Iowa vs Missouri Cost of Living
Purchasing power
Your $75,000 is worth different amounts in each state
$83,519
in Iowa
$84,364
in Missouri
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 | Missouri | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | 77.7 | 77.5 | 0% |
| Groceries | 96.6 | 95.9 | +1% |
| Utilities | 88.0 | 92.0 | -4% |
| Transportation | 99.5 | 87.2 | +14% |
| Healthcare | 95.9 | 100.3 | -4% |
| Dining & Misc | 94.5 | 93.7 | +1% |
| Overall | 89.8 | 88.9 | +1% |
Index values relative to national average (100). Positive difference = more expensive in Iowa.
What things actually cost
| Item | Iowa | Missouri | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $210,000 | $235,000 | $25,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $1,088/mo | $1,085/mo | +$3 |
| Gas price | $3.19/gal | $3.03/gal | +$0.16 |
| Electric bill | $83/mo | $98/mo | $15 |
| Infant childcare | $9,605/yr | $13,173/yr | $3,568 |
Salary equivalent: Iowa → Missouri
What a Iowa salary buys you in Missouri, adjusted for cost of living.
| Salary in Iowa | Equivalent in Missouri | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $49,499 | +$501 |
| $75,000 | $74,248 | +$752 |
| $100,000 | $98,998 | +$1,002 |
| $150,000 | $148,497 | +$1,503 |
| $200,000 | $197,996 | +$2,004 |
Positive = your money goes further in Missouri. 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 and Missouri have nearly identical costs of living, with overall indices of 89.8 and 88.9 (national average = 100).
FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in Iowa or Missouri?
Iowa and Missouri have roughly the same cost of living, with less than 1% difference in the MERIC/C2ER composite index.
Is Missouri cheaper than Iowa?
Iowa and Missouri cost roughly the same to live in.
Is Iowa more expensive than Missouri?
Iowa and Missouri have nearly identical costs of living — the difference is less than 1%.
What salary in Missouri equals $100,000 in Iowa?
To maintain the same purchasing power as a $100,000 salary in Iowa, you would need approximately $98,998 in Missouri. This is based on the overall cost-of-living index (89.8 vs 88.9).
How do housing costs compare between Iowa and Missouri?
Housing is significantly cheaper in Iowa. Median home prices are $210,000 in Iowa vs $235,000 in Missouri — a $25,000 difference. Average 2-bedroom rent is $1,088/mo vs $1,085/mo.
What costs more in Iowa vs Missouri?
Transportation is 14% higher in Iowa (index 99.5 vs 87.2). Healthcare is 4% lower in Iowa (index 95.9 vs 100.3). Utilities is 4% lower in Iowa (index 88 vs 92).
Is gas cheaper in Iowa or Missouri?
Gas averages $3.19/gallon in Iowa and $3.03/gallon in Missouri — a $0.16 difference per gallon.
Iowa vs Missouri cost of living — how do they compare?
Iowa has an overall cost-of-living index of 89.8 and Missouri has 88.9 (national average = 100). They are nearly identical. Use the calculator above to see how this affects your specific salary.
How do taxes compare between Iowa and Missouri?
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. Missouri uses a progressive income tax with a top rate of 4.80% on income above $8,968. Use the Iowa vs Missouri 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 Missouri?
Iowa requires residents to file a state income tax return annually, typically due April 15. Missouri 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
- Missouri Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Iowa vs Missouri Paycheck Comparison — Compare take-home pay after taxes
- House Affordability in Iowa — How much house can you afford?
- House Affordability in Missouri — How much house can you afford?
- Iowa Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates
- Missouri Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates
- Iowa Mortgage Calculator — Estimate monthly payments with local rates
- Missouri Mortgage Calculator — Estimate monthly payments with local rates
- Iowa Bonus Tax Calculator — See how bonuses are taxed differently
- Missouri 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.