State Comparison

Iowa vs Kansas

Kansas is cheaper overall, while $100 goes further in Kansas, Iowa has higher incomes, Kansas has lower state income tax, and Kansas gets more sunshine.

Iowa

IA • Midwest

Better quality of life

Quality of Life Score

56.23

Kansas

KS • Midwest

Quality of Life Score

52.20

Iowa

15 / 30

metrics won

Score

Tie

Kansas

15 / 30

metrics won

IA wins Housing

KS wins Quality of Life

KS wins Climate

IA wins Demographics

Quality of Life

Composite score — income, affordability, education, health, and safety.

Iowa winner

56.23

Kansas

52.20

Iowa scores higher on quality of life — 4.03 points difference.

Quick Take

Iowa vs Kansas

This quick read mixes affordability, housing, income, politics, density, and climate so the biggest tradeoffs show up fast.

Iowa is about 1.5 times smaller than Kansas.
Iowa has a larger population than Kansas by 252,489 people.
Kansas has the lower cost-of-living index. Kansas is at 90.2, while Iowa is at 91.0.
After BEA price-level adjustments, $100 has about $113.09 of local buying power in Kansas, versus $111.93 in Iowa.

Overview

Key differences overview

These cards keep the comparison factual first, so the biggest tradeoffs in affordability, housing, taxes, politics, climate, and day-to-day living are easy to scan.

Overall Affordability

Kansas is 0.8 points cheaper overall

Kansas has the lower cost-of-living index. Kansas is at 90.2, while Iowa is at 91.0.

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Real Dollar Value

$100 goes $1.16 further in Kansas

After BEA price-level adjustments, $100 has about $113.09 of local buying power in Kansas, versus $111.93 in Iowa.

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Income

Iowa income is 5.4% higher

Iowa has the higher median household income at $70,571, compared with $66,962 in Kansas.

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Jobs

Kansas has the higher minimum wage

Kansas has the higher statewide minimum wage at $7.25/hr, compared with $7.25/hr in Iowa.

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Housing

Kansas homes cost about 1.1x more

Iowa has the lower median home value at $173,300, versus $185,900 in Kansas.

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Taxes

Kansas has lower state income tax

Kansas has the lower state income tax rate. Its top rate is 5.70%, compared with 6.00% in Iowa.

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Full Comparison

Pick a category to focus on. General shows the most important facts at a glance.

Metric	IA	KS	Deep dive
Capital City The official state capital.	Des Moines	Topeka	Details ->
State Color Simple political color label based on the 2024 presidential result and battleground status.	Solid Red	Solid Red	Details ->
Population Total resident population (2020 Census).	3,190,369	2,937,880	Details ->
Median Income Median household income in U.S. dollars.	$70,571	$66,962	Details ->
Cost of Living Composite cost of living index (100 = national average). Lower = more affordable.	91.0	90.2	Details ->
Median Housing Value Median residential home value in U.S. dollars.	$173,300	$185,900	Details ->
Property Tax Effective real-estate property tax rate (% of home value, WalletHub February 17, 2026 using 2024 data).	1.39%	1.29%	Details ->
State Income Tax Top marginal state income tax rate. 0% = no state income tax.	6.00%	5.70%	Details ->
Minimum Wage State minimum wage in U.S. dollars per hour (U.S. Department of Labor, updated January 1, 2026).	$7.25/hr	$7.25/hr	Details ->
Gas Price Average regular gasoline price by state (AAA State Gas Price Averages, updated daily).	$3.482/gal	$3.365/gal	Details ->
Electricity Rates Average residential electricity price in cents per kWh (EIA monthly state data, January 2026 preliminary).	12.83 c/kWh	14.29 c/kWh	Details ->
Livability Score Best States to Live In total score (August 11, 2025).	56.23	52.20	Details ->
Average Temperature Average annual statewide temperature in degrees Fahrenheit.	47.8°F	54.3°F	Details ->
Sunny Days Average number of sunny or mostly sunny days per year.	105 days	128 days	Details ->
Land Area Total land area in square miles.	56,273 sq mi	82,278 sq mi	Details ->
Population Density Number of residents per square mile.	56.7 per sq mi	35.7 per sq mi	Details ->
Statehood When the state was admitted to the Union and its admission order.	December 28, 1846 (#29)	January 29, 1861 (#34)	Details ->

Population -> Median Income -> Cost of Living -> Median Housing Value -> Property Tax -> State Income Tax -> Minimum Wage -> Gas Price -> Electricity Rates -> Livability Score -> Average Temperature -> Sunny Days -> Land Area -> Population Density ->

