Iowa vs Mississippi Paycheck Comparison 2026

Annual salary

$

Annual salary

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

You take home $150/yr more in Iowa

$13/mo · $6/paycheck more

Iowa
Mississippi

$58,743/yr in Iowa vs $58,593/yr in Mississippi.

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%

Mississippi

Take-home per paycheck

$2,253.56

$58,593/yr · 26x/yr

Federal tax$7,67010%
State tax$3,0004%
Social Security$4,6506%
Medicare$1,0881%
Take-home$58,59378%
Tax rates
Effective: 21.9%Marginal fed: 22.0%Marginal state: 4.0%

Cost of living comparison

Cost of living in Iowa is 4% higher than in Mississippi.

At a $75,000 salary, take-home pay of $58,743 in Iowa has the purchasing power of $61,338 in Mississippi terms.

After adjusting for cost of living, Iowa comes out ahead by $2,746/yr.

Housing
Median home$210,000vs$175,000
Iowa
20% more
Mississippi
Avg 2BR rent$1,088/movs$1,002/mo
Iowa
9% more
Mississippi
Groceries
Index
Iowa
1% more
Mississippi
Transportation
Regular gas$3.19/galvs$3.05/gal
Iowa
5% more
Mississippi
Utilities
Electric bill$83/movs$97/mo
Iowa
Mississippi
17% more
Healthcare
Index
Iowa
2% more
Mississippi
Childcare & Misc
Infant childcare$9,605/yrvs$6,868/yr
Iowa
40% more
Mississippi

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.

Mississippi: Mississippi has a flat state income tax of 4.00%. All taxable income is taxed at the same rate.

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

Salary Iowa take-home Mississippi take-home Difference
$50,000 $40,455 $40,355 + $100
$75,000 $58,743 $58,593 + $150
$100,000 $75,380 $75,180 + $200
$150,000 $108,091 $107,791 + $300
$200,000 $141,327 $140,927 + $400
$300,000 $203,777 $203,177 + $600

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

FAQ

Which state has lower taxes, Iowa or Mississippi?

At a $100,000 salary, Iowa results in $200 more annual take-home pay. Iowa has a flat state income tax of 3.80%. All taxable income is taxed at the same rate. Mississippi has a flat state income tax of 4.00%. 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 $300/yr. At $300,000, the difference is $600/yr.

Do Iowa and Mississippi 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 Mississippi?

Mississippi is cheaper to live in. Cost of living in Iowa is 5% higher than in Mississippi. Iowa's Regional Price Parity is 90.2 and Mississippi's is 86.1 (US average = 100).

Is Mississippi cheaper than Iowa?

Yes. Mississippi has a lower cost of living than Iowa (index 86.1 vs 90.2). Housing is typically the biggest difference between the two states.

Is Iowa more expensive than Mississippi?

Yes. Iowa has a higher cost of living (index 90.2) compared to Mississippi (index 86.1). 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 $78,970 in Mississippi terms. Conversely, $75,180 in Mississippi equals $71,763 in Iowa terms. After adjusting for both taxes and cost of living, Iowa comes out ahead.

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

The overall cost of living is 4% different between Iowa and Mississippi. Living costs are 10% below the national average Living costs are 14% below the national average, the lowest in the US 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 Mississippi?

Iowa requires residents to file a state income tax return annually, typically due April 15. Mississippi 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 · Mississippi Paycheck Estimator · All states