Iowa vs Kansas: Paycheck Calculator Comparison
VSDetailed comparison of tax rates, cost of living, and quality of life
📌 With taxes at 8.53% versus 5.70%, $75,000 earners see about $2,123 annual difference. Kansas compensates via low cost of living. Kansas attracts families seeking tax efficiency; Iowa pulls retirees prioritizing lifestyle preferences.
Iowa charges 8.53% while Kansas sits at 5.70%. For $75,000 earners, that difference translates to approximately $2,123 per year. It's a meaningful gap, though hardly the only consideration in a state-to-state comparison.
🔑 Key Differences
- **State income tax**: Iowa at 8.53% vs Kansas at 5.70%
- **Annual savings** (on $75,000): Kansas saves you ~$2,123
- **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 | Iowa | Kansas |
|---|---|---|
| State Income Tax | 0.33% - 8.53% | 3.1% - 5.7% |
| 💰 On $40,000 Salary |
State Tax: $1,772
Take Home: $38,228
|
State Tax: $1,760
Take Home: $38,240
+$12
|
| 💰 On $60,000 Salary |
State Tax: $2,658
Take Home: $57,342
|
State Tax: $2,640
Take Home: $57,360
+$18
|
| 💰 On $100,000 Salary |
State Tax: $4,430
Take Home: $95,570
|
State Tax: $4,400
Take Home: $95,600
+$30
|
| Cost of Living | 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. | Kansas consistently ranks among America's most affordable states. Wichita, Topeka, and the Kansas side of Kansas City offer genuine urban conveniences while maintaining housing costs 50-60% below expensive coastal markets. Quality homes in safe neighborhoods typically sell for $150,000-250,000. Monthly rent for decent apartments runs $700-1,000 in most areas. Property taxes vary by county but generally stay moderate. Groceries, utilities, and services all cost substantially less than national averages. The dramatic affordability means moderate salaries support comfortable middle-class lifestyles - income levels that would struggle in expensive metros provide genuine financial security in Kansas. |
Pros & Cons
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
Kansas
✓ Advantages
- Low cost of living
- Affordable housing
- Central location
- Strong agriculture
⚠ Considerations
- Tornado risk
- Hot summers
- Limited metro areas
- Population decline in rural areas
Bottom Line
On pure tax math, Kansas comes out ahead by about $2,123 per year at $75,000 (5.70% versus 8.53%). Iowa makes up ground through low cost of living, which matters considerably to many people. The right choice depends on whether you prioritize direct savings or value what Iowa offers in {factor} and overall lifestyle.📢 Share This Comparison
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