Metric	IA	KS	Deep dive
Population Total resident population (2020 Census).	3,190,369	2,937,880	Details ->
Population Density Number of residents per square mile.	56.7 per sq mi	35.7 per sq mi	Details ->
Bachelor's Degree Adults age 25+ with a bachelor's degree or higher (ACS 2023).	31.5%	35.8%	Details ->
Advanced Degree Adults age 25+ with a graduate or professional degree (ACS 2023).	10.7%	13.4%	Details ->

Population -> Population Density -> Bachelor's Degree -> Advanced Degree ->

Metric	IA	KS	Deep dive
Minimum Wage State minimum wage in U.S. dollars per hour (U.S. Department of Labor, updated January 1, 2026).	$7.25/hr	$7.25/hr	Details ->

Minimum Wage ->

Metric	IA	KS	Deep dive
Livability Score Best States to Live In total score (August 11, 2025).	56.23	52.20	Details ->
Best State to Live In Composite living score for comparing states to live in, based on the existing livability score.	56.23	52.20	Details ->
Cost of Living Composite cost of living index (100 = national average). Lower = more affordable.	91.0	90.2	Details ->
Gas Price Average regular gasoline price by state (AAA State Gas Price Averages, updated daily).	$3.482/gal	$3.365/gal	Details ->
Gas Tax State gasoline excise tax in cents per gallon. Lower = lower state fuel tax burden.	30.50 c/gal	24.00 c/gal	Details ->
Electricity Rates Average residential electricity price in cents per kWh (EIA monthly state data, January 2026 preliminary).	12.83 c/kWh	14.29 c/kWh	Details ->
Commute Time Average commute time in minutes.	19.2 min	19.1 min	Details ->

Livability Score -> Best State to Live In -> Cost of Living -> Gas Price -> Gas Tax -> Electricity Rates -> Commute Time ->

Metric	IA	KS	Deep dive
Average Temperature Average annual statewide temperature in degrees Fahrenheit.	47.8°F	54.3°F	Details ->
Summer Temperature Average statewide summer temperature across June, July, and August.	71.6°F	76.4°F	Details ->
Winter Temperature Average statewide winter temperature across December, January, and February.	21.7°F	31.9°F	Details ->
Sunny Days Average number of sunny or mostly sunny days per year.	105 days	128 days	Details ->
Annual Precipitation Average annual rain and snowfall combined, measured in inches.	34.0 in	28.9 in	Details ->

Average Temperature -> Summer Temperature -> Winter Temperature -> Sunny Days -> Annual Precipitation ->

Metric	IA	KS	Deep dive
Median Housing Value Median residential home value in U.S. dollars.	$173,300	$185,900	Details ->
Median Gross Rent Median gross monthly rent in U.S. dollars.	$914/mo	$986/mo	Details ->
Median Monthly Owner Costs With Mortgage Median selected monthly owner costs for households with a mortgage.	-	-	Details ->
Owner Costs Without Mortgage Median selected monthly owner costs for households without a mortgage.	-	-	Details ->
Homeownership Rate Share of occupied housing units that are owner-occupied.	72.7%	66.9%	Details ->
Home Value to Income Ratio Median home value divided by median household income.	2.46x	2.78x	Details ->
Rent to Income Ratio Annualized median gross rent as a share of median household income.	15.5%	17.7%	Details ->
Owner Costs to Income Median selected monthly owner costs as a percentage of household income (ACS 2023).	16.4%	17.0%	Details ->

Median Housing Value -> Median Gross Rent -> Median Monthly Owner Costs With Mortgage -> Owner Costs Without Mortgage -> Homeownership Rate -> Home Value to Income Ratio -> Rent to Income Ratio -> Owner Costs to Income ->

Metric	IA	KS	Deep dive
State Income Tax Top marginal state income tax rate. 0% = no state income tax.	6.00%	5.70%	Details ->
State Sales Tax State-level sales tax rate. 0% = no state sales tax (local taxes may apply).	6.00%	6.50%	Details ->
Property Tax Effective real-estate property tax rate (% of home value, WalletHub February 17, 2026 using 2024 data).	1.39%	1.29%	Details ->

State Income Tax -> State Sales Tax -> Property Tax ->

Metric	IA	KS	Deep dive
State Color Simple political color label based on the 2024 presidential result and battleground status.	Solid Red	Solid Red	Details ->
Presidential Voting Margin Signed 2024 presidential margin in percentage points (positive = Democratic, negative = Republican).	Rep +13.21	Rep +16.02	Details ->
Swing State / Battleground Whether the state was part of the core 2024 battleground map.	Not a battleground	Not a battleground	Details ->
Governor Party Current governor's party (NCSL partisan composition, January 27, 2026).	Republican	Democratic	Details ->
State House Control Current partisan control of the lower legislative chamber (NCSL, January 27, 2026).	Republican	Republican	Details ->
State Senate Control Current partisan control of the upper legislative chamber (NCSL, January 27, 2026).	Republican	Republican	Details ->
Trifecta Whether one party controls the governorship and both legislative chambers (NCSL, January 27, 2026).	Republican Trifecta	No Trifecta	Details ->

