Iowa vs New Hampshire Cost of Living
Purchasing power
Your $75,000 is worth different amounts in each state
$83,519
in Iowa
$67,873
in New Hampshire
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 | New Hampshire | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | 77.7 | 115.6 | -33% |
| Groceries | 96.6 | 99.4 | -3% |
| Utilities | 88.0 | 115.9 | -24% |
| Transportation | 99.5 | 104.0 | -4% |
| Healthcare | 95.9 | 107.9 | -11% |
| Dining & Misc | 94.5 | 111.6 | -15% |
| Overall | 89.8 | 110.5 | -19% |
Index values relative to national average (100). Positive difference = more expensive in Iowa.
What things actually cost
| Item | Iowa | New Hampshire | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $210,000 | $465,000 | $255,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $1,088/mo | $1,618/mo | $530 |
| Gas price | $3.19/gal | $3.42/gal | $0.23 |
| Electric bill | $83/mo | $183/mo | $100 |
| Infant childcare | $9,605/yr | $17,364/yr | $7,759 |
Salary equivalent: Iowa → New Hampshire
What a Iowa salary buys you in New Hampshire, adjusted for cost of living.
| Salary in Iowa | Equivalent in New Hampshire | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $61,526 | $-11,526 |
| $75,000 | $92,288 | $-17,288 |
| $100,000 | $123,051 | $-23,051 |
| $150,000 | $184,577 | $-34,577 |
| $200,000 | $246,102 | $-46,102 |
Positive = your money goes further in New Hampshire. Based on overall COL index ratio.
Based on MERIC/C2ER 2025 composite indices. Dollar amounts from AAA, EIA, Zillow, and Child Care Aware.
Overview
New Hampshire is 19% more expensive than Iowa overall. New Hampshire has an index of 110.5 vs 89.8 for Iowa (national average = 100).
FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in Iowa or New Hampshire?
Iowa is cheaper to live in. New Hampshire is 19% more expensive overall. The biggest driver is housing — median home prices are $210,000 in Iowa vs $465,000 in New Hampshire.
Is Iowa cheaper than New Hampshire?
Yes, Iowa is 19% cheaper than New Hampshire overall based on the MERIC/C2ER cost-of-living index. Housing, groceries, and utilities all factor into the difference.
Is New Hampshire more expensive than Iowa?
Yes, New Hampshire is 19% more expensive than Iowa based on the MERIC/C2ER composite index. Housing is typically the largest factor in the difference.
What salary in New Hampshire equals $100,000 in Iowa?
To maintain the same purchasing power as a $100,000 salary in Iowa, you would need approximately $123,051 in New Hampshire. This is based on the overall cost-of-living index (89.8 vs 110.5).
How do housing costs compare between Iowa and New Hampshire?
Housing is significantly cheaper in Iowa. Median home prices are $210,000 in Iowa vs $465,000 in New Hampshire — a $255,000 difference. Average 2-bedroom rent is $1,088/mo vs $1,618/mo.
What costs more in Iowa vs New Hampshire?
Housing is 33% lower in Iowa (index 77.7 vs 115.6). Utilities is 24% lower in Iowa (index 88 vs 115.9). Dining & Misc is 15% lower in Iowa (index 94.5 vs 111.6).
Is gas cheaper in Iowa or New Hampshire?
Gas averages $3.19/gallon in Iowa and $3.42/gallon in New Hampshire — a $0.23 difference per gallon.
Iowa vs New Hampshire cost of living — how do they compare?
Iowa has an overall cost-of-living index of 89.8 and New Hampshire has 110.5 (national average = 100). New Hampshire is 19% more expensive overall. Use the calculator above to see how this affects your specific salary.
How do taxes compare between Iowa and New Hampshire?
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. New Hampshire has no tax on earned wages — your entire salary is free from state income tax. The state previously taxed interest and dividends at 5% but fully phased that out in January 2025. NH is one of only 9 states with no income tax on wages, making it popular with workers commuting from Massachusetts. Use the Iowa vs New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire?
Iowa requires residents to file a state income tax return annually, typically due April 15. New Hampshire has no state income tax, so residents do not file a state tax return. 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
- New Hampshire Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Iowa vs New Hampshire Paycheck Comparison — Compare take-home pay after taxes
- House Affordability in Iowa — How much house can you afford?
- House Affordability in New Hampshire — How much house can you afford?
- Iowa Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates
- New Hampshire Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates
- Iowa Mortgage Calculator — Estimate monthly payments with local rates
- New Hampshire Mortgage Calculator — Estimate monthly payments with local rates
- Iowa Bonus Tax Calculator — See how bonuses are taxed differently
- New Hampshire 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.