Arizona vs Iowa Paycheck Comparison 2026

Annual salary

$

Annual salary

$
Additional options (filing status, deductions)
Filing status
$
$

You take home $975/yr more in Arizona

$81/mo · $38/paycheck more

Arizona
Iowa

$59,718/yr in Arizona vs $58,743/yr in Iowa.

Arizona

Take-home per paycheck

$2,296.83

$59,718/yr · 26x/yr

Federal tax$7,67010%
State tax$1,8753%
Social Security$4,6506%
Medicare$1,0881%
Take-home$59,71880%
Tax rates
Effective: 20.4%Marginal fed: 22.0%Marginal state: 2.5%

Iowa

Take-home per paycheck

$2,259.33

$58,743/yr · 26x/yr

Federal tax$7,67010%
State tax$2,8504%
Social Security$4,6506%
Medicare$1,0881%
Take-home$58,74378%
Tax rates
Effective: 21.7%Marginal fed: 22.0%Marginal state: 3.8%

Cost of living comparison

Cost of living in Arizona is 23% higher than in Iowa.

At a $75,000 salary, take-home pay of $59,718 in Arizona has the purchasing power of $73,350 in Iowa terms.

After adjusting for cost of living, Arizona comes out ahead by $14,608/yr.

Housing
Median home$395,000vs$210,000
Arizona
88% more
Iowa
Avg 2BR rent$1,782/movs$1,088/mo
Arizona
64% more
Iowa
Groceries
Index
Arizona
5% more
Iowa
Transportation
Regular gas$3.97/galvs$3.19/gal
Arizona
24% more
Iowa
Utilities
Electric bill$113/movs$83/mo
Arizona
36% more
Iowa
Healthcare
Index
Arizona
Iowa
3% more
Childcare & Misc
Infant childcare$15,625/yrvs$9,605/yr
Arizona
63% more
Iowa

Estimate based on 2026 tax rates and standard deductions. Does not include local taxes, itemized deductions, tax credits, or other individual circumstances.

Tax system comparison

Arizona: Arizona has a flat state income tax of 2.50%. All taxable income is taxed at the same rate.

Iowa: Iowa has a flat state income tax of 3.80%. All taxable income is taxed at the same rate.

Take-home pay at different salaries (single filer, 2026)

Salary Arizona take-home Iowa take-home Difference
$50,000 $41,105 $40,455 + $650
$75,000 $59,718 $58,743 + $975
$100,000 $76,680 $75,380 + $1,300
$150,000 $110,041 $108,091 + $1,950
$200,000 $143,927 $141,327 + $2,600
$300,000 $207,677 $203,777 + $3,900

Positive values mean higher take-home in Arizona. Assumes single filer, no deductions.

FAQ

Which state has lower taxes, Arizona or Iowa?

At a $100,000 salary, Arizona results in $1,300 more annual take-home pay. Arizona has a flat state income tax of 2.50%. All taxable income is taxed at the same rate. Iowa has a flat state income tax of 3.80%. All taxable income is taxed at the same rate.

How much more do you take home in Arizona vs the other state?

The difference depends on salary. At $50,000, the gap is $650/yr. At $150,000, it grows to $1,950/yr. At $300,000, the difference is $3,900/yr.

Do Arizona and Iowa have the same federal taxes?

Yes. Federal income tax, Social Security, and Medicare are the same in every state. Only state income tax differs. This calculator shows the combined effect of federal and state taxes on your take-home pay.

Is it cheaper to live in Arizona or Iowa?

Iowa is cheaper to live in. Cost of living in Arizona is 8% higher than in Iowa. Arizona's Regional Price Parity is 97.5 and Iowa's is 90.2 (US average = 100).

Is Iowa cheaper than Arizona?

Yes. Iowa has a lower cost of living than Arizona (index 90.2 vs 97.5). Housing is typically the biggest difference between the two states.

Is Arizona more expensive than Iowa?

Yes. Arizona has a higher cost of living (index 97.5) compared to Iowa (index 90.2). The national average is 100. Housing costs are typically the largest driver of the difference.

After cost of living, which state is actually cheaper?

At a $100,000 salary, take-home pay of $76,680 in Arizona has the purchasing power of $82,886 in Iowa terms. Conversely, $75,380 in Iowa equals $69,736 in Arizona terms. After adjusting for both taxes and cost of living, Arizona comes out ahead.

Arizona vs Iowa cost of living — what's the difference?

The overall cost of living is 7% different between Arizona and Iowa. Living costs are about 3% below the national average Living costs are 10% below the national average After taxes and cost of living, Arizona gives you more purchasing power on a $100,000 salary.

Do I need to file state tax returns in both Arizona and Iowa?

Arizona requires residents to file a state income tax return annually, typically due April 15. Iowa requires residents to file a state income tax return annually, typically due April 15. If you move between states mid-year, you typically file a part-year resident return in each state for the income earned while living there. Each state has its own tax return form — check your state's department of revenue website for the correct form and e-filing options.

Related tools

Arizona Paycheck Estimator · Iowa Paycheck Estimator · All states