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Iowa cost of living & income (2026)

Quick answer: Iowa has a cost-of-living index of 88.6 (100 = national baseline), an illustrative estimated annual cost of living of about $44,300, median household income of $75,501, combined average sales tax about 6.94%, and regular gas about $3.579/gal in the June 2026 AAA snapshot used on the hub.

COL index88.6100 = US baseline
Est. annual COL$44,300
Median HH income$75,501
Sales tax (comb.)6.94%
Gas (87 octane)$3.579/galJune 2026 AAA
Largest cityDes Moines (210,381)

Taxes & economy

Income tax: Flat 3.8%

Sales tax: 6% state (combined avg. ~6.94%)

Major industries: Agriculture (corn, soybeans, pork), manufacturing, finance/insurance, renewables

Climate snapshot

Summer high ~85°F (July) · Winter low ~12°F (January)

Culture (context)

Iowa State Capitol / National Mississippi River Museum

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FAQ

What is Iowa's cost of living index?

Iowa's cost-of-living index is 88.6 (national baseline 100) in this 2026 classroom snapshot.

What is the estimated annual cost of living in Iowa?

The explorer lists an illustrative estimated annual cost of living of about $44,300 for Iowa.

What is median household income in Iowa?

Median household income in Iowa is $75,501 in this dataset.

What is the combined average sales tax rate in Iowa?

The combined average sales tax rate shown for Iowa is 6.94%. State and local rules vary; see the Tax Foundation citation on the hub.

Does Iowa have a state income tax?

State income tax in Iowa: Flat 3.8%.

What was regular gas in Iowa in this snapshot?

87-octane gas is listed at $3.579 per gallon (AAA, June 2026) in the explorer data.

Sources on the hub: Tax Foundation (sales tax), BEA / ACS (income & COL), AAA gas (June 20, 2026). Educational snapshot — not relocation or tax advice.