Iowa vs Montana Paycheck Comparison 2026
Annual salary
Annual salary
Additional options (filing status, deductions)
You take home $936/yr more in Iowa
$78/mo · $36/paycheck more
$58,743/yr in Iowa vs $57,806/yr in Montana.
Iowa
Take-home per paycheck
$2,259.33
$58,743/yr · 26x/yr
Tax rates
Montana
Take-home per paycheck
$2,223.32
$57,806/yr · 26x/yr
Tax rates
Cost of living comparison
Cost of living in Iowa is 7% lower than in Montana.
At a $75,000 salary, take-home pay of $58,743 in Iowa has the purchasing power of $54,495 in Montana terms.
After adjusting for cost of living, Montana comes out ahead by $3,311/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.
Montana: Montana uses a progressive income tax with 2 brackets ranging from 4.70% to 5.65%.
Take-home pay at different salaries (single filer, 2026)
| Salary | Iowa take-home | Montana take-home | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $40,455 | $39,981 | + $474 |
| $75,000 | $58,743 | $57,806 | + $936 |
| $100,000 | $75,380 | $73,981 | + $1,399 |
| $150,000 | $108,091 | $105,767 | + $2,324 |
| $200,000 | $141,327 | $138,078 | + $3,249 |
| $300,000 | $203,777 | $198,678 | + $5,099 |
Positive values mean higher take-home in Iowa. Assumes single filer, no deductions.
FAQ
Which state has lower taxes, Iowa or Montana?
At a $100,000 salary, Iowa results in $1,399 more annual take-home pay. Iowa has a flat state income tax of 3.80%. All taxable income is taxed at the same rate. Montana uses a progressive income tax with 2 brackets ranging from 4.70% to 5.65%.
How much more do you take home in Iowa vs the other state?
The difference depends on salary. At $50,000, the gap is $474/yr. At $150,000, it grows to $2,324/yr. At $300,000, the difference is $5,099/yr.
Do Iowa and Montana 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 Montana?
Iowa is cheaper to live in. Cost of living in Iowa is 7% lower than in Montana. Iowa's Regional Price Parity is 90.2 and Montana's is 97.2 (US average = 100).
Is Iowa cheaper than Montana?
Yes. Iowa has a lower cost of living than Montana (index 90.2 vs 97.2). Housing is typically the biggest difference between the two states.
Is Montana more expensive than Iowa?
Yes. Montana has a higher cost of living (index 97.2) 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 $69,951 in Montana terms. Conversely, $73,981 in Montana equals $79,723 in Iowa terms. After adjusting for both taxes and cost of living, Montana comes out ahead.
Iowa vs Montana cost of living — what's the difference?
The overall cost of living is 7% different between Iowa and Montana. Living costs are 10% below the national average Living costs are about 3% below the national average After taxes and cost of living, Montana gives you more purchasing power on a $100,000 salary.
Do I need to file state tax returns in both Iowa and Montana?
Iowa requires residents to file a state income tax return annually, typically due April 15. Montana 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 Montana 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 Montana?
- Iowa Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates and effective tax rate
- Montana Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates and effective tax rate
- Iowa Bonus Tax Calculator — See how bonuses are taxed differently
- Montana 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 · Montana Paycheck Estimator · All states