Connecticut vs Iowa Paycheck Comparison 2026

Annual salary

$

Annual salary

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

You take home $525/yr more in Iowa

$44/mo · $20/paycheck more

Connecticut
Iowa

$58,218/yr in Connecticut vs $58,743/yr in Iowa.

Connecticut

Take-home per paycheck

$2,239.13

$58,218/yr · 26x/yr

Federal tax$7,67010%
State tax$3,3755%
Social Security$4,6506%
Medicare$1,0881%
Take-home$58,21878%
Tax rates
Effective: 22.4%Marginal fed: 22.0%Marginal state: 5.5%

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 Connecticut is 27% higher than in Iowa.

At a $75,000 salary, take-home pay of $58,218 in Connecticut has the purchasing power of $73,906 in Iowa terms.

After adjusting for cost of living, Connecticut comes out ahead by $15,164/yr.

Housing
Median home$405,000vs$210,000
Connecticut
93% more
Iowa
Avg 2BR rent$1,712/movs$1,088/mo
Connecticut
57% more
Iowa
Groceries
Index
Connecticut
7% more
Iowa
Transportation
Regular gas$3.45/galvs$3.19/gal
Connecticut
8% more
Iowa
Utilities
Electric bill$216/movs$83/mo
Connecticut
161% more
Iowa
Healthcare
Index
Connecticut
16% more
Iowa
Childcare & Misc
Infant childcare$20,254/yrvs$9,605/yr
Connecticut
111% 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

Connecticut: Connecticut uses a progressive income tax with 7 brackets ranging from 2.00% to 6.99%.

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 Connecticut take-home Iowa take-home Difference
$50,000 $40,355 $40,455 -$100
$75,000 $58,218 $58,743 -$525
$100,000 $74,430 $75,380 -$950
$150,000 $106,041 $108,091 -$2,050
$200,000 $138,177 $141,327 -$3,150
$300,000 $197,727 $203,777 -$6,050

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

FAQ

Which state has lower taxes, Connecticut or Iowa?

At a $100,000 salary, Iowa results in $950 more annual take-home pay. Connecticut uses a progressive income tax with 7 brackets ranging from 2.00% to 6.99%. 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 $100/yr. At $150,000, it grows to $2,050/yr. At $300,000, the difference is $6,050/yr.

Do Connecticut 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 Connecticut or Iowa?

Iowa is cheaper to live in. Cost of living in Connecticut is 21% higher than in Iowa. Connecticut's Regional Price Parity is 109.4 and Iowa's is 90.2 (US average = 100).

Is Iowa cheaper than Connecticut?

Yes. Iowa has a lower cost of living than Connecticut (index 90.2 vs 109.4). Housing is typically the biggest difference between the two states.

Is Connecticut more expensive than Iowa?

Yes. Connecticut has a higher cost of living (index 109.4) 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 $74,430 in Connecticut has the purchasing power of $90,273 in Iowa terms. Conversely, $75,380 in Iowa equals $62,151 in Connecticut terms. After adjusting for both taxes and cost of living, Connecticut comes out ahead.

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

The overall cost of living is 19% different between Connecticut and Iowa. Living costs are 9% above the national average Living costs are 10% below the national average After taxes and cost of living, Connecticut gives you more purchasing power on a $100,000 salary.

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

Connecticut 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

Connecticut Paycheck Estimator · Iowa Paycheck Estimator · All states