Live in Iowa

The life you've always wanted

Living in Iowa means experiencing more of everything you want: more natural beauty, more vibrant communities and more arts and culture. Plus, having more time and more money in your pocket allows you to do what you really love. 

Craft your dream lifestyle.

State for Cost of Living
(CNBC, 2023)
Lowest Housing Cost
(WalletHub, 2023)
Best State to Live
(The Travel, 2024)

Spotlight

Two moms and a dog sit on the front steps of a house while kids play in the front yard
Affordability

Here, your dollars will go almost 30% further

We want you to get ahead, not just get by. As the national leader for low housing and childcare costs, you can live bigger for less.

Mother sending behind her daughter as she rides away on her bike.
Convenience

Make the most of your time with better and shorter commutes

In Iowa, you can perfect your hustle (without all the bustle).  With an average commute time of 20 minutes, less time on the road means more time for the things you enjoy most. Your 5-9 is just as important as your 9-5.

Community

"Iowa Nice" is a real thing

Iowa’s big-hearted communities provide the support and connections you need to live the life you want. And, friendly neighbors, strong community investments, diversity initiatives and more opportunities make it even easier to picture yourself living – and thriving – here.

Our Communities

Ames

Boat on a lake at sunrise in Burlington, Iowa

Burlington

Woman in the audience at an outdoor concert takes a photo of the stage

Cedar Rapids

Bird's eye view of crowd of people and large sculptures at River's Edge park in Council Bluffs, Iowa

Council Bluffs

Two people take a selfie in front of a Des Moines mural

Des Moines

Two people viewing the scenic overlook of the Mississippi River in the fall in Dubuque, Iowa

Dubuque

Father and sone riding bikes offroad in a park setting.

Fort Dodge

crowd of people at downtown Iowa city block party event

Iowa City

Women dancing in bright yellow and red cultural clothing at a festival in Marshalltown, Iowa

Marshalltown

People kayaking on Clear Lake

Mason City / Clear Lake

Bridge in Muscatine Iowa lit up with rainbow colors under a full moon

Muscatine

man biking next to river during sunset in the Quad Cities

Quad Cities

Loess Hills aerial

Sioux City

Waterloo / Cedar Falls

Explore our communities and then discover your cost savings.

The best move you’ll ever make

We’re ready to provide one-on-one support to match you with your dream career and community. 

Life in Iowa Stories

Find yourself here

Get your free This is Iowa and Travel Iowa guides for an inside look at Iowa’s incredible lifestyle and opportunities. 

2024-2025 Iowa Travel Guide and This Is Iowa Guide covers
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