$120,000 after taxes in Iowa
2025 estimate, single filer. Federal + Social Security + Medicare + Iowa state tax.
Breakdown (single filer)
| Gross salary | $120,000 |
| Federal income tax | -$18,047 |
| Iowa state tax (3.80%, flat) | -$3,990 |
| Social Security (6.2%) | -$7,440 |
| Medicare (1.45%) | -$1,740 |
| Net | $88,783 |
Rent burden in Iowa
HUD's housing burden threshold is 30% of net income. At $120,000 in Iowa, median statewide rent takes 14% — inside affordable territory. That leaves $6,387.58 per month for everything else (utilities, food, transportation, savings).
Source: US Census ACS 2023, B25064 (median gross monthly rent, statewide). Metro markets typically run 20-50% above the state median.
Where $120,000 ranks in Iowa
$120,000 as a single earner places you at the 71th percentile of Iowa households after adjusting for the state median ($73,147 vs national $80,610). Nationally that's the 67th percentile. Household percentiles assume single-earner; two earners at this income would move several brackets higher.
Home affordability in Iowa
Using the 28% rule (housing costs ≤ 28% of gross pay) at a 6.75% 30-year fixed mortgage, reserving 25% of the housing budget for taxes + insurance + HOA, your max affordable home price is about $323,775. That's above the Iowa median home value of $181,600 — buying is realistic on this income.
Source: Census ACS 2023, B25077 (median home value). Mortgage rate: Freddie Mac PMMS 30-yr fixed (early 2026 reference).
By filing status
| Status | Net annual | Monthly | Effective rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single | $88,783 | $7,398.58 | 26.0% |
| Married Filing Jointly | $97,077 | $8,089.75 | 19.1% |
| Head of Household | $92,490 | $7,707.50 | 22.9% |
$120,000 in neighboring states
Net pay and rent burden across Iowa's contiguous neighbors. Direct comparison for relocation or remote-work decisions.
| State | State rate | Net | Median rent / mo | After rent / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iowa (current) | 3.80% | $88,783 | $1,011 | $76,651 |
| Minnesota | 9.85% | $82,431 | $1,245 | $67,491 |
| Wisconsin | 7.65% | $84,741 | $1,106 | $71,469 |
| Illinois | 4.95% | $87,576 | $1,244 | $72,648 |
| Missouri | 4.95% | $87,576 | $1,063 | $74,820 |
| Nebraska | 5.84% | $86,641 | $1,058 | $73,945 |
| South Dakota | 0.00% | $92,773 | $935 | $81,553 |
Other salaries in Iowa
Common questions
- How much of a $120,000 salary do I keep in Iowa?
- About $88,783 after federal income tax, Iowa state tax (3.80%, flat), Social Security and Medicare. That works out to roughly $7,399 per month or $3,415 every two weeks for a single filer in 2025.
- What is the effective tax rate on $120,000 in Iowa?
- The combined effective rate is 26.0%. That's the share of gross pay lost to federal, state, Social Security and Medicare. Marginal rate is higher because federal brackets are progressive — only the top slice of income is taxed at the highest bracket.
- Why does take-home in Iowa look moderate compared to neighbors?
- Iowa's top state rate is 3.80%. Federal tax is identical in every state — the gap between states on this page is entirely state income tax. Eight states have no income tax (AK, FL, NV, SD, TN, TX, WA, WY); the rest range from ~3% to ~13.3%.
- Does this estimate include 401(k), health insurance or local taxes?
- No. This is a top-line federal + state + FICA estimate for a single W-2 filer taking the standard deduction. 401(k) pre-tax contributions, employer health premiums, HSA, and city or county income taxes (e.g., NYC, Philadelphia) reduce take-home further. For an exact paycheck, use a payroll service or a CPA.
Full data sources and formulas: /sources.
Estimate only — not tax advice. Federal brackets: IRS Rev. Proc. 2024-40 (tax year 2025). State tax uses flat. Itemized deductions, credits, 401(k), healthcare premiums, and local/city taxes are not modeled. Rent and home values: Census ACS 2023 (B25064, B25077). Methodology →
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