State Comparison

Iowa vs Wisconsin

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

Iowa

IA • Midwest

Quality of Life Score

56.23

Wisconsin

WI • Midwest

Better quality of life

Quality of Life Score

59.66

Iowa

19 / 30

metrics won

Wins

Score

Wisconsin

11 / 30

metrics won

IA wins Housing

IA wins Quality of Life

IA wins Climate

WI wins Demographics

Quality of Life

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

Iowa

56.23

Wisconsin winner

59.66

Wisconsin scores higher on quality of life — 3.43 points difference.

Quick Take

Iowa vs Wisconsin

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

Wisconsin has a larger population than Iowa by 2,703,349 people.
Iowa has the lower cost-of-living index. Iowa is at 91.0, while Wisconsin is at 95.5.
After BEA price-level adjustments, $100 has about $111.93 of local buying power in Iowa, versus $108.93 in Wisconsin.
Wisconsin has the higher median household income at $71,887, compared with $70,571 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

Iowa is 4.5 points cheaper overall

Iowa has the lower cost-of-living index. Iowa is at 91.0, while Wisconsin is at 95.5.

View detailed comparison

Real Dollar Value

$100 goes $3.00 further in Iowa

After BEA price-level adjustments, $100 has about $111.93 of local buying power in Iowa, versus $108.93 in Wisconsin.

View detailed comparison

Income

Wisconsin income is 1.9% higher

Wisconsin has the higher median household income at $71,887, compared with $70,571 in Iowa.

View detailed comparison

Jobs

Wisconsin has the higher minimum wage

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

View detailed comparison

Housing

Wisconsin homes cost about 1.4x more

Iowa has the lower median home value at $173,300, versus $237,300 in Wisconsin.

View detailed comparison

Taxes

Iowa has lower state income tax

Iowa has the lower state income tax rate. Its top rate is 6.00%, compared with 7.65% in Wisconsin.

View detailed comparison

Full Comparison

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

Metric	IA	WI	Deep dive
Capital City The official state capital.	Des Moines	Madison	Details ->
State Color Simple political color label based on the 2024 presidential result and battleground status.	Solid Red	Swing State	Details ->
Population Total resident population (2020 Census).	3,190,369	5,893,718	Details ->
Median Income Median household income in U.S. dollars.	$70,571	$71,887	Details ->
Cost of Living Composite cost of living index (100 = national average). Lower = more affordable.	91.0	95.5	Details ->
Median Housing Value Median residential home value in U.S. dollars.	$173,300	$237,300	Details ->
Property Tax Effective real-estate property tax rate (% of home value, WalletHub February 17, 2026 using 2024 data).	1.39%	1.42%	Details ->
State Income Tax Top marginal state income tax rate. 0% = no state income tax.	6.00%	7.65%	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	$3.818/gal	Details ->
Electricity Rates Average residential electricity price in cents per kWh (EIA monthly state data, January 2026 preliminary).	12.83 c/kWh	18.20 c/kWh	Details ->
Livability Score Best States to Live In total score (August 11, 2025).	56.23	59.66	Details ->
Average Temperature Average annual statewide temperature in degrees Fahrenheit.	47.8°F	43.1°F	Details ->
Sunny Days Average number of sunny or mostly sunny days per year.	105 days	89 days	Details ->
Land Area Total land area in square miles.	56,273 sq mi	65,496 sq mi	Details ->
Population Density Number of residents per square mile.	56.7 per sq mi	90.0 per sq mi	Details ->
Statehood When the state was admitted to the Union and its admission order.	December 28, 1846 (#29)	May 29, 1848 (#30)	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	WI	Deep dive
Population Total resident population (2020 Census).	3,190,369	5,893,718	Details ->
Population Density Number of residents per square mile.	56.7 per sq mi	90.0 per sq mi	Details ->
Bachelor's Degree Adults age 25+ with a bachelor's degree or higher (ACS 2023).	31.5%	33.8%	Details ->
Advanced Degree Adults age 25+ with a graduate or professional degree (ACS 2023).	10.7%	11.5%	Details ->

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

Metric	IA	WI	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	WI	Deep dive
Livability Score Best States to Live In total score (August 11, 2025).	56.23	59.66	Details ->
Best State to Live In Composite living score for comparing states to live in, based on the existing livability score.	56.23	59.66	Details ->
Cost of Living Composite cost of living index (100 = national average). Lower = more affordable.	91.0	95.5	Details ->
Gas Price Average regular gasoline price by state (AAA State Gas Price Averages, updated daily).	$3.482/gal	$3.818/gal	Details ->
Gas Tax State gasoline excise tax in cents per gallon. Lower = lower state fuel tax burden.	30.50 c/gal	30.90 c/gal	Details ->
Electricity Rates Average residential electricity price in cents per kWh (EIA monthly state data, January 2026 preliminary).	12.83 c/kWh	18.20 c/kWh	Details ->
Commute Time Average commute time in minutes.	19.2 min	22.4 min	Details ->

