Iowa vs Utah Paycheck Comparison 2026

Annual salary

$

Annual salary

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

You take home $563/yr more in Iowa

$47/mo · $22/paycheck more

Iowa
Utah

$58,743/yr in Iowa vs $58,180/yr in Utah.

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%

Utah

Take-home per paycheck

$2,237.69

$58,180/yr · 26x/yr

Federal tax$7,67010%
State tax$3,4135%
Social Security$4,6506%
Medicare$1,0881%
Take-home$58,18078%
Tax rates
Effective: 22.4%Marginal fed: 22.0%Marginal state: 4.5%

Cost of living comparison

Cost of living in Iowa is 10% lower than in Utah.

At a $75,000 salary, take-home pay of $58,743 in Iowa has the purchasing power of $53,016 in Utah terms.

After adjusting for cost of living, Utah comes out ahead by $5,164/yr.

Housing
Median home$210,000vs$480,000
Iowa
Utah
129% more
Avg 2BR rent$1,088/movs$1,523/mo
Iowa
Utah
40% more
Groceries
Index
Iowa
Utah
Transportation
Regular gas$3.19/galvs$3.40/gal
Iowa
Utah
7% more
Utilities
Electric bill$83/movs$88/mo
Iowa
Utah
7% more
Healthcare
Index
Iowa
6% more
Utah
Childcare & Misc
Infant childcare$9,605/yrvs$13,094/yr
Iowa
Utah
36% 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.

Utah: Utah has a flat state income tax of 4.55%. All taxable income is taxed at the same rate.

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

Salary Iowa take-home Utah take-home Difference
$50,000 $40,455 $40,080 + $375
$75,000 $58,743 $58,180 + $563
$100,000 $75,380 $74,630 + $750
$150,000 $108,091 $106,966 + $1,125
$200,000 $141,327 $139,827 + $1,500
$300,000 $203,777 $201,527 + $2,250

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

FAQ

Which state has lower taxes, Iowa or Utah?

At a $100,000 salary, Iowa results in $750 more annual take-home pay. Iowa has a flat state income tax of 3.80%. All taxable income is taxed at the same rate. Utah has a flat state income tax of 4.55%. All taxable income is taxed at the same rate.

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

The difference depends on salary. At $50,000, the gap is $375/yr. At $150,000, it grows to $1,125/yr. At $300,000, the difference is $2,250/yr.

Do Iowa and Utah 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 Utah?

Iowa is cheaper to live in. Cost of living in Iowa is 9% lower than in Utah. Iowa's Regional Price Parity is 90.2 and Utah's is 99.3 (US average = 100).

Is Iowa cheaper than Utah?

Yes. Iowa has a lower cost of living than Utah (index 90.2 vs 99.3). Housing is typically the biggest difference between the two states.

Is Utah more expensive than Iowa?

Yes. Utah has a higher cost of living (index 99.3) 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 $68,472 in Utah terms. Conversely, $74,630 in Utah equals $82,159 in Iowa terms. After adjusting for both taxes and cost of living, Utah comes out ahead.

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

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

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

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