Side-by-side comparison of income tax, property tax, sales tax, capital gains, and retirement treatment between Kentucky and Iowa for tax year 2026. Use the calculator below to estimate how much you would save (or pay) after relocating.
| Tax | Kentucky | Iowa |
|---|---|---|
| State income tax (effective) | 4.00% | 4.38% |
| Long-term capital gains | 4.00% | 4.38% |
| Property tax (effective) | 0.83% | 1.57% |
| Combined sales tax | 6.00% | 6.94% |
| Retirement income | partial-exempt | ss-exempt |
| Income system | flat | flat |
Kentucky total tax
$19,326
Iowa total tax
$19,702
Kentucky state tax
$3,956
Iowa state tax
$4,332
Difference
+$376
Iowa costs more
As % of income
0.31%
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 Kentucky to Iowa would cost an extra $376 per year on this profile.
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