Florida vs Iowa Cost of Living
Purchasing power
Your $75,000 is worth different amounts in each state
$73,964
in Florida
$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 | Florida | Iowa | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | 103.5 | 77.7 | +33% |
| Groceries | 104.3 | 96.6 | +8% |
| Utilities | 98.1 | 88.0 | +11% |
| Transportation | 99.8 | 99.5 | 0% |
| Healthcare | 92.7 | 95.9 | -3% |
| Dining & Misc | 100.7 | 94.5 | +7% |
| Overall | 101.4 | 89.8 | +13% |
Index values relative to national average (100). Positive difference = more expensive in Florida.
What things actually cost
| Item | Florida | Iowa | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $385,000 | $210,000 | +$175,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $1,449/mo | $1,088/mo | +$361 |
| Gas price | $3.63/gal | $3.19/gal | +$0.44 |
| Electric bill | $111/mo | $83/mo | +$28 |
| Infant childcare | $13,021/yr | $9,605/yr | +$3,416 |
Salary equivalent: Florida → Iowa
What a Florida salary buys you in Iowa, adjusted for cost of living.
| Salary in Florida | Equivalent in Iowa | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $44,280 | +$5,720 |
| $75,000 | $66,420 | +$8,580 |
| $100,000 | $88,560 | +$11,440 |
| $150,000 | $132,840 | +$17,160 |
| $200,000 | $177,120 | +$22,880 |
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
Florida is 13% more expensive than Iowa overall. Florida has an index of 101.4 vs 89.8 for Iowa (national average = 100).
FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in Florida or Iowa?
Iowa is cheaper to live in. Florida is 13% more expensive overall. The biggest driver is housing — median home prices are $385,000 in Florida vs $210,000 in Iowa.
Is Iowa cheaper than Florida?
Yes, Iowa is 13% cheaper than Florida overall based on the MERIC/C2ER cost-of-living index. Housing, groceries, and utilities all factor into the difference.
Is Florida more expensive than Iowa?
Yes, Florida is 13% 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 Florida?
To maintain the same purchasing power as a $100,000 salary in Florida, you would need approximately $88,560 in Iowa. This is based on the overall cost-of-living index (101.4 vs 89.8).
How do housing costs compare between Florida and Iowa?
Housing is significantly cheaper in Iowa. Median home prices are $385,000 in Florida vs $210,000 in Iowa — a $175,000 difference. Average 2-bedroom rent is $1,449/mo vs $1,088/mo.
What costs more in Florida vs Iowa?
Housing is 33% higher in Florida (index 103.5 vs 77.7). Utilities is 11% higher in Florida (index 98.1 vs 88). Groceries is 8% higher in Florida (index 104.3 vs 96.6).
Is gas cheaper in Florida or Iowa?
Gas averages $3.63/gallon in Florida and $3.19/gallon in Iowa — a $0.44 difference per gallon.
Florida vs Iowa cost of living — how do they compare?
Florida has an overall cost-of-living index of 101.4 and Iowa has 89.8 (national average = 100). Florida is 13% more expensive overall. Use the calculator above to see how this affects your specific salary.
How do taxes compare between Florida and Iowa?
Cost of living is only part of the picture — state income taxes also affect your take-home pay. Use the Florida 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
- Florida Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Iowa Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Florida vs Iowa Paycheck Comparison — Compare take-home pay after taxes
- House Affordability in Florida — 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.