Iowa vs Ohio Cost of Living
Purchasing power
Your $75,000 is worth different amounts in each state
$83,519
in Iowa
$79,281
in Ohio
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 | Ohio | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | 77.7 | 87.6 | -11% |
| Groceries | 96.6 | 99.4 | -3% |
| Utilities | 88.0 | 98.3 | -10% |
| Transportation | 99.5 | 97.6 | +2% |
| Healthcare | 95.9 | 97.0 | -1% |
| Dining & Misc | 94.5 | 96.7 | -2% |
| Overall | 89.8 | 94.6 | -5% |
Index values relative to national average (100). Positive difference = more expensive in Iowa.
What things actually cost
| Item | Iowa | Ohio | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $210,000 | $220,000 | $10,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $1,088/mo | $1,226/mo | $138 |
| Gas price | $3.19/gal | $3.44/gal | $0.25 |
| Electric bill | $83/mo | $100/mo | $17 |
| Infant childcare | $9,605/yr | $17,071/yr | $7,466 |
Salary equivalent: Iowa → Ohio
What a Iowa salary buys you in Ohio, adjusted for cost of living.
| Salary in Iowa | Equivalent in Ohio | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $52,673 | $-2,673 |
| $75,000 | $79,009 | $-4,009 |
| $100,000 | $105,345 | $-5,345 |
| $150,000 | $158,018 | $-8,018 |
| $200,000 | $210,690 | $-10,690 |
Positive = your money goes further in Ohio. Based on overall COL index ratio.
Based on MERIC/C2ER 2025 composite indices. Dollar amounts from AAA, EIA, Zillow, and Child Care Aware.
Overview
Ohio is 5% more expensive than Iowa overall. Ohio has an index of 94.6 vs 89.8 for Iowa (national average = 100).
FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in Iowa or Ohio?
Iowa is cheaper to live in. Ohio is 5% more expensive overall. The biggest driver is housing — median home prices are $210,000 in Iowa vs $220,000 in Ohio.
Is Iowa cheaper than Ohio?
Yes, Iowa is 5% cheaper than Ohio overall based on the MERIC/C2ER cost-of-living index. Housing, groceries, and utilities all factor into the difference.
Is Ohio more expensive than Iowa?
Yes, Ohio is 5% more expensive than Iowa based on the MERIC/C2ER composite index. Housing is typically the largest factor in the difference.
What salary in Ohio equals $100,000 in Iowa?
To maintain the same purchasing power as a $100,000 salary in Iowa, you would need approximately $105,345 in Ohio. This is based on the overall cost-of-living index (89.8 vs 94.6).
How do housing costs compare between Iowa and Ohio?
Housing is cheaper in Iowa. Median home prices are $210,000 in Iowa vs $220,000 in Ohio — a $10,000 difference. Average 2-bedroom rent is $1,088/mo vs $1,226/mo.
What costs more in Iowa vs Ohio?
Utilities is 10% lower in Iowa (index 88 vs 98.3). Housing is 11% lower in Iowa (index 77.7 vs 87.6). Groceries is 3% lower in Iowa (index 96.6 vs 99.4).
Is gas cheaper in Iowa or Ohio?
Gas averages $3.19/gallon in Iowa and $3.44/gallon in Ohio — a $0.25 difference per gallon.
Iowa vs Ohio cost of living — how do they compare?
Iowa has an overall cost-of-living index of 89.8 and Ohio has 94.6 (national average = 100). Ohio is 5% more expensive overall. Use the calculator above to see how this affects your specific salary.
How do taxes compare between Iowa and Ohio?
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. Ohio moved to a flat 2.75% income tax in 2026 on income over $26,050, down from a progressive system. Many Ohio cities also levy local income taxes — Columbus charges 2.5%, Cleveland 2.0%, and Cincinnati 1.8%. These local taxes are not withheld automatically by out-of-city employers, so you may owe them separately. Use the Iowa vs Ohio 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 Ohio?
Iowa requires residents to file a state income tax return annually, typically due April 15. Ohio 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
- Ohio Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Iowa vs Ohio Paycheck Comparison — Compare take-home pay after taxes
- House Affordability in Iowa — How much house can you afford?
- House Affordability in Ohio — How much house can you afford?
- Iowa Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates
- Ohio Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates
- Iowa Mortgage Calculator — Estimate monthly payments with local rates
- Ohio Mortgage Calculator — Estimate monthly payments with local rates
- Iowa Bonus Tax Calculator — See how bonuses are taxed differently
- Ohio 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.