Iowa vs Texas Cost of Living
Purchasing power
Your $75,000 is worth different amounts in each state
$83,519
in Iowa
$82,327
in Texas
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 | Texas | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | 77.7 | 79.4 | -2% |
| Groceries | 96.6 | 95.3 | +1% |
| Utilities | 88.0 | 102.9 | -14% |
| Transportation | 99.5 | 92.9 | +7% |
| Healthcare | 95.9 | 96.8 | -1% |
| Dining & Misc | 94.5 | 95.2 | -1% |
| Overall | 89.8 | 91.1 | -1% |
Index values relative to national average (100). Positive difference = more expensive in Iowa.
What things actually cost
| Item | Iowa | Texas | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median home price | $210,000 | $295,000 | $85,000 |
| Average 2BR rent | $1,088/mo | $1,112/mo | $24 |
| Gas price | $3.19/gal | $3.21/gal | $0.02 |
| Electric bill | $83/mo | $87/mo | $4 |
| Infant childcare | $9,605/yr | $10,706/yr | $1,101 |
Salary equivalent: Iowa → Texas
What a Iowa salary buys you in Texas, adjusted for cost of living.
| Salary in Iowa | Equivalent in Texas | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $50,724 | $-724 |
| $75,000 | $76,086 | $-1,086 |
| $100,000 | $101,448 | $-1,448 |
| $150,000 | $152,171 | $-2,171 |
| $200,000 | $202,895 | $-2,895 |
Positive = your money goes further in Texas. 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 Texas have nearly identical costs of living, with overall indices of 89.8 and 91.1 (national average = 100).
FAQ
Is it cheaper to live in Iowa or Texas?
Iowa and Texas have roughly the same cost of living, with less than 1% difference in the MERIC/C2ER composite index.
Is Iowa cheaper than Texas?
Iowa and Texas cost roughly the same to live in.
Is Texas more expensive than Iowa?
Iowa and Texas have nearly identical costs of living — the difference is less than 1%.
What salary in Texas equals $100,000 in Iowa?
To maintain the same purchasing power as a $100,000 salary in Iowa, you would need approximately $101,448 in Texas. This is based on the overall cost-of-living index (89.8 vs 91.1).
How do housing costs compare between Iowa and Texas?
Housing is significantly cheaper in Iowa. Median home prices are $210,000 in Iowa vs $295,000 in Texas — a $85,000 difference. Average 2-bedroom rent is $1,088/mo vs $1,112/mo.
What costs more in Iowa vs Texas?
Utilities is 14% lower in Iowa (index 88 vs 102.9). Transportation is 7% higher in Iowa (index 99.5 vs 92.9). Housing is 2% lower in Iowa (index 77.7 vs 79.4).
Is gas cheaper in Iowa or Texas?
Gas averages $3.19/gallon in Iowa and $3.21/gallon in Texas — a $0.02 difference per gallon.
Iowa vs Texas cost of living — how do they compare?
Iowa has an overall cost-of-living index of 89.8 and Texas has 91.1 (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 Texas?
Cost of living is only part of the picture — state income taxes also affect your take-home pay. Use the Iowa vs Texas paycheck comparison to see how a specific salary compares after federal and state taxes, FICA, and deductions.
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
- Texas Cost of Living — Housing, groceries, gas, and more
- Iowa vs Texas Paycheck Comparison — Compare take-home pay after taxes
- House Affordability in Iowa — How much house can you afford?
- House Affordability in Texas — How much house can you afford?
- 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.