Iowa vs Rhode Island Paycheck Comparison 2026

Annual salary

$

Annual salary

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

You take home $38/yr more in Rhode Island

$3/mo · $1/paycheck more

Iowa
Rhode Island

$58,743/yr in Iowa vs $58,780/yr in Rhode Island.

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%

Rhode Island

Take-home per paycheck

$2,260.77

$58,780/yr · 26x/yr

Federal tax$7,67010%
State tax$2,8134%
Social Security$4,6506%
Medicare$1,0881%
Take-home$58,78078%
Tax rates
Effective: 21.6%Marginal fed: 22.0%Marginal state: 3.8%

Cost of living comparison

Cost of living in Iowa is 19% lower than in Rhode Island.

At a $75,000 salary, take-home pay of $58,743 in Iowa has the purchasing power of $47,652 in Rhode Island terms.

After adjusting for cost of living, Rhode Island comes out ahead by $11,128/yr.

Housing
Median home$210,000vs$440,000
Iowa
Rhode Island
110% more
Avg 2BR rent$1,088/movs$1,611/mo
Iowa
Rhode Island
48% more
Groceries
Index
Iowa
Rhode Island
5% more
Transportation
Regular gas$3.19/galvs$3.40/gal
Iowa
Rhode Island
7% more
Utilities
Electric bill$83/movs$214/mo
Iowa
Rhode Island
159% more
Healthcare
Index
Iowa
Rhode Island
5% more
Childcare & Misc
Infant childcare$9,605/yrvs$16,758/yr
Iowa
Rhode Island
74% 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.

Rhode Island: Rhode Island uses a progressive income tax with 3 brackets ranging from 3.75% to 5.99%.

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

Salary Iowa take-home Rhode Island take-home Difference
$50,000 $40,455 $40,480 -$25
$75,000 $58,743 $58,780 -$37
$100,000 $75,380 $75,205 + $176
$150,000 $108,091 $107,441 + $651
$200,000 $141,327 $139,905 + $1,422
$300,000 $203,777 $200,164 + $3,612

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

FAQ

Which state has lower taxes, Iowa or Rhode Island?

At a $100,000 salary, Iowa results in $176 more annual take-home pay. Iowa has a flat state income tax of 3.80%. All taxable income is taxed at the same rate. Rhode Island uses a progressive income tax with 3 brackets ranging from 3.75% to 5.99%.

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

The difference depends on salary. At $50,000, the gap is $25/yr. At $150,000, it grows to $651/yr. At $300,000, the difference is $3,612/yr.

Do Iowa and Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island?

Iowa is cheaper to live in. Cost of living in Iowa is 11% lower than in Rhode Island. Iowa's Regional Price Parity is 90.2 and Rhode Island's is 100.9 (US average = 100).

Is Iowa cheaper than Rhode Island?

Yes. Iowa has a lower cost of living than Rhode Island (index 90.2 vs 100.9). Housing is typically the biggest difference between the two states.

Is Rhode Island more expensive than Iowa?

Yes. Rhode Island has a higher cost of living (index 100.9) 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 $67,386 in Rhode Island terms. Conversely, $75,205 in Rhode Island equals $84,126 in Iowa terms. After adjusting for both taxes and cost of living, Rhode Island comes out ahead.

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

The overall cost of living is 11% different between Iowa and Rhode Island. Living costs are 10% below the national average Living costs are about 1% above the national average After taxes and cost of living, Rhode Island gives you more purchasing power on a $100,000 salary.

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

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