Iowa vs Kansas Paycheck Comparison 2026

Annual salary

$

Annual salary

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

You take home $968/yr more in Iowa

$81/mo · $37/paycheck more

Iowa
Kansas

$58,743/yr in Iowa vs $57,775/yr in Kansas.

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%

Kansas

Take-home per paycheck

$2,222.12

$57,775/yr · 26x/yr

Federal tax$7,67010%
State tax$3,8185%
Social Security$4,6506%
Medicare$1,0881%
Take-home$57,77577%
Tax rates
Effective: 23.0%Marginal fed: 22.0%Marginal state: 5.7%

Cost of living comparison

Cost of living in Iowa is 2% higher than in Kansas.

At a $75,000 salary, take-home pay of $58,743 in Iowa has the purchasing power of $59,673 in Kansas terms.

After adjusting for cost of living, Iowa comes out ahead by $1,898/yr.

Housing
Median home$210,000vs$215,000
Iowa
Kansas
2% more
Avg 2BR rent$1,088/movs$1,077/mo
Iowa
1% more
Kansas
Groceries
Index
Iowa
1% more
Kansas
Transportation
Regular gas$3.19/galvs$2.96/gal
Iowa
8% more
Kansas
Utilities
Electric bill$83/movs$99/mo
Iowa
Kansas
20% more
Healthcare
Index
Iowa
1% more
Kansas
Childcare & Misc
Infant childcare$9,605/yrvs$9,105/yr
Iowa
5% more
Kansas

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

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

Kansas: Kansas uses a progressive income tax with 3 brackets ranging from 3.10% to 5.70%.

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

Salary Iowa take-home Kansas take-home Difference
$50,000 $40,455 $39,963 + $493
$75,000 $58,743 $57,775 + $968
$100,000 $75,380 $73,938 + $1,443
$150,000 $108,091 $105,699 + $2,393
$200,000 $141,327 $137,985 + $3,343
$300,000 $203,777 $198,534 + $5,243

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

FAQ

Which state has lower taxes, Iowa or Kansas?

At a $100,000 salary, Iowa results in $1,443 more annual take-home pay. Iowa has a flat state income tax of 3.80%. All taxable income is taxed at the same rate. Kansas uses a progressive income tax with 3 brackets ranging from 3.10% to 5.70%.

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

The difference depends on salary. At $50,000, the gap is $493/yr. At $150,000, it grows to $2,393/yr. At $300,000, the difference is $5,243/yr.

Do Iowa and Kansas 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 Iowa or Kansas?

Iowa is cheaper to live in. Cost of living in Iowa is 1% lower than in Kansas. Iowa's Regional Price Parity is 90.2 and Kansas's is 91.4 (US average = 100).

Is Iowa cheaper than Kansas?

Yes. Iowa has a lower cost of living than Kansas (index 90.2 vs 91.4). Housing is typically the biggest difference between the two states.

Is Kansas more expensive than Iowa?

Yes. Kansas has a higher cost of living (index 91.4) 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 $75,380 in Iowa has the purchasing power of $74,390 in Kansas terms. Conversely, $73,938 in Kansas equals $74,921 in Iowa terms. After adjusting for both taxes and cost of living, Kansas comes out ahead.

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

The overall cost of living is 1% different between Iowa and Kansas. Living costs are 10% below the national average Living costs are 9% below the national average After taxes and cost of living, Kansas gives you more purchasing power on a $100,000 salary.

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

Iowa requires residents to file a state income tax return annually, typically due April 15. Kansas 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

Iowa Paycheck Estimator · Kansas Paycheck Estimator · All states