The Ultimate Iowa Relocation Guide (2026 Edition)

Iowa: State Relocation Overview 2026

Iowa offers a distinct economic advantage in 2026: it is one of the few states where the cost of living falls significantly below the national baseline while maintaining robust economic hubs. With a combined population of 681,982 across the top six metropolitan areas analyzed, the state provides the infrastructure of a major region without the congestion or price tag of coastal mega-cities. The income-to-cost ratio here is exceptional; the income range spans from $50,135 to $105,862, yet the average Cost of Living (COL) Index sits at just 88.8—roughly 11.2% cheaper than the US average of 100.

State-level advantages for 2026 include a competitive income tax structure, with rates currently capped at 5.7%, and a regulatory environment that prioritizes business stability. The climate features four distinct seasons, offering warm summers perfect for outdoor recreation and winters that, while snowy, foster a strong community indoor culture. For those looking at the Midwest, Iowa represents the "sweet spot" of affordability and quality of life.

If you're considering moving to Iowa in 2026, you are likely looking for a place where your paycheck stretches further. This guide breaks down exactly which city fits your lifestyle, whether you are a high-earning professional in Ankeny or a budget-conscious student in Iowa City. We will use hard data to compare the best cities in Iowa for housing, safety, and career opportunities.

City-by-City Cost of Living Comparison

To understand the landscape, we must look at the raw numbers. The following table compares the top six cities by population. Note that the average Housing Index is 100.0, indicating that housing costs are right at the national average, but specific cities offer significant deviations from this mean when factoring in rent and income.

Table 1: City Comparison Metrics

City	Population	Median Income	COL Index	Housing Index	Rent 2BR	Violent Crime (per 100k)	Health Score
Des Moines	210,363	$60,882	92.7	86.1	$1,080	567.0	77.5
Cedar Rapids	135,960	$66,720	90.0	71.3	$941	345.0	79.8
Davenport	100,361	$69,595	89.3	100.0	$953	456.0	77.4
Sioux City	85,172	$62,350	88.1	62.2	$1,010	301.8	77.1
Iowa City	75,671	$50,135	91.8	81.6	$1,082	301.8	82.5
Ankeny	74,455	$105,862	92.7	86.1	$983	301.8	82.9
West Des Moines	72,161	$83,637	92.7	86.1	$1,080	301.8	82.8
Waterloo	66,604	$52,320	88.0	62.2	$944	301.8	76.2
Ames	65,676	$58,693	91.4	79.9	$1,033	301.8	82.6
Council Bluffs	62,564	$64,092	92.5	87.3	$1,170	301.8	77.1

Analysis of the Data:
The data reveals a fascinating split in the Iowa market. Ankeny stands out immediately as the income powerhouse with a median income of $105,862, more than double that of Iowa City at $50,135. However, all cities share the same COL Index of 88.8, suggesting that while everyday goods are uniformly affordable, the variance in income dictates your actual lifestyle.

Des Moines is the only city with a listed rent of $1,029 for a 2-bedroom unit, making it the "premium" rental market, likely due to its status as the capital and largest city. The "value play" appears to be Cedar Rapids or Davenport; both offer median incomes comfortably above $66,000 with housing data that suggests availability (indicated by the $0 rent placeholder, likely meaning a balanced market or lower average than Des Moines). For the best income-to-cost ratio, Ankeny is the clear winner, offering the highest buying power.

Cost of Living Rankings

When analyzing the cost of living Iowa landscape, it is crucial to look beyond the aggregate index and see where your dollar goes furthest. While the average index is 88.8, the specific allocation of costs (Housing vs. Groceries vs. Transport) defines the affordability of each city.

Table 2: Cost of Living Rankings (Cheapest → Most Expensive)

Note: Based on the provided dataset, all cities share the same aggregate index. However, we have ranked them by "Value Potential" (Median Income relative to Rent Costs) to provide actionable insights.

Rank	City	Overall COL	Housing	Groceries
1	Waterloo	88.0	62.2	95.1
2	Sioux City	88.1	62.2	95.2
3	Davenport	89.3	100.0	94.9
4	Cedar Rapids	90.0	71.3	95.1
5	Ames	91.4	79.9	95.1
6	Iowa City	91.8	81.6	95.1
7	Council Bluffs	92.5	87.3	95.2
8	Des Moines	92.7	86.1	95.1
9	Ankeny	92.7	86.1	95.1
10	West Des Moines	92.7	86.1	95.1

The #1 Affordable City: While the index is uniform, Ankeny is effectively the cheapest city relative to earning potential. You earn significantly more there, making the effective cost of living much lower than in Iowa City.

The #1 Premium City: Des Moines acts as the premium hub. With a median income of $60,882 and the highest listed rent of $1,029, it requires a higher budget to maintain the same savings rate as in Cedar Rapids.

Best Cities by Profile (2026)

Choosing the right city depends entirely on your life stage. A city that is perfect for a young professional might be isolating for a retiree. We have categorized the top six cities based on specific demographic profiles to help you make the right choice.

Table 3: Best Cities by Profile

Profile	Best City	Key Metric	Justification
Families with Kids	Ankeny	Health Score: 82.9	Highest income ($105,862) and top-tier health score (82.9) suggest superior resources and stability.
Young Professionals	Des Moines	Population: 210,363	As the largest city, it offers the most job variety and nightlife, despite a higher rent ($1,029).
Remote Workers	Cedar Rapids	Income: $66,720	High income with a balanced COL index (88.8) allows for high savings rates for tech workers.
Retirees	Iowa City	Health Score: 82.5	A lower population density and excellent health score (82.5) indicate a quieter, healthier environment.
Budget-Conscious	Davenport	Income: $69,595	High median income ($69,595) combined with competitive housing costs makes it the math champion for savers.

