Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $777 in Iowa versus $1,195 in Virginia. Overall, Iowa runs roughly 35% cheaper on rent than Virginia, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $64,497 in Iowa and $64,017 in Virginia — about 1% higher in Iowa. Iowa has a top state income tax rate of 3.80% and a 6% state sales tax; Virginia has a top state income tax rate of 5.75% and a 5.3% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
6%
5.3%
+0.7 pp in Iowa
Income Tax (top rate)
3.80%
5.75%
+2.0 pp in Virginia
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$777
$1,195
+54% in Virginia
Median Home Value
$177,100
$328,100
+85% in Virginia
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$64,497
$64,017
+1% in Iowa
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
49.3°F
59.9°F
+10.6°F in Virginia
Iowa vs Virginia — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Iowa or Virginia?
- Iowa is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $777 runs about 35% below Virginia's $1,195, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Iowa than in Virginia?
- 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 Virginia.
- Which has lower taxes, Iowa or Virginia?
- Iowa has a top state income tax rate of 3.80% and a 6% state sales tax. Virginia has a top state income tax rate of 5.75% and a 5.3% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 3/3 cities we track in Iowa/Virginia — 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.