Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $777 in Iowa versus $1,206 in Nevada. Overall, Iowa runs roughly 36% cheaper on rent than Nevada, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $64,497 in Iowa and $78,448 in Nevada — about 18% higher in Nevada. Iowa has a top state income tax rate of 3.80% and a 6% state sales tax; Nevada has no state income tax and a 6.85% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
6%
6.85%
+0.8 pp in Nevada
Income Tax (top rate)
3.80%
None
+3.8 pp in Iowa
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$777
$1,206
+55% in Nevada
Median Home Value
$177,100
$465,000
+163% in Nevada
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$64,497
$78,448
+22% in Nevada
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
49.3°F
68.4°F
+19.1°F in Nevada
Iowa vs Nevada — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Iowa or Nevada?
- Iowa is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $777 runs about 36% below Nevada's $1,206, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Iowa than in Nevada?
- 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 $48,000 in Nevada.
- Which has lower taxes, Iowa or Nevada?
- Iowa has a top state income tax rate of 3.80% and a 6% state sales tax. Nevada has no state income tax and a 6.85% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 3/3 cities we track in Iowa/Nevada — 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.