Iowa vs Pennsylvania Cost of Living
Purchasing power
Your $75,000 is worth different amounts in each state
$83,519
in Iowa
$77,240
in Pennsylvania
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 | Pennsylvania | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | 77.7 | 86.8 | -10% |
| Groceries | 96.6 | 98.5 | -2% |
| Utilities | 88.0 | 108.7 | -19% |
| Transportation | 99.5 | 104.0 | -4% |
| Healthcare | 95.9 | 93.7 | +2% |
| Dining & Misc | 94.5 | 101.2 | -7% |
| Overall | 89.8 | 97.1 | -8% |
Index values relative to national average (100). Positive difference = more expensive in Iowa.
What things actually cost
| Item | Iowa | Pennsylvania | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $210,000 | $270,000 | $60,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $1,088/mo | $1,215/mo | $127 |
| Gas price | $3.19/gal | $3.64/gal | $0.45 |
| Electric bill | $83/mo | $111/mo | $28 |
| Infant childcare | $9,605/yr | $13,354/yr | $3,749 |
Salary equivalent: Iowa → Pennsylvania
What a Iowa salary buys you in Pennsylvania, adjusted for cost of living.
| Salary in Iowa | Equivalent in Pennsylvania | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $54,065 | $-4,065 |
| $75,000 | $81,097 | $-6,097 |
| $100,000 | $108,129 | $-8,129 |
| $150,000 | $162,194 | $-12,194 |
| $200,000 | $216,258 | $-16,258 |
Positive = your money goes further in Pennsylvania. Based on overall COL index ratio.
Based on MERIC/C2ER 2025 composite indices. Dollar amounts from AAA, EIA, Zillow, and Child Care Aware.
Overview
Pennsylvania is 8% more expensive than Iowa overall. Pennsylvania has an index of 97.1 vs 89.8 for Iowa (national average = 100).
FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in Iowa or Pennsylvania?
Iowa is cheaper to live in. Pennsylvania is 8% more expensive overall. The biggest driver is housing — median home prices are $210,000 in Iowa vs $270,000 in Pennsylvania.
Is Iowa cheaper than Pennsylvania?
Yes, Iowa is 8% cheaper than Pennsylvania overall based on the MERIC/C2ER cost-of-living index. Housing, groceries, and utilities all factor into the difference.
Is Pennsylvania more expensive than Iowa?
Yes, Pennsylvania is 8% more expensive than Iowa based on the MERIC/C2ER composite index. Housing is typically the largest factor in the difference.
What salary in Pennsylvania equals $100,000 in Iowa?
To maintain the same purchasing power as a $100,000 salary in Iowa, you would need approximately $108,129 in Pennsylvania. This is based on the overall cost-of-living index (89.8 vs 97.1).
How do housing costs compare between Iowa and Pennsylvania?
Housing is significantly cheaper in Iowa. Median home prices are $210,000 in Iowa vs $270,000 in Pennsylvania — a $60,000 difference. Average 2-bedroom rent is $1,088/mo vs $1,215/mo.
What costs more in Iowa vs Pennsylvania?
Utilities is 19% lower in Iowa (index 88 vs 108.7). Housing is 10% lower in Iowa (index 77.7 vs 86.8). Dining & Misc is 7% lower in Iowa (index 94.5 vs 101.2).
Is gas cheaper in Iowa or Pennsylvania?
Gas averages $3.19/gallon in Iowa and $3.64/gallon in Pennsylvania — a $0.45 difference per gallon.
Iowa vs Pennsylvania cost of living — how do they compare?
Iowa has an overall cost-of-living index of 89.8 and Pennsylvania has 97.1 (national average = 100). Pennsylvania is 8% more expensive overall. Use the calculator above to see how this affects your specific salary.
How do taxes compare between Iowa and Pennsylvania?
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. Pennsylvania has a flat income tax rate of 3.07%, one of the lowest in the nation. Use the Iowa vs Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania?
Iowa requires residents to file a state income tax return annually, typically due April 15. Pennsylvania 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
- Pennsylvania Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Iowa vs Pennsylvania Paycheck Comparison — Compare take-home pay after taxes
- House Affordability in Iowa — How much house can you afford?
- House Affordability in Pennsylvania — How much house can you afford?
- Iowa Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates
- Pennsylvania Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates
- Iowa Mortgage Calculator — Estimate monthly payments with local rates
- Pennsylvania Mortgage Calculator — Estimate monthly payments with local rates
- Iowa Bonus Tax Calculator — See how bonuses are taxed differently
- Pennsylvania 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.