Colorado vs Iowa Cost of Living
Purchasing power
Your $75,000 is worth different amounts in each state
$72,745
in Colorado
$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 | Colorado | Iowa | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | 108.8 | 77.7 | +40% |
| Groceries | 101.2 | 96.6 | +5% |
| Utilities | 88.4 | 88.0 | 0% |
| Transportation | 97.5 | 99.5 | -2% |
| Healthcare | 106.3 | 95.9 | +11% |
| Dining & Misc | 103.8 | 94.5 | +10% |
| Overall | 103.1 | 89.8 | +15% |
Index values relative to national average (100). Positive difference = more expensive in Colorado.
What things actually cost
| Item | Colorado | Iowa | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $530,000 | $210,000 | +$320,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $1,523/mo | $1,088/mo | +$435 |
| Gas price | $3.53/gal | $3.19/gal | +$0.34 |
| Electric bill | $107/mo | $83/mo | +$24 |
| Infant childcare | $21,840/yr | $9,605/yr | +$12,235 |
Salary equivalent: Colorado → Iowa
What a Colorado salary buys you in Iowa, adjusted for cost of living.
| Salary in Colorado | Equivalent in Iowa | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $43,550 | +$6,450 |
| $75,000 | $65,325 | +$9,675 |
| $100,000 | $87,100 | +$12,900 |
| $150,000 | $130,650 | +$19,350 |
| $200,000 | $174,200 | +$25,800 |
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
Colorado is 15% more expensive than Iowa overall. Colorado has an index of 103.1 vs 89.8 for Iowa (national average = 100).
FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in Colorado or Iowa?
Iowa is cheaper to live in. Colorado is 15% more expensive overall. The biggest driver is housing — median home prices are $530,000 in Colorado vs $210,000 in Iowa.
Is Iowa cheaper than Colorado?
Yes, Iowa is 15% cheaper than Colorado overall based on the MERIC/C2ER cost-of-living index. Housing, groceries, and utilities all factor into the difference.
Is Colorado more expensive than Iowa?
Yes, Colorado is 15% more expensive than Iowa based on the MERIC/C2ER composite index. Housing is typically the largest factor in the difference.
What salary in Iowa equals $100,000 in Colorado?
To maintain the same purchasing power as a $100,000 salary in Colorado, you would need approximately $87,100 in Iowa. This is based on the overall cost-of-living index (103.1 vs 89.8).
How do housing costs compare between Colorado and Iowa?
Housing is significantly cheaper in Iowa. Median home prices are $530,000 in Colorado vs $210,000 in Iowa — a $320,000 difference. Average 2-bedroom rent is $1,523/mo vs $1,088/mo.
What costs more in Colorado vs Iowa?
Housing is 40% higher in Colorado (index 108.8 vs 77.7). Healthcare is 11% higher in Colorado (index 106.3 vs 95.9). Dining & Misc is 10% higher in Colorado (index 103.8 vs 94.5).
Is gas cheaper in Colorado or Iowa?
Gas averages $3.53/gallon in Colorado and $3.19/gallon in Iowa — a $0.34 difference per gallon.
Colorado vs Iowa cost of living — how do they compare?
Colorado has an overall cost-of-living index of 103.1 and Iowa has 89.8 (national average = 100). Colorado is 15% more expensive overall. Use the calculator above to see how this affects your specific salary.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and Iowa?
Cost of living is only part of the picture — state income taxes also affect your take-home pay. Use the Colorado vs Iowa paycheck comparison to see how a specific salary compares after federal and state taxes, FICA, and deductions.
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
- Colorado Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Iowa Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Colorado vs Iowa Paycheck Comparison — Compare take-home pay after taxes
- House Affordability in Colorado — How much house can you afford?
- House Affordability in Iowa — How much house can you afford?
- 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.