Iowa vs Nebraska Paycheck Comparison 2026

Annual salary

$

Annual salary

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

You take home $350/yr more in Iowa

$29/mo · $13/paycheck more

Iowa
Nebraska

$58,743/yr in Iowa vs $58,392/yr in Nebraska.

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%

Nebraska

Take-home per paycheck

$2,245.86

$58,392/yr · 26x/yr

Federal tax$7,67010%
State tax$3,2004%
Social Security$4,6506%
Medicare$1,0881%
Take-home$58,39278%
Tax rates
Effective: 22.1%Marginal fed: 22.0%Marginal state: 4.5%

Cost of living comparison

Cost of living in Iowa is 2% lower than in Nebraska.

At a $75,000 salary, take-home pay of $58,743 in Iowa has the purchasing power of $57,463 in Nebraska terms.

After adjusting for cost of living, Nebraska comes out ahead by $929/yr.

Housing
Median home$210,000vs$250,000
Iowa
Nebraska
19% more
Avg 2BR rent$1,088/movs$1,102/mo
Iowa
Nebraska
1% more
Groceries
Index
Iowa
Nebraska
2% more
Transportation
Regular gas$3.19/galvs$3.15/gal
Iowa
1% more
Nebraska
Utilities
Electric bill$83/movs$80/mo
Iowa
3% more
Nebraska
Healthcare
Index
Iowa
Nebraska
4% more
Childcare & Misc
Infant childcare$9,605/yrvs$14,106/yr
Iowa
Nebraska
47% more

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.

Nebraska: Nebraska uses a progressive income tax with 3 brackets ranging from 2.46% to 4.55%.

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

Salary Iowa take-home Nebraska take-home Difference
$50,000 $40,455 $40,292 + $163
$75,000 $58,743 $58,392 + $350
$100,000 $75,380 $74,842 + $538
$150,000 $108,091 $107,178 + $913
$200,000 $141,327 $140,039 + $1,288
$300,000 $203,777 $201,739 + $2,038

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

FAQ

Which state has lower taxes, Iowa or Nebraska?

At a $100,000 salary, Iowa results in $538 more annual take-home pay. Iowa has a flat state income tax of 3.80%. All taxable income is taxed at the same rate. Nebraska uses a progressive income tax with 3 brackets ranging from 2.46% to 4.55%.

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

The difference depends on salary. At $50,000, the gap is $163/yr. At $150,000, it grows to $913/yr. At $300,000, the difference is $2,038/yr.

Do Iowa and Nebraska 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 Nebraska?

Iowa is cheaper to live in. Cost of living in Iowa is 1% lower than in Nebraska. Iowa's Regional Price Parity is 90.2 and Nebraska's is 91.5 (US average = 100).

Is Iowa cheaper than Nebraska?

Yes. Iowa has a lower cost of living than Nebraska (index 90.2 vs 91.5). Housing is typically the biggest difference between the two states.

Is Nebraska more expensive than Iowa?

Yes. Nebraska has a higher cost of living (index 91.5) 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 $74,309 in Nebraska terms. Conversely, $74,842 in Nebraska equals $75,921 in Iowa terms. After adjusting for both taxes and cost of living, Nebraska comes out ahead.

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

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

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

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