Iowa vs Wisconsin Paycheck Comparison 2026
Annual salary
Annual salary
Additional options (filing status, deductions)
You take home $738/yr more in Iowa
$62/mo · $28/paycheck more
$58,743/yr in Iowa vs $58,004/yr in Wisconsin.
Iowa
Take-home per paycheck
$2,259.33
$58,743/yr · 26x/yr
Tax rates
Wisconsin
Take-home per paycheck
$2,230.93
$58,004/yr · 26x/yr
Tax rates
Cost of living comparison
Cost of living in Iowa is 9% lower than in Wisconsin.
At a $75,000 salary, take-home pay of $58,743 in Iowa has the purchasing power of $53,554 in Wisconsin terms.
After adjusting for cost of living, Wisconsin comes out ahead by $4,450/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.
Wisconsin: Wisconsin uses a progressive income tax with 4 brackets ranging from 3.50% to 7.65%.
Take-home pay at different salaries (single filer, 2026)
| Salary | Iowa take-home | Wisconsin take-home | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $40,455 | $40,092 | + $363 |
| $75,000 | $58,743 | $58,004 | + $738 |
| $100,000 | $75,380 | $74,267 | + $1,113 |
| $150,000 | $108,091 | $106,228 | + $1,863 |
| $200,000 | $141,327 | $138,714 | + $2,613 |
| $300,000 | $203,777 | $199,663 | + $4,113 |
Positive values mean higher take-home in Iowa. Assumes single filer, no deductions.
FAQ
Which state has lower taxes, Iowa or Wisconsin?
At a $100,000 salary, Iowa results in $1,113 more annual take-home pay. Iowa has a flat state income tax of 3.80%. All taxable income is taxed at the same rate. Wisconsin uses a progressive income tax with 4 brackets ranging from 3.50% to 7.65%.
How much more do you take home in Iowa vs the other state?
The difference depends on salary. At $50,000, the gap is $363/yr. At $150,000, it grows to $1,863/yr. At $300,000, the difference is $4,113/yr.
Do Iowa and Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin?
Iowa is cheaper to live in. Cost of living in Iowa is 5% lower than in Wisconsin. Iowa's Regional Price Parity is 90.2 and Wisconsin's is 94.9 (US average = 100).
Is Iowa cheaper than Wisconsin?
Yes. Iowa has a lower cost of living than Wisconsin (index 90.2 vs 94.9). Housing is typically the biggest difference between the two states.
Is Wisconsin more expensive than Iowa?
Yes. Wisconsin has a higher cost of living (index 94.9) 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 $71,647 in Wisconsin terms. Conversely, $74,267 in Wisconsin equals $78,136 in Iowa terms. After adjusting for both taxes and cost of living, Wisconsin comes out ahead.
Iowa vs Wisconsin cost of living — what's the difference?
The overall cost of living is 5% different between Iowa and Wisconsin. Living costs are 10% below the national average Living costs are 5% below the national average After taxes and cost of living, Wisconsin gives you more purchasing power on a $100,000 salary.
Do I need to file state tax returns in both Iowa and Wisconsin?
Iowa requires residents to file a state income tax return annually, typically due April 15. Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin?
- Iowa Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates and effective tax rate
- Wisconsin Tax Brackets — See 2026 marginal rates and effective tax rate
- Iowa Bonus Tax Calculator — See how bonuses are taxed differently
- Wisconsin 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 · Wisconsin Paycheck Estimator · All states