Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links marked with (Ad). If you click through and make a purchase, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more

Public Relations Managers Salary in Iowa: Cost of Living Adjusted (2025)

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

What does a Public Relations Managers salary really buy you in Iowa?

Iowa is 11.6% cheaper than the US average

Data: BLS OEWS 2025 + BEA Regional Price Parities 2022 • Updated 2026-05-19

Nominal Salary
$120,730
Median annual (2025)
+13.1%
Real Purchasing Power
$136,572
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 Public Relations Managers earning $120,730 in Iowa has the equivalent purchasing power of $136,572 in an average-cost US state.

IA: 88.4
Cheapest (~85) US Avg (100) Priciest (~115)

Salary Breakdown: Nominal vs. COL-Adjusted

Every dollar goes further in low-cost states. Here is how each salary percentile compares after adjusting for Iowa's cost of living.

Percentile Nominal Salary COL-Adjusted Difference
10th Percentile (P10) $74,040 $83,755 +$9,715
25th Percentile (P25) $95,430 $107,952 +$12,522
Median (P50) $120,730 $136,572 +$15,842
75th Percentile (P75) $149,190 $168,766 +$19,576
90th Percentile (P90) $194,860 $220,429 +$25,569
Key Insight

A Public Relations Managers in Iowa earns $120,730 on paper, but low living costs mean your money goes 13% further — like earning $136,572 in an average-cost state. This makes Iowa one of the best value states for this occupation.

What the Cost-of-Living Data Says

Iowa Runs Well Below National Cost

RPP 88.4

Iowa's Regional Price Parity (RPP) of 88.4 means a basket of goods and services costs about 11.6% less than the national average. For a Public Relations Managers, every dollar earned effectively buys more here than in a 100-RPP state.

Sizable COL Effect Reshapes This Salary

+13.1%

Adjusting $120,730 for Iowa's cost of living yields $136,572 — a 13.1% gain in real purchasing power. This magnitude usually reflects either a materially cheaper or materially pricier metro mix than the national average.

Above-Median Adjusted Pay

#20 / 48

Iowa sits at #20 of 48 states for Public Relations Managers COL-adjusted salary — comfortably above the national midpoint.

Best States for Public Relations Managers (After Cost of Living)

Where does Public Relations Managers salary stretch the furthest? Top 10 states ranked by COL-adjusted median salary.

$172,713
RPP 102.1
$169,468
RPP 116.6
$168,104
RPP 107.6
4. Maine
$165,615
RPP 100.8
$160,827
RPP 108.8
$159,208
RPP 102.3
$156,983
RPP 109.4
$156,132
RPP 98.0
$149,315
RPP 112.5
$149,073
RPP 104.7

Iowa ranks #20 out of 48 states for Public Relations Managers after cost-of-living adjustment.

How much do you actually take home? See Public Relations Managers take-home pay in Iowa after taxes →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the real salary for a Public Relations Managers in Iowa after cost of living?

A Public Relations Managers in Iowa earns a median salary of $120,730 per year. After adjusting for Iowa's cost of living (RPP=88.4), the real purchasing power is $136,572 — 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 Public Relations Managers in Iowa: $120,730 x (100 / 88.4) = $136,572. This represents what the salary would be worth in a state with average living costs.

Is it better to be a Public Relations Managers in Iowa financially?

From a purchasing power perspective, yes. A Public Relations Managers 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.

What To Do Next

Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure.

Related Salary Pages

Get Monthly Salary Insights & Career Data

Free data-driven career updates — no spam, unsubscribe anytime.

Join career-minded Americans who use data to make smarter decisions. Privacy Policy