Side-by-side comparison of income tax, property tax, sales tax, capital gains, and retirement treatment between North Carolina and Iowa for tax year 2026. Use the calculator below to estimate how much you would save (or pay) after relocating.
| Tax | North Carolina | Iowa |
|---|---|---|
| State income tax (effective) | 4.50% | 4.38% |
| Long-term capital gains | 4.50% | 4.38% |
| Property tax (effective) | 0.73% | 1.57% |
| Combined sales tax | 6.99% | 6.94% |
| Retirement income | fully-taxable | ss-exempt |
| Income system | flat | flat |
North Carolina total tax
$19,821
Iowa total tax
$19,702
North Carolina state tax
$4,451
Iowa state tax
$4,332
Difference
−$119
Iowa saves you money
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 North Carolina to Iowa could save about $119 per year on this profile — roughly 0.10% of gross income.
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