Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $777 in Iowa versus $1,100 in Pennsylvania. Overall, Iowa runs roughly 29% cheaper on rent than Pennsylvania, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $64,497 in Iowa and $60,698 in Pennsylvania — about 6% higher in Iowa. Iowa has a top state income tax rate of 3.80% and a 6% state sales tax; Pennsylvania has a top state income tax rate of 3.07% and a 6% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
6%
6%
about equal
Income Tax (top rate)
3.80%
3.07%
+0.7 pp in Iowa
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$777
$1,100
+42% in Pennsylvania
Median Home Value
$177,100
$193,200
+9% in Pennsylvania
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$64,497
$60,698
+6% in Iowa
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
49.3°F
51.8°F
+2.5°F in Pennsylvania
Iowa vs Pennsylvania — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Iowa or Pennsylvania?
- Iowa is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $777 runs about 29% below Pennsylvania's $1,100, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Iowa than in Pennsylvania?
- 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 $44,000 in Pennsylvania.
- Which has lower taxes, Iowa or Pennsylvania?
- Iowa has a top state income tax rate of 3.80% and a 6% state sales tax. Pennsylvania has a top state income tax rate of 3.07% and a 6% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 3/3 cities we track in Iowa/Pennsylvania — 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.