Uprootmap
Madison vs Iowa City
Madison and Iowa City
Photo: American007 / Wikimedia, Public domain
Assumed income $83,730, same in both cities. Example, until you change it.
Other cities
So you know: homicide deaths in Iowa City are under the US rate in this release, 1.4 versus 6.5 per 100,000. CDC via County Health Rankings, CDC NVSS 2017–2023 (CHR 2025 release).
Why people look at Madison to Iowa City
In 2022-2023, 36 households filed a move from Madison to Iowa City (about 46 people, average adjusted gross income $70,528). 62 households went the other way. Source: IRS migration.
A one-bedroom asking rent is about $1,330 in Madison and $911 in Iowa City. Madison has a state tax on wages. Iowa City has a state tax on wages. Local pay in Iowa City is 84% of the national level for the same work, against 100% in Madison.
Iowa City averages 207 sunny days, with July highs around 82°F and January nights around 19°F. Madison is 188 sunny days, 82°F in July, 12°F in January. Commutes average 20 minutes in Iowa City and 21 in Madison.
These figures are projections built from available public data. Conditions change, and the numbers may not reflect current prices, taxes, or immigration rules. Check official sources before you make decisions.
Who already made this move
In 2022-2023, 36 households moved Madison → Iowa City (about 46 people, average AGI $70,528). 62 households went the other way.
Source: IRS SOI county-to-county migration. Not a moving company; not a recommendation.
The monthly number is take-home pay minus rent and the other bills. The gap between Madison and Iowa City changes with the job, remote or local pay, and bedrooms. How we figure this.
What the move itself costs
About 181 road miles, 1 bedroom. Typical ranges, not quotes.
- Full-service mover
- $1,700–$3,250
- Container or pod
- $1,150–$2,200
- Rent a truck
- $450–$850
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Dig into Iowa City
Questions
Is Iowa City cheaper than Madison after tax and rent?
Yes. Iowa City leaves about $726 more a month, so the cost of living is lower there for this household. A one-bedroom is about $1,330 in Madison and $911 in Iowa City.
Does Iowa City have state income tax?
Iowa City is in Iowa, which taxes wage income.
Did people actually move from Madison to Iowa City?
Yes, when the IRS published that flow. The count and their average income are on this page. Leftover prices the same household in both cities.