1Iowa
Lowest20.8%
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
Tax year 2026 · state vs state
District of Columbia vs Iowa Income Tax Comparison (2026)
On a $75,000 salary (single filer, 2026), you pay $1,230 less state income tax a year in Iowa than in District of Columbia, which is about $103 a month. At $150,000 the gap is $4,733 in favor of Iowa.
District of Columbia: up to 10.75%Iowa: 3.8% flatUpdated October 10, 2026
Compare District of Columbia 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.
2District of Columbia
22.4%
Overall effective tax rate
- Net
- Federal
- State
- FICA
- Federal income tax
- $7,670
- State income tax
- $3,429
- Payroll tax (FICA)
- $5,738
- Total tax
- $16,836
- Net income (annual)
- $58,164
Advanced analysis (optional)
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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
District of Columbia
Monthly gross$6,250
Monthly tax$1,403
Monthly take-home$4,847
Estimates use 2026 federal and state rates, the standard deduction for your filing status and no local taxes. Rankings use state income tax only.
District of Columbia vs Iowa: how the two systems differ
| District of Columbia | Iowa | |
|---|---|---|
| Wage income tax | Progressive, 7 brackets | Flat 3.8% |
| Top rate | 10.75% | 3.8% |
| Lowest rate | 4% | 3.8% |
| Deductions and credits (single) | $16,100 standard deduction | $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.
| Income | DC state tax | IA state tax | Difference | DC take-home | IA take-home |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $30,000 | $634 | $488 | $146 less in Iowa | $25,651 | $25,797 |
| $40,000 | $1,234 | $868 | $366 less in Iowa | $33,086 | $33,452 |
| $50,000 | $1,834 | $1,248 | $586 less in Iowa | $40,521 | $41,107 |
| $60,000 | $2,454 | $1,628 | $825 less in Iowa | $47,937 | $48,762 |
| $75,000 | $3,429 | $2,198 | $1,230 less in Iowa | $58,164 | $59,394 |
| $100,000 | $5,532 | $3,148 | $2,383 less in Iowa | $73,649 | $76,032 |
| $150,000 | $9,782 | $5,048 | $4,733 less in Iowa | $104,010 | $108,743 |
| $250,000 | $18,282 | $8,848 | $9,433 less in Iowa | $164,901 | $174,334 |
Single filer, 2026, federal standard deduction. Take-home is after federal, state and payroll tax. No local taxes.
Married filing jointly
| Income | DC state tax | IA state tax | Difference | DC take-home | IA take-home |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $75,000 | $2,382 | $1,546 | $836 less in Iowa | $62,241 | $63,076 |
| $100,000 | $4,163 | $2,496 | $1,667 less in Iowa | $80,547 | $82,214 |
| $150,000 | $8,413 | $4,396 | $4,017 less in Iowa | $114,772 | $118,789 |
| $250,000 | $16,913 | $8,196 | $8,717 less in Iowa | $180,555 | $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, District of Columbia and Iowa charge the same state income tax (nothing) up to roughly $17,500 of income. Above that, Iowa is the lower-tax state.
Rates side by side
District of Columbia (single filers)
| 4% | Up to $10,000 |
| 6% | $10,001 to $40,000 |
| 6.5% | $40,001 to $60,000 |
| 8.5% | $60,001 to $250,000 |
| 9.25% | $250,001 to $500,000 |
| 9.75% | $500,001 to $1,000,000 |
| 10.75% | Over $1,000,000 |
Iowa (single filers)
| 3.8% | Over $0 |
Full details for each state: District of Columbia income tax calculator and Iowa income tax calculator. Federal rates are on the 2026 federal tax brackets page.
District of Columbia vs Iowa FAQ
Which has lower income tax, District of Columbia or Iowa?+
Iowa is lower at $75,000: $2,198 of state income tax versus $3,429 in District of Columbia. At $150,000 it is $9,782 in District of Columbia and $5,048 in Iowa. For a single filer, District of Columbia and Iowa charge the same state income tax (nothing) up to roughly $17,500 of income. Above that, Iowa is the lower-tax state.
How much more do I keep on $100,000 in District of Columbia versus Iowa?+
A single filer keeping $73,649 a year in District of Columbia would keep $76,032 in Iowa after federal, state and payroll tax. The difference is $2,383 a year, or $199 a month.
How do the District of Columbia and Iowa income tax systems differ?+
District of Columbia uses progressive rates up to 10.75%; 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 District of Columbia 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 District of Columbia 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
- Tax Foundation: 2026 state individual income tax rates and brackets
- IRS: Tax inflation adjustments for tax year 2026
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.