Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $870 in Iowa versus $1,332 in Washington. Overall, Iowa runs roughly 35% cheaper on rent than Washington, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $63,966 in Iowa and $83,857 in Washington — about 24% higher in Washington. Iowa has a top state income tax rate of 3.80% and a 6% state sales tax; Washington has no state income tax and a 6.5% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
6%
6.5%
+0.5 pp in Washington
Income Tax (top rate)
3.80%
None
+3.8 pp in Iowa
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$870
$1,332
+53% in Washington
Median Home Value
$183,700
$454,600
+147% in Washington
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$63,966
$83,857
+31% in Washington
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
50.9°F
52.1°F
+1.2°F in Washington
Iowa vs Washington — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Iowa or Washington?
- Iowa is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $870 runs about 35% below Washington's $1,332, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Iowa than in Washington?
- To keep rent near the recommended 30% of gross income, based on median rent across tracked cities, you'd want to earn roughly $35,000 a year in Iowa versus $53,000 in Washington.
- Which has lower taxes, Iowa or Washington?
- Iowa has a top state income tax rate of 3.80% and a 6% state sales tax. Washington has no state income tax and a 6.5% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 1/3 cities we track in Iowa/Washington — 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.