Median one-bedroom rent across the cities we track is $777 in Iowa versus $758 in West Virginia. Overall, West Virginia runs roughly 2% cheaper on rent than Iowa, its main day-to-day cost driver.
Median household income across tracked cities is $64,497 in Iowa and $43,146 in West Virginia — about 33% higher in Iowa. Iowa has a top state income tax rate of 3.80% and a 6% state sales tax; West Virginia has a top state income tax rate of 4.82% and a 6% state sales tax.
State Taxes
Sales Tax
6%
6%
about equal
Income Tax (top rate)
3.80%
4.82%
+1.0 pp in West Virginia
Housing (median across tracked cities)
Median 1BR Rent
$777
$758
+2% in Iowa
Median Home Value
$177,100
$187,300
+6% in West Virginia
Income (median across tracked cities)
Median Household Income
$64,497
$43,146
+33% in Iowa
Climate (median across tracked cities)
Avg Annual Temperature
49.3°F
55.7°F
+6.4°F in West Virginia
Iowa vs West Virginia — FAQ
- Is it cheaper to live in Iowa or West Virginia?
- West Virginia is cheaper on rent — its median one-bedroom of $758 runs about 2% below Iowa's $777, based on the cities we track in each state.
- How much more do you need to earn to live in Iowa than in West 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 $30,000 in West Virginia.
- Which has lower taxes, Iowa or West Virginia?
- Iowa has a top state income tax rate of 3.80% and a 6% state sales tax. West Virginia has a top state income tax rate of 4.82% and a 6% state sales tax.
Housing, income, and climate are medians across the 3/3 cities we track in Iowa/West 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.