California
High tax burden · COL index 142
Wins 3 categories
Iowa
Moderate tax burden · COL index 88
Wins 10 categories
California's top income tax rate is 13.3% vs Iowa's 3.8%. Cost of living in California (index 142) runs 61% higher than Iowa (index 88). Property taxes are meaningfully different: Iowa averages 1.42% annually vs California's 0.71%. The median home in California costs $790K vs $215K in Iowa.
Taxes
Housing & Cost of Living
Crime & Safety
Healthcare
Education
Childcare
Utilities & Daily Costs
Social Policy
Category wins
3
California
10
Iowa
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Score For My Profile →People Also Ask
Is it cheaper to live in Iowa or California?
The average rent in Los Angeles, CA is 109.8% higher than Iowa City, IA. Start your search for an apartment, house, condo, or townhome in Los Angeles, CA, and view the average rent for each property type. The average listing price for a home in Los Angeles, CA is $1,350,980, which is 215.8% higher than Iowa City, IA.
Can you live comfortably on $70,000 a year in California?
According to a living wage calculator, a single person needs approximately $76,000 annually to live comfortably in Los Angeles without financial stress. Though a $70K salary falls slightly below this threshold, thoughtful lifestyle choices can bridge the gap.
Are people leaving or moving to Iowa?
Iowa is among the top states people are leaving, according to new migration data from Atlas Van Lines. Why it matters: High outbound rates can shrink Iowa's future workforce and tax base, straining economic growth and local services.
Are people leaving California in 2026?
2026 California Migration Statistics Orange County and Los Angeles County lead California's outbound migration. 70% of moves are to just five states: Texas, Arizona, Nevada, Florida, and Tennessee. Middle-income families represent the largest demographic leaving. Remote workers comprise 35% of California departures.