Iowa vs Pennsylvania Paycheck Comparison 2026
Annual salary
Annual salary
Additional options (filing status, deductions)
You take home $548/yr more in Pennsylvania
$46/mo · $21/paycheck more
$58,743/yr in Iowa vs $59,290/yr in Pennsylvania.
Iowa
Take-home per paycheck
$2,259.33
$58,743/yr · 26x/yr
Tax rates
Pennsylvania
Take-home per paycheck
$2,280.38
$59,290/yr · 26x/yr
Tax rates
Cost of living comparison
Cost of living in Iowa is 8% lower than in Pennsylvania.
At a $75,000 salary, take-home pay of $58,743 in Iowa has the purchasing power of $54,326 in Pennsylvania terms.
After adjusting for cost of living, Pennsylvania comes out ahead by $4,964/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.
Pennsylvania: Pennsylvania has a flat state income tax of 3.07%. All taxable income is taxed at the same rate.
Take-home pay at different salaries (single filer, 2026)
| Salary | Iowa take-home | Pennsylvania take-home | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $40,455 | $40,820 | -$365 |
| $75,000 | $58,743 | $59,290 | -$547 |
| $100,000 | $75,380 | $76,110 | -$730 |
| $150,000 | $108,091 | $109,186 | -$1,095 |
| $200,000 | $141,327 | $142,787 | -$1,460 |
| $300,000 | $203,777 | $205,967 | -$2,190 |
Positive values mean higher take-home in Iowa. Assumes single filer, no deductions.
FAQ
Which state has lower taxes, Iowa or Pennsylvania?
At a $100,000 salary, Pennsylvania results in $730 more annual take-home pay. Iowa has a flat state income tax of 3.80%. All taxable income is taxed at the same rate. Pennsylvania has a flat state income tax of 3.07%. All taxable income is taxed at the same rate.
How much more do you take home in Pennsylvania vs the other state?
The difference depends on salary. At $50,000, the gap is $365/yr. At $150,000, it grows to $1,095/yr. At $300,000, the difference is $2,190/yr.
Do Iowa and Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania?
Iowa is cheaper to live in. Cost of living in Iowa is 8% lower than in Pennsylvania. Iowa's Regional Price Parity is 90.2 and Pennsylvania's is 98 (US average = 100).
Is Iowa cheaper than Pennsylvania?
Yes. Iowa has a lower cost of living than Pennsylvania (index 90.2 vs 98). Housing is typically the biggest difference between the two states.
Is Pennsylvania more expensive than Iowa?
Yes. Pennsylvania has a higher cost of living (index 98) 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 $69,380 in Pennsylvania terms. Conversely, $76,110 in Pennsylvania equals $82,692 in Iowa terms. After adjusting for both taxes and cost of living, Pennsylvania comes out ahead.
Iowa vs Pennsylvania cost of living — what's the difference?
The overall cost of living is 8% different between Iowa and Pennsylvania. Living costs are 10% below the national average Living costs are about 2% below the national average After taxes and cost of living, Pennsylvania gives you more purchasing power on a $100,000 salary.
Do I need to file state tax returns in both Iowa and Pennsylvania?
Iowa requires residents to file a state income tax return annually, typically due April 15. Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania?
- Iowa Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates and effective tax rate
- Pennsylvania Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates and effective tax rate
- Iowa Bonus Tax Calculator — See how bonuses are taxed differently
- Pennsylvania 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 · Pennsylvania Paycheck Estimator · All states