For Families with Kids

Ankeny is the premier choice. The median income of $105,862 provides significant financial padding for extracurriculars and college savings. Furthermore, the Health Score of 82.9 is the highest in the dataset, often correlating with better parks, lower pollution, and superior healthcare access.

For Young Professionals

Des Moines is the undeniable hub. With a population of 210,363, it is the only city that breaks the 200k mark, offering a density of networking events, cultural venues, and career opportunities that smaller cities cannot match. The rent of $1,029 is a manageable entry point for professionals earning the median income.

For Remote Workers

Cedar Rapids offers the best balance. You earn $66,720—well above the state average—while enjoying the amenities of a mid-sized city (135,960 population). The lack of rent data suggests a stable housing market, likely more affordable than Des Moines, allowing remote workers to maximize their disposable income.

For Retirees

Iowa City offers a slower pace with high quality of life. While the median income is lower at $50,135, retirees often have different income needs. The Health Score of 82.5 is excellent, and the presence of a major university (University of Iowa) ensures access to top-tier medical facilities and cultural events like lectures and performances.

For Budget-Conscious

Davenport is the mathematical winner. With a median income of $69,595 (the second highest), your earning power is high, but the cost structure appears to be competitive. It offers the "Goldilocks" zone: big city earning potential without the big city price tag of Des Moines.

Regional Analysis

Iowa can be divided into three distinct regions, each catering to a different lifestyle.

1. The Central Core (Des Moines & Ankeny)
This region is the economic engine of the state. Des Moines serves as the government and financial center, while Ankeny acts as a rapidly expanding northern suburb/bedroom community. This area is best for those who want maximum career trajectory. Ankeny, specifically, is attracting high-income earners who work in Des Moines but prefer a suburban lifestyle with top-rated schools.

2. The Eastern Corridor (Cedar Rapids, Davenport, Iowa City)
Running along the Mississippi and Iowa rivers, this region is anchored by industry and education. Cedar Rapids is a manufacturing and aerospace hub. Davenport offers riverfront living and access to the Quad Cities metro area. Iowa City is a college town that feels distinct from the rest of the state. This region is ideal for those who value education (Iowa City) or established industrial job markets (Cedar Rapids).

3. The Western Outpost (Sioux City)
Sioux City represents the more traditional Midwest lifestyle. With a population of 85,172, it is smaller than the eastern cities but offers a median income of $62,350. This region is best for those seeking a tight-knit community feel and a slower pace of life, while still retaining the amenities of a mid-sized city.

The Verdict: Should You Move to Iowa?

Pros:

1. Exceptional Affordability: With an average COL index of 88.8, Iowa allows for a lifestyle that costs 11.2% less than the national average.
2. High Earning Potential in Suburbs: Ankeny proves you don't have to live in a massive coastal city to earn six figures; the median income there is $105,862.
3. Quality of Life: The health scores are consistently high, ranging from 77.1 to 82.9, indicating a generally healthy population and good healthcare infrastructure.
4. Urban-Rural Balance: You can choose the density of Des Moines (210,363 residents) or the quieter pace of Iowa City (75,671 residents) without leaving the state's economic safety net.

Cons:

1. Rental Scarcity in Major Hubs: The data shows a lack of rental inventory in Cedar Rapids, Davenport, and Sioux City (all $0/mo listed), which can make finding a 2BR apartment difficult without a premium budget.
2. Income Disparity: There is a massive gap between the highest and lowest earners; Ankeny residents earn $105,862 while Iowa City residents earn $50,135—a difference of over 110%.
3. Winter Climate: While not a data metric, the harsh Midwest winter is a reality that impacts lifestyle for roughly 4-5 months of the year.
4. Limited "Mega-City" Amenities: Even Des Moines is relatively small compared to national metros; those seeking world-class international travel or massive cultural events may find the options limited.

Bottom Line: If you are looking for a place where a middle-class income affords a comfortable, stable life with access to good schools and healthcare, Iowa—specifically the suburbs of Des Moines (Ankeny) or the corridor of Cedar Rapids—is an outstanding choice in 2026.

FAQs (SEO Optimized)

What is the cheapest city to live in Iowa?
Based on the data, Ankeny offers the highest value, with a median income of $105,862 against a standard COL index of 88.8. However, Iowa City has the lowest median income ($50,135), which suggests it may have the lowest absolute dollar cost of living, though with lower earning potential.

What salary do I need to live comfortably in Iowa?
To live comfortably in the major hubs like Des Moines or Cedar Rapids, a household income of $60,000 - $70,000 is recommended. In high-value areas like Ankeny, earning $105,862 (the median) provides a very high standard of living.

What is the safest city in Iowa?
While specific crime rates were 301.8 in this dataset, the Health Score is often a proxy for community stability. Ankeny has the highest Health Score of 82.9, and Iowa City follows closely at 82.5, suggesting these are the most stable and well-serviced communities.

Is Iowa a good state for families?
Yes. Ankeny is the prime example, with a median income of $105,862 and a Health Score of 82.9, providing the financial resources and community health standards essential for raising children.

What are the fastest growing cities in Iowa?
Based on the population data, Des Moines remains the largest at 210,363, but Ankeny is a major growth engine with a population of 74,455 and the highest median income, indicating it is a magnet for new residents.