Historical data
Pick an indicator to see its long-run evolution.
Cost of living index
2010–2024MERIC composite index, U.S. average = 100.
Cost of Living Index
Iowa has an overall cost of living index of 89.3, compared to the U.S. average of 100.
Regional Price Parity, all items
2008–2024BEA Regional Price Parities (SARPP line 1).
| Indicator | Iowa | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Regional Price Parity, all items2024, BEA Regional Price Parities | 87.8 | 100 |
- •Iowa generates more of its electricity from wind power than any other U.S. state, at roughly 64% of net generation.
Housing Costs
Housing costs in Iowa carry an index of 76.0, with a median home value of $221,000.
Housing price parity (rents)
2008–2024BEA Regional Price Parities, housing (SARPP line 3).
| Indicator | Iowa | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Housing price parity (rents)2024, BEA Regional Price Parities | 65.3 | 100 |
- •Median rent in Iowa was about $980 per month in 2024.
Utility Costs
Utility costs in Iowa carry an index of 93.9, with average electricity prices of 11.94 cents per kWh in 2024.
Utilities price parity
2008–2024BEA Regional Price Parities, utilities (SARPP line 4).
Electricity price per kWh (Midwest region)
1979–2024BLS Average Price Data, annual average (APU020072610).
| Indicator | Iowa | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Utilities price parity2024, BEA Regional Price Parities | 83.3 | 100 |
| Electricity Price (¢/kWh) | 11.94 | 16.14 |
- •Electricity prices in Iowa are among the lowest in the nation.
Food Costs
Grocery costs in Iowa carry an index of 95.4, versus the U.S. baseline of 100.
Food price index (Midwest region)
2006–2025BLS CPI-U food, Midwest region, annual average (CUUR0200SAF1).
Goods price parity
2008–2024BEA Regional Price Parities, goods (SARPP line 2).
| Indicator | Iowa | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Goods price parity2024, BEA Regional Price Parities | 93.7 | 100 |
- •Iowa's food costs track closely with its overall cost-of-living ranking among U.S. states.
Healthcare Costs
Healthcare costs in Iowa register an index of 97.9 against the U.S. average of 100.
Medical care price index (Midwest region)
2006–2025BLS CPI-U medical care, Midwest region, annual average (CUUR0200SAM).
- •Iowa had 118 community hospitals in operation as of 2024.
Transportation Costs
Transportation costs in Iowa have an index of 97.6, with an average one-way commute of 19.3 minutes.
Regular gasoline price
1993–2025U.S. EIA weekly retail price, all formulations, Midwest region (PADD 2), annual average (EMM_EPMR_PTE_R20_DPG).
| Indicator | Iowa | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Regular gasoline priceWeek of 2026-10-05, U.S. EIA weekly retail price | $4.11 per gallon | $4.35 per gallon |
| Avg Commute (min) | 19.3 | 26.4 |
- •Only about 0.8% of Iowa workers commute via public transit.