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Tax year 2026 · state vs state

Connecticut vs Iowa Income Tax Comparison (2026)

On a $75,000 salary (single filer, 2026), you pay $352 less state income tax a year in Iowa than in Connecticut, which is about $29 a month. At $150,000 the gap is $1,802 in favor of Iowa.

Connecticut: up to 6.99%Iowa: 3.8% flatUpdated October 10, 2026

Compare Connecticut and Iowa for your income

Estimate for education only, not tax advice. 2026 federal and state rules, standard deductions, no local taxes. How we calculate.

State comparison

Comparing 2 states, sorted by lowest overall tax rate.

1Iowa

Lowest

20.8%

Overall effective tax rate

  • Net
  • Federal
  • State
  • FICA
Federal income tax
$7,670
State income tax
$2,198
Payroll tax (FICA)
$5,738
Total tax
$15,606
Net income (annual)
$59,394

2Connecticut

21.3%

Overall effective tax rate

  • Net
  • Federal
  • State
  • FICA
Federal income tax
$7,670
State income tax
$2,550
Payroll tax (FICA)
$5,738
Total tax
$15,958
Net income (annual)
$59,043

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💰 Monthly breakdown

Your take-home pay, spread across the year

Iowa

Monthly gross$6,250
Monthly tax$1,300
Monthly take-home$4,950

Connecticut

Monthly gross$6,250
Monthly tax$1,330
Monthly take-home$4,920

Estimates use 2026 federal and state rates, the standard deduction for your filing status and no local taxes. Rankings use state income tax only.

Connecticut vs Iowa: how the two systems differ

ConnecticutIowa
Wage income taxProgressive, 7 bracketsFlat 3.8%
Top rate6.99%3.8%
Lowest rate2%3.8%
Deductions and credits (single)$15,000 personal exemption$16,100 standard deduction, $40 personal credit

State income tax and take-home pay at every salary

The same salary can leave you with different take-home pay depending on the state. This table applies each state’s 2026 rules to a single filer with no pre-tax contributions.

IncomeCT state taxIA state taxDifferenceCT take-homeIA take-home
$30,000$425$488$63 less in Connecticut$25,860$25,797
$40,000$875$868$7 less in Iowa$33,445$33,452
$50,000$1,325$1,248$77 less in Iowa$41,030$41,107
$60,000$1,775$1,628$147 less in Iowa$48,615$48,762
$75,000$2,550$2,198$352 less in Iowa$59,043$59,394
$100,000$3,925$3,148$777 less in Iowa$75,255$76,032
$150,000$6,850$5,048$1,802 less in Iowa$106,941$108,743
$250,000$13,025$8,848$4,177 less in Iowa$170,157$174,334

Single filer, 2026, federal standard deduction. Take-home is after federal, state and payroll tax. No local taxes.

Married filing jointly

IncomeCT state taxIA state taxDifferenceCT take-homeIA take-home
$75,000$1,795$1,546$249 less in Iowa$62,828$63,076
$100,000$2,920$2,496$424 less in Iowa$81,790$82,214
$150,000$5,430$4,396$1,034 less in Iowa$117,755$118,789
$250,000$11,060$8,196$2,864 less in Iowa$186,408$189,272

Married filing jointly, 2026, federal standard deduction. Uses each state's joint brackets where they differ.

Does the lower-tax state change as income rises?

For a single filer, Connecticut and Iowa charge the same state income tax (nothing) up to roughly $17,500 of income. Above that, Iowa is the lower-tax state. The order flips again near $20,000, so the better state depends on where your income falls.

Rates side by side

Connecticut (single filers)

2%Up to $10,000
4.5%$10,001 to $50,000
5.5%$50,001 to $100,000
6%$100,001 to $200,000
6.5%$200,001 to $250,000
6.9%$250,001 to $500,000
6.99%Over $500,000

Iowa (single filers)

3.8%Over $0

Full details for each state: Connecticut income tax calculator and Iowa income tax calculator. Federal rates are on the 2026 federal tax brackets page.

Connecticut vs Iowa FAQ

Which has lower income tax, Connecticut or Iowa?+

Iowa is lower at $75,000: $2,198 of state income tax versus $2,550 in Connecticut. At $150,000 it is $6,850 in Connecticut and $5,048 in Iowa. For a single filer, Connecticut and Iowa charge the same state income tax (nothing) up to roughly $17,500 of income. Above that, Iowa is the lower-tax state. The order flips again near $20,000, so the better state depends on where your income falls.

How much more do I keep on $100,000 in Connecticut versus Iowa?+

A single filer keeping $75,255 a year in Connecticut would keep $76,032 in Iowa after federal, state and payroll tax. The difference is $777 a year, or $65 a month.

How do the Connecticut and Iowa income tax systems differ?+

Connecticut uses progressive rates up to 6.99%; Iowa uses a flat 3.8% rate. State deductions and exemptions also differ, which changes how much income is taxed.

Are local taxes included in this Connecticut vs Iowa comparison?+

No. It covers federal income tax, Social Security, Medicare and state income tax only. City, county, sales and property taxes are not included, and they can change the real cost of living in each state.

Should I move from Connecticut to Iowa to save on taxes?+

State income tax is one cost among many. Property and sales taxes, housing, insurance and wages also differ, and you may owe tax to both states in the year you move. Use this comparison as one input and confirm details with a tax professional.

Sources

Last checked October 10, 2026. Confirm with your state tax agency before filing.

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Estimates for education only, not tax, legal or financial advice. Not a substitute for a tax professional or your state revenue department.