Presidential Voting Margin ->

Metric	IA	KS	Deep dive
Gun Laws Status Simplified statewide gun-law label based on current Giffords grades: A to B = Restrictive, C to F = Permissive (scorecard modified February 20, 2026).	Permissive	Permissive	Details ->
Alcohol Laws Whether the state uses a control-state or license-state model for distilled-spirit sales (NABCA directory accessed April 6, 2026).	Control State	License State	Details ->
Marijuana Legalization Current statewide marijuana status: Legal, Medical, or Illegal (NCSL state cannabis laws page updated June 27, 2025).	Medical	Illegal	Details ->

Metric	IA	KS	Deep dive
Land Area Total land area in square miles.	56,273 sq mi	82,278 sq mi	Details ->
Highest Point Highest natural point in the state, with summit elevation.	Hawkeye Point (1,670 ft)	Mount Sunflower (4,041 ft)	Details ->
Statehood When the state was admitted to the Union and its admission order.	December 28, 1846 (#29)	January 29, 1861 (#34)	Details ->
Capital City The official state capital.	Des Moines	Topeka	Details ->
Region U.S. Census Bureau geographic region.	Midwest	Midwest	Details ->

Land Area -> Highest Point ->

Metric	IA	KS	Deep dive
Life Expectancy Life expectancy at birth in years (CDC 2021).	78.1 yrs	77.0 yrs	Details ->
Older Adult Health Outcomes Composite score for comparing state health outcomes for older adults, using life expectancy, insurance coverage, and obesity prevalence.	61.1	48.1	Details ->
Uninsured Rate Share of residents without health insurance coverage.	5.0%	8.4%	Details ->
Obesity Rate Adult obesity prevalence.	36.6%	37.6%	Details ->

Life Expectancy -> Older Adult Health Outcomes -> Uninsured Rate -> Obesity Rate ->

Metric	IA	KS	Deep dive
Violent Crime Rate Violent crime incidents per 100,000 residents (FBI UCR 2022).	277.2	394.2	Details ->
Property Crime Rate Property crime incidents per 100,000 residents.	1452.6	2174.2	Details ->

Violent Crime Rate -> Property Crime Rate ->

Metric	IA	KS	Deep dive
Median Income Median household income in U.S. dollars.	$70,571	$66,962	Details ->
Regional Price Parity Official price level relative to the national average (100 = U.S. average).	90.4	88.9	Details ->
Purchasing Power of $100 Real local value of $100 after adjusting for BEA Regional Price Parities.	$111.93	$113.09	Details ->
Poverty Rate Share of residents below the federal poverty line (ACS 2023).	11.3%	11.2%	Details ->
Employment/Population Ratio Employed civilian population as a share of the adult population (ACS 2023).	64.4%	63.2%	Details ->
Unemployment Rate Seasonally adjusted unemployment rate (BLS, December 2025).	3.5%	3.8%	Details ->
Job Growth Change in total nonfarm payroll employment from December 2024 to December 2025 (BLS).	0.2%	-0.1%	Details ->

Median Income -> Regional Price Parity -> Purchasing Power of $100 -> Poverty Rate -> Employment/Population Ratio -> Unemployment Rate -> Job Growth ->

Metric	IA	KS	Deep dive
Retirement Score Composite score for comparing states for retirement, combining affordability, taxes, housing, health, safety, and winter climate.	64.1	63.9	Details ->

Retirement Score ->

Intent-Oriented

Which state fits your priorities better?

Use these cards as decision shortcuts for common goals like saving money, buying a home, finding better weather, or optimizing for work and family life.

Saving Money

Kansas is cheaper overall

Overall cost-of-living index: 90.2 vs 91.0 in Iowa. On a national baseline of 100, the lower score usually means cheaper day-to-day expenses.

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Gas Price

Kansas is cheaper at the pump

Average regular gas price: $3.365/gal in Kansas vs $3.482/gal in Iowa. Lower pump prices can cut everyday driving costs.

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Electricity Rates

Iowa has cheaper electricity

Average residential electricity rate: 12.83 c/kWh in Iowa vs 14.29 c/kWh in Kansas. Lower cents-per-kWh pricing can help keep utility bills down.

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Buying a Home

Iowa is more attainable for buyers

Home-value-to-income ratio: 2.46x in Iowa vs 2.78x in Kansas. A lower ratio means the median home is easier to afford on a median income.

