state sales tax; Nebraska has a top state income tax rate of 4.55% and a 5.5% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
6%
5.5%
+0.5 pp in Iowa
Income Tax (top rate)
3.80%
4.55%
+0.8 pp in Nebraska
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$777
$984
+27% in Nebraska
Median Home Value
$177,100
$230,800
+30% in Nebraska
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$64,497
$72,708
+13% in Nebraska
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
49.3°F
51.1°F
+1.8°F in Nebraska
Iowa vs Nebraska — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Iowa or Nebraska?
- Iowa is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $777 runs about 21% below Nebraska's $984, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Iowa than in Nebraska?
- 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 $39,000 in Nebraska.
- Which has lower taxes, Iowa or Nebraska?
- Iowa has a top state income tax rate of 3.80% and a 6% state sales tax. Nebraska has a top state income tax rate of 4.55% and a 5.5% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 3/3 cities we track in Iowa/Nebraska — 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.