Iowa vs Kentucky Paycheck Comparison 2026
Annual salary
Annual salary
Additional options (filing status, deductions)
You take home $225/yr more in Kentucky
$19/mo · $9/paycheck more
$58,743/yr in Iowa vs $58,968/yr in Kentucky.
Iowa
Take-home per paycheck
$2,259.33
$58,743/yr · 26x/yr
Tax rates
Kentucky
Take-home per paycheck
$2,267.98
$58,968/yr · 26x/yr
Tax rates
Cost of living comparison
Cost of living in Iowa is 2% lower than in Kentucky.
At a $75,000 salary, take-home pay of $58,743 in Iowa has the purchasing power of $57,651 in Kentucky terms.
After adjusting for cost of living, Kentucky comes out ahead by $1,317/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
Iowa: Iowa has a flat state income tax of 3.80%. All taxable income is taxed at the same rate.
Kentucky: Kentucky has a flat state income tax of 3.50%. All taxable income is taxed at the same rate.
Take-home pay at different salaries (single filer, 2026)
| Salary | Iowa take-home | Kentucky take-home | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $40,455 | $40,605 | -$150 |
| $75,000 | $58,743 | $58,968 | -$225 |
| $100,000 | $75,380 | $75,680 | -$300 |
| $150,000 | $108,091 | $108,541 | -$450 |
| $200,000 | $141,327 | $141,927 | -$600 |
| $300,000 | $203,777 | $204,677 | -$900 |
Positive values mean higher take-home in Iowa. Assumes single filer, no deductions.
FAQ
Which state has lower taxes, Iowa or Kentucky?
At a $100,000 salary, Kentucky results in $300 more annual take-home pay. Iowa has a flat state income tax of 3.80%. All taxable income is taxed at the same rate. Kentucky has a flat state income tax of 3.50%. All taxable income is taxed at the same rate.
How much more do you take home in Kentucky vs the other state?
The difference depends on salary. At $50,000, the gap is $150/yr. At $150,000, it grows to $450/yr. At $300,000, the difference is $900/yr.
Do Iowa and Kentucky 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 Kentucky?
Kentucky is cheaper to live in. Cost of living in Iowa is 2% higher than in Kentucky. Iowa's Regional Price Parity is 90.2 and Kentucky's is 88.3 (US average = 100).
Is Kentucky cheaper than Iowa?
Yes. Kentucky has a lower cost of living than Iowa (index 88.3 vs 90.2). Housing is typically the biggest difference between the two states.
Is Iowa more expensive than Kentucky?
Yes. Iowa has a higher cost of living (index 90.2) compared to Kentucky (index 88.3). 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 $77,002 in Kentucky terms. Conversely, $75,680 in Kentucky equals $74,086 in Iowa terms. After adjusting for both taxes and cost of living, Iowa comes out ahead.
Iowa vs Kentucky cost of living — what's the difference?
The overall cost of living is 2% different between Iowa and Kentucky. Living costs are 10% below the national average Living costs are 12% 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 Iowa and Kentucky?
Iowa requires residents to file a state income tax return annually, typically due April 15. Kentucky 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 vs Kentucky Cost of Living — Compare housing, groceries, utilities, and overall expenses
- How much house can you afford in Iowa?
- How much house can you afford in Kentucky?
- Iowa Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates and effective tax rate
- Kentucky Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates and effective tax rate
- Iowa Bonus Tax Calculator — See how bonuses are taxed differently
- Kentucky 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
Iowa Paycheck Estimator · Kentucky Paycheck Estimator · All states