Iowa vs New Hampshire Paycheck Comparison 2026

Annual salary

$

Annual salary

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

You take home $2,850/yr more in New Hampshire

$238/mo · $110/paycheck more

Iowa
New Hampshire

$58,743/yr in Iowa vs $61,593/yr in New Hampshire.

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%

New Hampshire

Take-home per paycheck

$2,368.94

$61,593/yr · 26x/yr

Federal tax$7,67010%
Social Security$4,6506%
Medicare$1,0881%
Take-home$61,59382%
Tax rates
Effective: 17.9%Marginal fed: 22.0%

Cost of living comparison

Cost of living in Iowa is 19% lower than in New Hampshire.

At a $75,000 salary, take-home pay of $58,743 in Iowa has the purchasing power of $47,738 in New Hampshire terms.

After adjusting for cost of living, New Hampshire comes out ahead by $13,855/yr.

Housing
Median home$210,000vs$465,000
Iowa
New Hampshire
121% more
Avg 2BR rent$1,088/movs$1,618/mo
Iowa
New Hampshire
49% more
Groceries
Index
Iowa
New Hampshire
3% more
Transportation
Regular gas$3.19/galvs$3.42/gal
Iowa
New Hampshire
7% more
Utilities
Electric bill$83/movs$183/mo
Iowa
New Hampshire
121% more
Healthcare
Index
Iowa
New Hampshire
13% more
Childcare & Misc
Infant childcare$9,605/yrvs$17,364/yr
Iowa
New Hampshire
81% 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.

New Hampshire: New Hampshire has no state income tax. Residents pay only federal income tax, Social Security, and Medicare.

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

Salary Iowa take-home New Hampshire take-home Difference
$50,000 $40,455 $42,355 -$1,900
$75,000 $58,743 $61,593 -$2,850
$100,000 $75,380 $79,180 -$3,800
$150,000 $108,091 $113,791 -$5,700
$200,000 $141,327 $148,927 -$7,600
$300,000 $203,777 $215,177 -$11,400

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

FAQ

Which state has lower taxes, Iowa or New Hampshire?

At a $100,000 salary, New Hampshire results in $3,800 more annual take-home pay. Iowa has a flat state income tax of 3.80%. All taxable income is taxed at the same rate. New Hampshire has no state income tax. Residents pay only federal income tax, Social Security, and Medicare.

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

The difference depends on salary. At $50,000, the gap is $1,900/yr. At $150,000, it grows to $5,700/yr. At $300,000, the difference is $11,400/yr.

Do Iowa and New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire?

Iowa is cheaper to live in. Cost of living in Iowa is 15% lower than in New Hampshire. Iowa's Regional Price Parity is 90.2 and New Hampshire's is 106.1 (US average = 100).

Is Iowa cheaper than New Hampshire?

Yes. Iowa has a lower cost of living than New Hampshire (index 90.2 vs 106.1). Housing is typically the biggest difference between the two states.

Is New Hampshire more expensive than Iowa?

Yes. New Hampshire has a higher cost of living (index 106.1) 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 $64,084 in New Hampshire terms. Conversely, $79,180 in New Hampshire equals $93,137 in Iowa terms. After adjusting for both taxes and cost of living, New Hampshire comes out ahead.

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

The overall cost of living is 16% different between Iowa and New Hampshire. Living costs are 10% below the national average Living costs are 6% above the national average After taxes and cost of living, New Hampshire gives you more purchasing power on a $100,000 salary.

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

Iowa requires residents to file a state income tax return annually, typically due April 15. New Hampshire has no state income tax, so residents do not file a state tax return. 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 · New Hampshire Paycheck Estimator · All states