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Renting

Iowa is easier for renters

Rent-to-income ratio: 15.5% in Iowa vs 17.7% in Kansas. A lower percentage means rent takes a smaller bite out of a typical household budget.

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Property Tax

Kansas has lower property taxes

Effective property tax rate: 1.29% in Kansas vs 1.39% in Iowa. A lower rate usually means a smaller yearly tax bill relative to home value.

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State Color

Iowa votes bluer

2024 presidential margin: Rep +13.21 in Iowa vs Rep +16.02 in Kansas.

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Government Control

Iowa has a trifecta

Iowa currently has republican trifecta, while Kansas does not. That usually means state laws can move faster in Iowa.

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Alcohol Laws

Iowa uses a control-state system

Iowa uses a control-state system for liquor sales, while Kansas uses a license-state system.

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Marijuana Legalization

Iowa has broader marijuana access

Iowa currently rates as Medical, while Kansas rates as Illegal under statewide marijuana law.

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Lower Taxes

Kansas has lower income taxes

Top state income tax rate: 5.70% in Kansas vs 6.00% in Iowa.

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More Space

Kansas feels less crowded

Population density: 35.7 per sq mi in Kansas vs 56.7 per sq mi in Iowa. Lower density usually means more space and less day-to-day congestion.

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Shorter Commute

Kansas has the shorter commute

Average commute: 19.1 min in Kansas vs 19.2 min in Iowa.

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Job Opportunities

Iowa looks better for job seekers

Unemployment rate: 3.5% in Iowa vs 3.8% in Kansas. Iowa also leads on job growth.

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Remote Workers

Iowa looks better for remote workers

Livability score: 56.23 in Iowa vs 52.20 in Kansas.

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Families

Iowa looks better for families

Iowa wins more family-oriented signals in this matchup, including violent crime rate, life expectancy, uninsured rate compared with Kansas.

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Warmer Climate

Kansas is warmer overall

Average annual temperature: 54.3°F in Kansas vs 47.8°F in Iowa.

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More Sunshine

Kansas gets more sun

Sunny days per year: 128 days in Kansas vs 105 days in Iowa.

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Detailed Metric Pages

Grouped tabs keep the deep-dive links tighter and easier to scan.

Population

Iowa has a larger population than Kansas by 252,489 people.

Population Density

Iowa is more densely populated than Kansas.

Bachelor's Degree

Kansas has a higher college-educated share than Iowa.

Advanced Degree

Kansas has a higher advanced-degree share than Iowa.

Iowa vs Kansas - Common Questions

Q Is Iowa cheaper to live in than Kansas?

Kansas has the lower cost of living. On the national index (100 = average), Kansas scores 90.2 versus 91.0 for Iowa - a gap of 0.8 points.

Q Where does $100 go further - Iowa or Kansas?

$100 goes further in Kansas. After BEA regional price adjustments, $100 is worth about $113.09 in Kansas, compared with $111.93 in Iowa.

Q Which state is bigger - Iowa or Kansas?

Kansas is larger, covering 82,278 sq mi compared with 56,273 sq mi for Iowa - roughly 1.5x the size.

Q Does Iowa or Kansas have more people?

Iowa has the larger population at 3,190,369, compared with 2,937,880 in Kansas.

Q Which state has higher household income - Iowa or Kansas?

Iowa has the higher median household income at $70,571, versus $66,962 in Kansas.

Q Which state has lower income taxes - Iowa or Kansas?

Kansas has the lower state income tax top rate at 5.70%, compared with 6.00% in Iowa.

Q Is housing cheaper in Iowa or Kansas?

Homes are cheaper in Iowa, where the median home value is $173,300, versus $185,900 in Kansas.

Q Which state is more densely populated - Iowa or Kansas?

Iowa is more densely populated at 56.7 per sq mi people per sq mi. Kansas is more spread out at 35.7 per sq mi people per sq mi.

Related Comparisons

Illinois vs Kansas

Indiana vs Kansas

Methodology

All figures are sourced from U.S. government datasets and updated annually. Page last updated: April 2026.

Core demographic data comes from the 2020 U.S. Census, with land area from U.S. Census Bureau TIGER files and statehood dates from the National Archives. Income, housing, affordability, and tax fields are maintained in our comparison dataset; purchasing-power figures use BEA Regional Price Parities. Minimum wage data comes from the U.S. Department of Labor, gas prices from AAA, and electricity rates from the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Political control and election fields use 2024 presidential results together with National Conference of State Legislatures data. Gun-law labels use the Giffords scorecard, alcohol system data comes from NABCA, and marijuana status uses NCSL's state cannabis laws tracker. See our editorial policy for how we review and update these pages.