Compare Delaware vs Iowa Paychecks
VSDetailed comparison of tax rates, cost of living, and quality of life
📌 Comparing 6.60% to 8.53% yields roughly $1,158 difference per year on $60,000. Iowa offsets taxes through strong communities. While retirees favor Delaware's lower burden, educators frequently value Iowa's offerings in family needs more highly.
When you're weighing Delaware against Iowa, taxes make a real difference in your paycheck. Delaware tops out at 6.60%, while Iowa reaches 8.53%. If you're pulling in $60,000, that spread works out to roughly $1,158 per year—though the tax number only tells part of the story.
🔑 Key Differences
- **State income tax**: Delaware at 6.60% vs Iowa at 8.53%
- **Annual savings** (on $60,000): Delaware saves you ~$1,158
- **Tax system**: Both use progressive brackets
- **Deductions**: Standard federal deductions apply, state variations exist
- **Local taxes**: Check your specific county/city as rates vary within states
Tax Comparison
| Tax Type | Delaware | Iowa |
|---|---|---|
| State Income Tax | 2.2% - 6.6% | 0.33% - 8.53% |
| 💰 On $40,000 Salary |
State Tax: $1,760
Take Home: $38,240
+$12
|
State Tax: $1,772
Take Home: $38,228
|
| 💰 On $60,000 Salary |
State Tax: $2,640
Take Home: $57,360
+$18
|
State Tax: $2,658
Take Home: $57,342
|
| 💰 On $100,000 Salary |
State Tax: $4,400
Take Home: $95,600
+$30
|
State Tax: $4,430
Take Home: $95,570
|
| Cost of Living | Delaware offers moderate living costs that vary considerably by location. Northern Delaware near Wilmington and Philadelphia commands higher housing prices but remains more affordable than neighboring Pennsylvania and Maryland suburbs. Dover provides capital city convenience at reasonable costs. Beach communities like Rehoboth Beach and Lewes carry seasonal premium pricing, particularly during summer months. The absence of sales tax delivers meaningful savings - no tax on groceries, clothing, electronics, or any retail purchases. Property taxes can be substantial in some areas, especially towns with strong schools. Overall, Delaware provides middle-ground affordability between expensive northeastern metros and cheaper southern states. | Iowa consistently ranks among America's most affordable states. Des Moines and Cedar Rapids offer genuine metropolitan amenities - professional sports, cultural institutions, quality restaurants - while maintaining housing costs 50-60% below expensive coastal markets. Quality homes in good neighborhoods typically sell for $200,000-300,000. Iowa City combines college town atmosphere with reasonable prices. Smaller cities throughout Iowa provide even greater value. Property taxes vary by locality but generally stay moderate. Groceries, utilities, and services all cost less than national averages. The affordability advantage means even moderate incomes support comfortable, middle-class lifestyles. |
Pros & Cons
Delaware
✓ Advantages
- No sales tax
- Lower cost than nearby states
- Business-friendly
- Beach access
⚠ Considerations
- Limited job market
- Small state with fewer opportunities
- Some areas have high property tax
- Traffic to nearby cities
Iowa
✓ Advantages
- Low cost of living statewide
- Extremely affordable housing
- Strong agriculture and insurance sectors
- Good education systems
- Friendly communities
⚠ Considerations
- Cold winters
- Limited metro areas
- Population decline in rural areas
- Lower average salaries
- Limited public transportation
Bottom Line
Delaware delivers measurable tax benefits—approximately $1,158 at $60,000. Iowa attracts talent despite higher rates, primarily through strong communities. retirees demographics cluster in Delaware, while educators sectors find Iowa's strengths worth the premium.📢 Share This Comparison
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