Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $777 in Iowa versus $1,150 in New Hampshire. Overall, Iowa runs roughly 32% cheaper on rent than New Hampshire, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $64,497 in Iowa and $83,701 in New Hampshire — about 23% higher in New Hampshire. Iowa has a top state income tax rate of 3.80% and a 6% state sales tax; New Hampshire has no state income tax and no state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
6%
None
+6.0 pp in Iowa
Income Tax (top rate)
3.80%
None
+3.8 pp in Iowa
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$777
$1,150
+48% in New Hampshire
Median Home Value
$177,100
$336,300
+90% in New Hampshire
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$64,497
$83,701
+30% in New Hampshire
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
49.3°F
49.2°F
+0.1°F in Iowa
Iowa vs New Hampshire — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Iowa or New Hampshire?
- Iowa is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $777 runs about 32% below New Hampshire's $1,150, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Iowa than in New Hampshire?
- 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 $46,000 in New Hampshire.
- Which has lower taxes, Iowa or New Hampshire?
- Iowa has a top state income tax rate of 3.80% and a 6% state sales tax. New Hampshire has no state income tax and no state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 3/3 cities we track in Iowa/New Hampshire — 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.