Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $777 in Iowa versus $1,275 in Vermont. Overall, Iowa runs roughly 39% cheaper on rent than Vermont, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $64,497 in Iowa and $68,854 in Vermont — about 6% higher in Vermont. Iowa has a top state income tax rate of 3.80% and a 6% state sales tax; Vermont has a top state income tax rate of 8.75% and a 6% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
6%
6%
about equal
Income Tax (top rate)
3.80%
8.75%
+5.0 pp in Vermont
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$777
$1,275
+64% in Vermont
Median Home Value
$177,100
$399,600
+126% in Vermont
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$64,497
$68,854
+7% in Vermont
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
49.3°F
46.0°F
+3.3°F in Iowa
Iowa vs Vermont — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Iowa or Vermont?
- Iowa is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $777 runs about 39% below Vermont's $1,275, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Iowa than in Vermont?
- 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 $51,000 in Vermont.
- Which has lower taxes, Iowa or Vermont?
- Iowa has a top state income tax rate of 3.80% and a 6% state sales tax. Vermont has a top state income tax rate of 8.75% and a 6% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 3/3 cities we track in Iowa/Vermont — 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.