Arkansas vs Iowa Paycheck Comparison 2026
Annual salary
Annual salary
Additional options (filing status, deductions)
You take home $327/yr more in Iowa
$27/mo · $13/paycheck more
$58,416/yr in Arkansas vs $58,743/yr in Iowa.
Arkansas
Take-home per paycheck
$2,246.76
$58,416/yr · 26x/yr
Tax rates
Iowa
Take-home per paycheck
$2,259.33
$58,743/yr · 26x/yr
Tax rates
Cost of living comparison
Cost of living in Arkansas and Iowa is about the same.
At a $75,000 salary, take-home pay of $58,416 in Arkansas has the purchasing power of $58,611 in Iowa terms.
After adjusting for cost of living, Iowa comes out ahead by $132/yr.
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
Arkansas: Arkansas uses a progressive income tax with 3 brackets ranging from 2.00% to 4.40%.
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 | Arkansas take-home | Iowa take-home | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $40,278 | $40,455 | -$177 |
| $75,000 | $58,416 | $58,743 | -$327 |
| $100,000 | $74,903 | $75,380 | -$477 |
| $150,000 | $107,314 | $108,091 | -$777 |
| $200,000 | $140,250 | $141,327 | -$1,077 |
| $300,000 | $202,100 | $203,777 | -$1,677 |
Positive values mean higher take-home in Arkansas. Assumes single filer, no deductions.
FAQ
Which state has lower taxes, Arkansas or Iowa?
At a $100,000 salary, Iowa results in $477 more annual take-home pay. Arkansas uses a progressive income tax with 3 brackets ranging from 2.00% to 4.40%. 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 Iowa vs the other state?
The difference depends on salary. At $50,000, the gap is $177/yr. At $150,000, it grows to $777/yr. At $300,000, the difference is $1,677/yr.
Do Arkansas 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 Arkansas or Iowa?
Arkansas is cheaper to live in. Cost of living in Arkansas is 4% lower than in Iowa. Arkansas's Regional Price Parity is 87 and Iowa's is 90.2 (US average = 100).
Is Arkansas cheaper than Iowa?
Yes. Arkansas has a lower cost of living than Iowa (index 87 vs 90.2). Housing is typically the biggest difference between the two states.
Is Iowa more expensive than Arkansas?
Yes. Iowa has a higher cost of living (index 90.2) compared to Arkansas (index 87). 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 $74,903 in Arkansas has the purchasing power of $72,246 in Iowa terms. Conversely, $75,380 in Iowa equals $78,153 in Arkansas terms. After adjusting for both taxes and cost of living, Iowa comes out ahead.
Arkansas vs Iowa cost of living — what's the difference?
The overall cost of living is 3% different between Arkansas and Iowa. Living costs are 13% below the national average Living costs are 10% below the national average After taxes and cost of living, Iowa gives you more purchasing power on a $100,000 salary.
Do I need to file state tax returns in both Arkansas and Iowa?
Arkansas 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
- Arkansas vs Iowa Cost of Living — Compare housing, groceries, utilities, and overall expenses
- How much house can you afford in Arkansas?
- How much house can you afford in Iowa?
- Arkansas Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates and effective tax rate
- Iowa Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates and effective tax rate
- Arkansas Bonus Tax Calculator — See how bonuses are taxed differently
- Iowa Bonus Tax Calculator — See how bonuses are taxed differently
- Pay Raise Calculator — See how a raise changes your take-home pay
- Gross-Up Calculator — Find the salary you need to hit a target take-home
- Salary to Hourly Converter — Convert annual salary to hourly rate
Arkansas Paycheck Estimator · Iowa Paycheck Estimator · All states