Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $777 in Iowa versus $1,080 in Oregon. Overall, Iowa runs roughly 28% cheaper on rent than Oregon, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $64,497 in Iowa and $71,900 in Oregon — about 10% higher in Oregon. Iowa has a top state income tax rate of 3.80% and a 6% state sales tax; Oregon has a top state income tax rate of 9.90% and no state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
6%
None
+6.0 pp in Iowa
Income Tax (top rate)
3.80%
9.90%
+6.1 pp in Oregon
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$777
$1,080
+39% in Oregon
Median Home Value
$177,100
$435,400
+146% in Oregon
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$64,497
$71,900
+11% in Oregon
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
49.3°F
53.0°F
+3.7°F in Oregon
Iowa vs Oregon — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Iowa or Oregon?
- Iowa is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $777 runs about 28% below Oregon's $1,080, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Iowa than in Oregon?
- 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 $43,000 in Oregon.
- Which has lower taxes, Iowa or Oregon?
- Iowa has a top state income tax rate of 3.80% and a 6% state sales tax. Oregon has a top state income tax rate of 9.90% and no state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 3/3 cities we track in Iowa/Oregon — 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.