Arkansas vs Iowa Cost of Living
Purchasing power
Your $75,000 is worth different amounts in each state
$83,241
in Arkansas
$83,519
in Iowa
Each cell = 1% of purchasing power. Green = value, red = gap.
Spending breakdown
Estimated annual spending on a $75,000 salary
What things actually cost
Real dollar costs side by side
Category breakdown
| Category | Arkansas | Iowa | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | 78.8 | 77.7 | +1% |
| Groceries | 94.3 | 96.6 | -2% |
| Utilities | 94.3 | 88.0 | +7% |
| Transportation | 90.7 | 99.5 | -9% |
| Healthcare | 87.3 | 95.9 | -9% |
| Dining & Misc | 97.5 | 94.5 | +3% |
| Overall | 90.1 | 89.8 | 0% |
Index values relative to national average (100). Positive difference = more expensive in Arkansas.
What things actually cost
| Item | Arkansas | Iowa | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $195,000 | $210,000 | $15,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $1,103/mo | $1,088/mo | +$15 |
| Gas price | $3.05/gal | $3.19/gal | $0.14 |
| Electric bill | $85/mo | $83/mo | +$2 |
| Infant childcare | $8,873/yr | $9,605/yr | $732 |
Salary equivalent: Arkansas → Iowa
What a Arkansas salary buys you in Iowa, adjusted for cost of living.
| Salary in Arkansas | Equivalent in Iowa | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $49,834 | +$166 |
| $75,000 | $74,750 | +$250 |
| $100,000 | $99,667 | +$333 |
| $150,000 | $149,501 | +$499 |
| $200,000 | $199,334 | +$666 |
Positive = your money goes further in Iowa. Based on overall COL index ratio.
Based on MERIC/C2ER 2025 composite indices. Dollar amounts from AAA, EIA, Zillow, and Child Care Aware.
Overview
Arkansas and Iowa have nearly identical costs of living, with overall indices of 90.1 and 89.8 (national average = 100).
FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in Arkansas or Iowa?
Arkansas and Iowa have roughly the same cost of living, with less than 1% difference in the MERIC/C2ER composite index.
Is Arkansas cheaper than Iowa?
Arkansas and Iowa cost roughly the same to live in.
Is Iowa more expensive than Arkansas?
Arkansas and Iowa have nearly identical costs of living — the difference is less than 1%.
What salary in Iowa equals $100,000 in Arkansas?
To maintain the same purchasing power as a $100,000 salary in Arkansas, you would need approximately $99,667 in Iowa. This is based on the overall cost-of-living index (90.1 vs 89.8).
How do housing costs compare between Arkansas and Iowa?
Housing is significantly cheaper in Arkansas. Median home prices are $195,000 in Arkansas vs $210,000 in Iowa — a $15,000 difference. Average 2-bedroom rent is $1,103/mo vs $1,088/mo.
What costs more in Arkansas vs Iowa?
Transportation is 9% lower in Arkansas (index 90.7 vs 99.5). Healthcare is 9% lower in Arkansas (index 87.3 vs 95.9). Utilities is 7% higher in Arkansas (index 94.3 vs 88).
Is gas cheaper in Arkansas or Iowa?
Gas averages $3.05/gallon in Arkansas and $3.19/gallon in Iowa — a $0.14 difference per gallon.
Arkansas vs Iowa cost of living — how do they compare?
Arkansas has an overall cost-of-living index of 90.1 and Iowa has 89.8 (national average = 100). They are nearly identical. Use the calculator above to see how this affects your specific salary.
How do taxes compare between Arkansas and Iowa?
Cost of living is only part of the picture — state income taxes also affect your take-home pay. Arkansas uses a progressive income tax with a top rate of 3.90% on income above $24,300. Iowa moved to a flat income tax rate of 3.80% in 2025, down from a multi-bracket system. Use the Arkansas vs Iowa paycheck comparison to see how a specific salary compares after federal and state taxes, FICA, and deductions.
Do I need to file state tax returns in Arkansas and Iowa?
Arkansas requires residents to file a state income tax return annually, typically due April 15. Iowa requires residents to file a state income tax return annually, typically due April 15. If you move between states mid-year, you typically file a part-year resident return in each state for the income earned while living there.
Where does this cost of living data come from?
Cost-of-living indices are from the MERIC/C2ER 2025 Annual Average. Dollar amounts use AAA gas prices (March 2025), EIA electricity rates (2024), Child Care Aware childcare costs (2024), Zillow home values (2024-2025), and BEA Regional Price Parities.
Related tools
- Arkansas Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Iowa Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Arkansas vs Iowa Paycheck Comparison — Compare take-home pay after taxes
- House Affordability in Arkansas — How much house can you afford?
- House Affordability in Iowa — How much house can you afford?
- Arkansas Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates
- Iowa Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates
- Arkansas Mortgage Calculator — Estimate monthly payments with local rates
- Iowa Mortgage Calculator — Estimate monthly payments with local rates
- Arkansas Bonus Tax Calculator — See how bonuses are taxed differently
- Iowa Bonus Tax Calculator — See how bonuses are taxed differently
- Gross-Up Calculator — Find the salary you need to hit a target take-home
- Salary to Hourly Converter — Convert annual salary to hourly rate
- Compare any two states
Based on MERIC/C2ER 2025 composite indices and publicly available price data. Cost of living varies significantly by metro area within a state. These are statewide averages.