Iowa vs Washington Taxes: Take-Home Pay Compared (2026)
On a $75,000 salary, a single filer keeps $2,238 more a year in Washington 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 ›Washington
No state income tax on wages
$61,592
take-home on $75,000 · $5,133/month
1st of 51 states for take-home pay
Washington paycheck calculator ›Take-home pay in Iowa and Washington by salary
| Salary | Iowa | Washington | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| $40,000 | $33,412 | $34,320 | $908 more in Washington |
| $50,000 | $41,067 | $42,355 | $1,288 more in Washington |
| $60,000 | $48,722 | $50,390 | $1,668 more in Washington |
| $75,000 | $59,354 | $61,592 | $2,238 more in Washington |
| $100,000 | $75,992 | $79,180 | $3,188 more in Washington |
| $125,000 | $92,566 | $96,703 | $4,138 more in Washington |
| $150,000 | $108,703 | $113,791 | $5,088 more in Washington |
| $200,000 | $141,939 | $148,927 | $6,988 more in Washington |
Single filer, standard deduction, no local tax. To match $75,000 in Iowa you would need about $71,800 in Washington; to match $75,000 in Washington you would need about $78,350 in Iowa.
How Iowa and Washington tax wages
| 2026 | Iowa | Washington |
|---|---|---|
| Income tax | a flat 3.8% income tax | no income tax on wages (Washington taxes only certain capital gains) |
| 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 Washington: FAQ
Does Iowa or Washington have lower income taxes in 2026?
On a $75,000 salary, a single filer keeps $2,238 more a year in Washington than in Iowa ($187 a month). Iowa has a flat 3.8% income tax for 2026. Washington has no income tax on wages (Washington taxes only certain capital gains).
What salary in Washington 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 Washington, based on income, payroll, and state taxes only. Housing and other living costs are not included.
How much more do high earners keep in Washington than in Iowa?
At $150,000 the gap is $5,088 a year: $108,703 in Iowa versus $113,791 in Washington. With flat or no state tax, the gap grows roughly in line with salary.
Do local taxes change the Iowa vs Washington 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.