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

Metric	IA	WI	Deep dive
Average Temperature Average annual statewide temperature in degrees Fahrenheit.	47.8°F	43.1°F	Details ->
Summer Temperature Average statewide summer temperature across June, July, and August.	71.6°F	66.8°F	Details ->
Winter Temperature Average statewide winter temperature across December, January, and February.	21.7°F	17.2°F	Details ->
Sunny Days Average number of sunny or mostly sunny days per year.	105 days	89 days	Details ->
Annual Precipitation Average annual rain and snowfall combined, measured in inches.	34.0 in	32.6 in	Details ->

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

Metric	IA	WI	Deep dive
Median Housing Value Median residential home value in U.S. dollars.	$173,300	$237,300	Details ->
Median Gross Rent Median gross monthly rent in U.S. dollars.	$914/mo	$1,030/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%	68.6%	Details ->
Home Value to Income Ratio Median home value divided by median household income.	2.46x	3.30x	Details ->
Rent to Income Ratio Annualized median gross rent as a share of median household income.	15.5%	17.2%	Details ->
Owner Costs to Income Median selected monthly owner costs as a percentage of household income (ACS 2023).	16.4%	16.8%	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	WI	Deep dive
State Income Tax Top marginal state income tax rate. 0% = no state income tax.	6.00%	7.65%	Details ->
State Sales Tax State-level sales tax rate. 0% = no state sales tax (local taxes may apply).	6.00%	5.00%	Details ->
Property Tax Effective real-estate property tax rate (% of home value, WalletHub February 17, 2026 using 2024 data).	1.39%	1.42%	Details ->

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

Metric	IA	WI	Deep dive
State Color Simple political color label based on the 2024 presidential result and battleground status.	Solid Red	Swing State	Details ->
Presidential Voting Margin Signed 2024 presidential margin in percentage points (positive = Democratic, negative = Republican).	Rep +13.21	Rep +0.86	Details ->
Swing State / Battleground Whether the state was part of the core 2024 battleground map.	Not a battleground	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	WI	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	Medical	Details ->

Metric	IA	WI	Deep dive
Land Area Total land area in square miles.	56,273 sq mi	65,496 sq mi	Details ->
Highest Point Highest natural point in the state, with summit elevation.	Hawkeye Point (1,670 ft)	Timms Hill (1,951 ft)	Details ->
Statehood When the state was admitted to the Union and its admission order.	December 28, 1846 (#29)	May 29, 1848 (#30)	Details ->
Capital City The official state capital.	Des Moines	Madison	Details ->
Region U.S. Census Bureau geographic region.	Midwest	Midwest	Details ->

Land Area -> Highest Point ->

Metric	IA	WI	Deep dive
Life Expectancy Life expectancy at birth in years (CDC 2021).	78.1 yrs	78.3 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	60.4	Details ->
Uninsured Rate Share of residents without health insurance coverage.	5.0%	4.9%	Details ->
Obesity Rate Adult obesity prevalence.	36.6%	37.4%	Details ->

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

Metric	IA	WI	Deep dive
Violent Crime Rate Violent crime incidents per 100,000 residents (FBI UCR 2022).	277.2	295.8	Details ->
Property Crime Rate Property crime incidents per 100,000 residents.	1452.6	1391.6	Details ->

Violent Crime Rate -> Property Crime Rate ->

Metric	IA	WI	Deep dive
Median Income Median household income in U.S. dollars.	$70,571	$71,887	Details ->
Regional Price Parity Official price level relative to the national average (100 = U.S. average).	90.4	93.2	Details ->
Purchasing Power of $100 Real local value of $100 after adjusting for BEA Regional Price Parities.	$111.93	$108.93	Details ->
Poverty Rate Share of residents below the federal poverty line (ACS 2023).	11.3%	10.7%	Details ->
Employment/Population Ratio Employed civilian population as a share of the adult population (ACS 2023).	64.4%	63.4%	Details ->
Unemployment Rate Seasonally adjusted unemployment rate (BLS, December 2025).	3.5%	3.1%	Details ->
Job Growth Change in total nonfarm payroll employment from December 2024 to December 2025 (BLS).	0.2%	0.2%	Details ->

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

Metric	IA	WI	Deep dive
Retirement Score Composite score for comparing states for retirement, combining affordability, taxes, housing, health, safety, and winter climate.	64.1	58.8	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

Iowa is cheaper overall

Overall cost-of-living index: 91.0 vs 95.5 in Wisconsin. On a national baseline of 100, the lower score usually means cheaper day-to-day expenses.

