Iowa vs Mississippi Cost of Living
Purchasing power
Your $75,000 is worth different amounts in each state
$83,519
in Iowa
$87,209
in Mississippi
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 | Iowa | Mississippi | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | 77.7 | 71.6 | +9% |
| Groceries | 96.6 | 95.5 | +1% |
| Utilities | 88.0 | 89.4 | -2% |
| Transportation | 99.5 | 88.3 | +13% |
| Healthcare | 95.9 | 94.3 | +2% |
| Dining & Misc | 94.5 | 91.8 | +3% |
| Overall | 89.8 | 86.0 | +4% |
Index values relative to national average (100). Positive difference = more expensive in Iowa.
What things actually cost
| Item | Iowa | Mississippi | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $210,000 | $175,000 | +$35,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $1,088/mo | $1,002/mo | +$86 |
| Gas price | $3.19/gal | $3.05/gal | +$0.14 |
| Electric bill | $83/mo | $97/mo | $14 |
| Infant childcare | $9,605/yr | $6,868/yr | +$2,737 |
Salary equivalent: Iowa → Mississippi
What a Iowa salary buys you in Mississippi, adjusted for cost of living.
| Salary in Iowa | Equivalent in Mississippi | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $47,884 | +$2,116 |
| $75,000 | $71,826 | +$3,174 |
| $100,000 | $95,768 | +$4,232 |
| $150,000 | $143,653 | +$6,347 |
| $200,000 | $191,537 | +$8,463 |
Positive = your money goes further in Mississippi. Based on overall COL index ratio.
Based on MERIC/C2ER 2025 composite indices. Dollar amounts from AAA, EIA, Zillow, and Child Care Aware.
Overview
Iowa is 4% more expensive than Mississippi overall. Iowa has an index of 89.8 vs 86 for Mississippi (national average = 100).
FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in Iowa or Mississippi?
Mississippi is cheaper to live in. Iowa is 4% more expensive overall. The biggest driver is housing — median home prices are $210,000 in Iowa vs $175,000 in Mississippi.
Is Mississippi cheaper than Iowa?
Yes, Mississippi is 4% cheaper than Iowa overall based on the MERIC/C2ER cost-of-living index. Housing, groceries, and utilities all factor into the difference.
Is Iowa more expensive than Mississippi?
Yes, Iowa is 4% more expensive than Mississippi based on the MERIC/C2ER composite index. Housing is typically the largest factor in the difference.
What salary in Mississippi equals $100,000 in Iowa?
To maintain the same purchasing power as a $100,000 salary in Iowa, you would need approximately $95,768 in Mississippi. This is based on the overall cost-of-living index (89.8 vs 86).
How do housing costs compare between Iowa and Mississippi?
Housing is significantly cheaper in Mississippi. Median home prices are $210,000 in Iowa vs $175,000 in Mississippi — a $35,000 difference. Average 2-bedroom rent is $1,088/mo vs $1,002/mo.
What costs more in Iowa vs Mississippi?
Transportation is 13% higher in Iowa (index 99.5 vs 88.3). Housing is 9% higher in Iowa (index 77.7 vs 71.6). Dining & Misc is 3% higher in Iowa (index 94.5 vs 91.8).
Is gas cheaper in Iowa or Mississippi?
Gas averages $3.19/gallon in Iowa and $3.05/gallon in Mississippi — a $0.14 difference per gallon.
Iowa vs Mississippi cost of living — how do they compare?
Iowa has an overall cost-of-living index of 89.8 and Mississippi has 86 (national average = 100). Iowa is 4% more expensive overall. Use the calculator above to see how this affects your specific salary.
How do taxes compare between Iowa and Mississippi?
Cost of living is only part of the picture — state income taxes also affect your take-home pay. Iowa moved to a flat income tax rate of 3.80% in 2025, down from a multi-bracket system. Mississippi has a flat income tax rate of 4.00% for 2026, reduced from 4.40% in 2025. Use the Iowa vs Mississippi 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 Iowa and Mississippi?
Iowa requires residents to file a state income tax return annually, typically due April 15. Mississippi 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
- Iowa Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Mississippi Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Iowa vs Mississippi Paycheck Comparison — Compare take-home pay after taxes
- House Affordability in Iowa — How much house can you afford?
- House Affordability in Mississippi — How much house can you afford?
- Iowa Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates
- Mississippi Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates
- Iowa Mortgage Calculator — Estimate monthly payments with local rates
- Mississippi Mortgage Calculator — Estimate monthly payments with local rates
- Iowa Bonus Tax Calculator — See how bonuses are taxed differently
- Mississippi 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.