Example household · Sioux City, IA · $83,730 · same pay · 1 adult

Iowa City skyline

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Sioux City vs Iowa City

Sioux City and Iowa City

Photo: American007 / Wikimedia, Public domain

Assumed income $83,730, same in both cities. Example, until you change it.

Same pay in both cities. One adult, one bedroom.

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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 Sioux City to Iowa City

In 2022-2023, 28 households filed a move from Sioux City to Iowa City (about 32 people, average adjusted gross income $31,286). Source: IRS migration.

A one-bedroom asking rent is about $1,089 in Sioux City and $911 in Iowa City. Sioux City 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 91% in Sioux City.

Iowa City averages 207 sunny days, with July highs around 82°F and January nights around 19°F. Sioux City is 222 sunny days, 85°F in July, 17°F in January. Commutes average 20 minutes in Iowa City and 17 in Sioux City.

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.

How we figure this

Who already made this move

In 2022-2023, 28 households moved Sioux City → Iowa City (about 32 people, average AGI $31,286). The reverse flow is too small for the IRS to publish.

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 Sioux City and Iowa City changes with the job, remote or local pay, and bedrooms. How we figure this.

What the move itself costs

About 299 road miles, 1 bedroom. Typical ranges, not quotes.

Full-service mover
$1,850–$3,500
Container or pod
$1,250–$2,350
Rent a truck
$550–$1,000

Movers in Iowa City and how to hire one →

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Questions

Is Iowa City cheaper than Sioux City after tax and rent?

Yes. Iowa City leaves about $318 more a month, so the cost of living is lower there for this household. A one-bedroom is about $1,089 in Sioux City 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 Sioux City 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.