See full data

Gas Price

Iowa is cheaper at the pump

Average regular gas price: $3.482/gal in Iowa vs $3.818/gal in Wisconsin. Lower pump prices can cut everyday driving costs.

See full data

Electricity Rates

Iowa has cheaper electricity

Average residential electricity rate: 12.83 c/kWh in Iowa vs 18.20 c/kWh in Wisconsin. Lower cents-per-kWh pricing can help keep utility bills down.

See full data

Buying a Home

Iowa is more attainable for buyers

Home-value-to-income ratio: 2.46x in Iowa vs 3.30x in Wisconsin. A lower ratio means the median home is easier to afford on a median income.

See full data

Renting

Iowa is easier for renters

Rent-to-income ratio: 15.5% in Iowa vs 17.2% in Wisconsin. A lower percentage means rent takes a smaller bite out of a typical household budget.

See full data

Property Tax

Iowa has lower property taxes

Effective property tax rate: 1.39% in Iowa vs 1.42% in Wisconsin. A lower rate usually means a smaller yearly tax bill relative to home value.

See full data

Battleground Politics

Wisconsin is a swing state

Wisconsin was one of the core 2024 battleground states, while Iowa was not. That usually means tighter races and more campaign attention.

See full data

State Color

Wisconsin votes bluer

2024 presidential margin: Rep +0.86 in Wisconsin vs Rep +13.21 in Iowa.

See full data

Government Control

Iowa has a trifecta

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

See full data

Alcohol Laws

Iowa uses a control-state system

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

See full data

Lower Taxes

Iowa has lower income taxes

Top state income tax rate: 6.00% in Iowa vs 7.65% in Wisconsin.

See full data

More Space

Iowa feels less crowded

Population density: 56.7 per sq mi in Iowa vs 90.0 per sq mi in Wisconsin. Lower density usually means more space and less day-to-day congestion.

See full data

Shorter Commute

Iowa has the shorter commute

Average commute: 19.2 min in Iowa vs 22.4 min in Wisconsin.

See full data

Job Opportunities

Wisconsin looks better for job seekers

Unemployment rate: 3.1% in Wisconsin vs 3.5% in Iowa.

See full data

Remote Workers

Wisconsin looks better for remote workers

Livability score: 59.66 in Wisconsin vs 56.23 in Iowa.

See full data

Families

Wisconsin looks better for families

Wisconsin wins more family-oriented signals in this matchup, including life expectancy, uninsured rate, bachelor's degree compared with Iowa.

See full data

Warmer Climate

Iowa is warmer overall

Average annual temperature: 47.8°F in Iowa vs 43.1°F in Wisconsin.

See full data

More Sunshine

Iowa gets more sun

Sunny days per year: 105 days in Iowa vs 89 days in Wisconsin.

See full data

Detailed Metric Pages

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

Population

Wisconsin has a larger population than Iowa by 2,703,349 people.

Population Density

Wisconsin is more densely populated than Iowa.

Bachelor's Degree

Wisconsin has a higher college-educated share than Iowa.

Advanced Degree

Wisconsin has a higher advanced-degree share than Iowa.

Iowa vs Wisconsin - Common Questions

Q Is Iowa cheaper to live in than Wisconsin?

Iowa has the lower cost of living. On the national index (100 = average), Iowa scores 91.0 versus 95.5 for Wisconsin - a gap of 4.5 points.

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

$100 goes further in Iowa. After BEA regional price adjustments, $100 is worth about $111.93 in Iowa, compared with $108.93 in Wisconsin.

Q Which state is bigger - Iowa or Wisconsin?

Wisconsin is larger, covering 65,496 sq mi compared with 56,273 sq mi for Iowa - roughly 1.2x the size.

Q Does Iowa or Wisconsin have more people?

Wisconsin has the larger population at 5,893,718, compared with 3,190,369 in Iowa.

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

Wisconsin has the higher median household income at $71,887, versus $70,571 in Iowa.

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

Iowa has the lower state income tax top rate at 6.00%, compared with 7.65% in Wisconsin.

Q Is housing cheaper in Iowa or Wisconsin?

Homes are cheaper in Iowa, where the median home value is $173,300, versus $237,300 in Wisconsin.

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

Wisconsin is more densely populated at 90.0 per sq mi people per sq mi. Iowa is more spread out at 56.7 per sq mi people per sq mi.

Related Comparisons

Illinois vs Wisconsin

Indiana vs Wisconsin

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.