Economics Teachers, Postsecondary Salary in Iowa: Cost of Living Adjusted (2024)

What does a Economics Teachers, Postsecondary salary really buy you in Iowa?

Iowa is 11.6% cheaper than the US average

Data: BLS OEWS 2024 + BEA Regional Price Parities 2022 • Updated 2026-03-31

Nominal Salary

$108,320

Median annual (2024)

→ +13.1%

Real Purchasing Power

$122,533

COL-adjusted (RPP=88.4)

Iowa Cost of Living Index

Iowa's Regional Price Parity (RPP) is 88.4, meaning prices are 11.6% lower the national average. A Economics Teachers, Postsecondary earning $108,320 in Iowa has the equivalent purchasing power of $122,533 in an average-cost US state.

IA: 88.4

Cheapest (~85) US Avg (100) Priciest (~115)

Key Insight

A Economics Teachers, Postsecondary in Iowa earns $108,320 on paper, but low living costs mean your money goes 13% further — like earning $122,533 in an average-cost state. This makes Iowa one of the best value states for this occupation.

Best States for Economics Teachers, Postsecondary (After Cost of Living)

Where does Economics Teachers, Postsecondary salary stretch the furthest? Top 10 states ranked by COL-adjusted median salary.

1. New Hampshire

$143,903

RPP 107.6

2. Michigan

$132,591

RPP 93.4

3. Alabama

$132,334

RPP 87.8

4. Arizona

$131,841

RPP 99.9

5. Connecticut

$128,411

RPP 106.4

6. New York

$124,981

RPP 107.6

7. Virginia

$124,799

RPP 102.1

8. Pennsylvania

$124,750

RPP 96.2

9. Texas

$124,728

RPP 97.5

10. Illinois

$123,622

RPP 101.3

Iowa ranks #12 out of 39 states for Economics Teachers, Postsecondary after cost-of-living adjustment.

What To Do Next

Build a Professional Resume

Stand out to employers with a polished, ATS-friendly resume.

Upgrade Your Skills

Take courses from top universities and companies to boost your career.

Learn New Skills

Affordable courses in tech, business, and professional development.

Grow Your Career

Expert-led courses plus LinkedIn profile integration.

Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the real salary for a Economics Teachers, Postsecondary in Iowa after cost of living?

A Economics Teachers, Postsecondary in Iowa earns a median salary of $108,320 per year. After adjusting for Iowa's cost of living (RPP=88.4), the real purchasing power is $122,533 — a +13.1% difference.

Is Iowa expensive to live in?

Iowa's cost of living is 11.6% lower than the national average according to the BEA Regional Price Parities (2022). The RPP index for Iowa is 88.4 (US average = 100).

What are Regional Price Parities (RPP)?

Regional Price Parities (RPPs) are price indexes published by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) that measure differences in price levels across states. They are expressed as a percentage of the national average (US = 100). Higher RPP means higher cost of living.

How is the cost-of-living adjusted salary calculated?

The adjusted salary is calculated as: Nominal Salary x (100 / RPP). For a Economics Teachers, Postsecondary in Iowa: $108,320 x (100 / 88.4) = $122,533. This represents what the salary would be worth in a state with average living costs.

Is it better to be a Economics Teachers, Postsecondary in Iowa financially?

From a purchasing power perspective, yes. A Economics Teachers, Postsecondary in Iowa enjoys 13.1% more buying power than the nominal salary suggests, because living costs are below the national average. However, other factors like job availability, career growth, and quality of life also matter.