Iowa vs Tennessee Taxes: Take-Home Pay Compared (2026)
On a $75,000 salary, a single filer keeps $2,238 more a year in Tennessee than in Iowa ($187 a month).
Iowa
3.8% flat state income tax
$59,354
take-home on $75,000 · $4,946/month
15th of 51 states for take-home pay
Iowa paycheck calculator ›Tennessee
No state income tax on wages
$61,592
take-home on $75,000 · $5,133/month
1st of 51 states for take-home pay
Tennessee paycheck calculator ›Take-home pay in Iowa and Tennessee by salary
| Salary | Iowa | Tennessee | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| $40,000 | $33,412 | $34,320 | $908 more in Tennessee |
| $50,000 | $41,067 | $42,355 | $1,288 more in Tennessee |
| $60,000 | $48,722 | $50,390 | $1,668 more in Tennessee |
| $75,000 | $59,354 | $61,592 | $2,238 more in Tennessee |
| $100,000 | $75,992 | $79,180 | $3,188 more in Tennessee |
| $125,000 | $92,566 | $96,703 | $4,138 more in Tennessee |
| $150,000 | $108,703 | $113,791 | $5,088 more in Tennessee |
| $200,000 | $141,939 | $148,927 | $6,988 more in Tennessee |
Single filer, standard deduction, no local tax. To match $75,000 in Iowa you would need about $71,800 in Tennessee; to match $75,000 in Tennessee you would need about $78,350 in Iowa.
How Iowa and Tennessee tax wages
| 2026 | Iowa | Tennessee |
|---|---|---|
| Income tax | a flat 3.8% income tax | no state income tax |
| Top rate | 3.8% | 0% |
| Standard deduction | $16,100 single | Not applicable |
| State tax on $75k | $2,238 (3.0%) | $0 (0.0%) |
| Local wage taxes | Yes (3 modeled) | No |
| Reciprocity | Illinois | None |
Iowa vs Tennessee: FAQ
Does Iowa or Tennessee have lower income taxes in 2026?
On a $75,000 salary, a single filer keeps $2,238 more a year in Tennessee than in Iowa ($187 a month). Iowa has a flat 3.8% income tax for 2026. Tennessee has no state income tax.
What salary in Tennessee equals $75,000 in Iowa?
To take home the same $59,354 that $75,000 leaves in Iowa, you would need about $71,800 in Tennessee, based on income, payroll, and state taxes only. Housing and other living costs are not included.
How much more do high earners keep in Tennessee than in Iowa?
At $150,000 the gap is $5,088 a year: $108,703 in Iowa versus $113,791 in Tennessee. With flat or no state tax, the gap grows roughly in line with salary.
Do local taxes change the Iowa vs Tennessee comparison?
Iowa has local wage taxes in places like Des Moines (School district surtax), Cedar Rapids (School district surtax), Davenport (School district surtax). Those are on top of the statewide figures above, so check the city calculators if you live or work in one of them.