Iowa vs Wisconsin: Paycheck Calculator Comparison
VSDetailed comparison of tax rates, cost of living, and quality of life
📌 Iowa's 8.53% rate compared with Wisconsin's 7.65% translates to $880 difference annually for $100,000 professionals. Wisconsin compensates with Midwest values. families demographics lean Wisconsin, but dairy farmers sectors find Iowa attractive despite higher tax burden.
Iowa and Wisconsin take different approaches to income tax—8.53% compared to 7.65%. Run the math on $100,000, and you're looking at around $880 yearly variance. Of course, taxes are just one piece of the relocation puzzle.
🔑 Key Differences
- **State income tax**: Iowa at 8.53% vs Wisconsin at 7.65%
- **Annual savings** (on $100,000): Wisconsin saves you ~$880
- **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 | Wisconsin |
|---|---|---|
| State Income Tax | 0.33% - 8.53% | 3.54% - 7.65% |
| 💰 On $40,000 Salary |
State Tax: $1,772
Take Home: $38,228
+$466
|
State Tax: $2,238
Take Home: $37,762
|
| 💰 On $60,000 Salary |
State Tax: $2,658
Take Home: $57,342
+$699
|
State Tax: $3,357
Take Home: $56,643
|
| 💰 On $100,000 Salary |
State Tax: $4,430
Take Home: $95,570
+$1,165
|
State Tax: $5,595
Take Home: $94,405
|
| 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. | Wisconsin delivers good value throughout most regions. Milwaukee and Madison offer genuine metropolitan amenities with housing costs 40-50% below expensive metros. Quality homes typically sell for $200,000-300,000. Smaller cities provide even better value. Property taxes can be substantial, particularly in areas with strong schools. Heating costs significant during harsh winters. Overall, income stretches considerably further than in high-cost states. |
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
Wisconsin
✓ Advantages
- Strong manufacturing and agriculture sectors
- Excellent quality of life
- Good education systems statewide
- Lower cost of living than coastal states
- Beautiful natural areas and outdoor recreation
⚠ Considerations
- Higher state income tax (up to 7.65%)
- Very cold winters with heavy snow
- Some areas face population decline
- Property taxes can be high
- Sales tax at 5% plus local additions
Bottom Line
Tax-wise, Wisconsin wins with about $880 annual savings at $100,000. Iowa maintains pull through Midwest values, which resonates particularly with dairy farmers. Recent trends show families moving to Wisconsin, though Iowa continues drawing people who prioritize {factor}.📢 Share This Comparison
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