Side-by-side comparison of income tax, property tax, sales tax, capital gains, and retirement treatment between Iowa and North Carolina for tax year 2026. Use the calculator below to estimate how much you would save (or pay) after relocating.
| Tax | Iowa | North Carolina |
|---|---|---|
| State income tax (effective) | 4.38% | 4.50% |
| Long-term capital gains | 4.38% | 4.50% |
| Property tax (effective) | 1.57% | 0.73% |
| Combined sales tax | 6.94% | 6.99% |
| Retirement income | ss-exempt | fully-taxable |
| Income system | flat | flat |
Iowa total tax
$19,702
North Carolina total tax
$19,821
Iowa state tax
$4,332
North Carolina state tax
$4,451
Difference
+$119
North Carolina costs more
As % of income
0.10%
Federal tax is identical in both columns and excluded from the difference. Numbers use 2026 IRS brackets, state effective rates, and the 3.8% NIIT where applicable.
Moving from Iowa to North Carolina would cost an extra $119 per year on this profile.
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