Estimate only — not tax advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See methodology and sources.

$130,000 after taxes in Iowa

2025 estimate, single filer. Federal + Social Security + Medicare + Iowa state tax.

Estimated take-home (single)
$95,238
$7,936.50 / month · $3,663.00 / biweekly · 26.7% effective tax rate

Breakdown (single filer)

Gross salary$130,000
Federal income tax-$20,447
Iowa state tax (3.80%, flat)-$4,370
Social Security (6.2%)-$8,060
Medicare (1.45%)-$1,885
Net$95,238

Rent burden in Iowa

Median rent
$1,011 / mo
Annual rent
$12,132
% of net pay
13%
After rent / mo
$6,925.50

HUD's housing burden threshold is 30% of net income. At $130,000 in Iowa, median statewide rent takes 13% — inside affordable territory. That leaves $6,925.50 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 $130,000 ranks in Iowa

Iowa percentile
74th
National percentile
71th
Iowa median HH
$73,147
National median HH
$80,610

$130,000 as a single earner places you at the 74th percentile of Iowa households after adjusting for the state median ($73,147 vs national $80,610). Nationally that's the 71th percentile. Household percentiles assume single-earner; two earners at this income would move several brackets higher.

Home affordability in Iowa

Max affordable home
$350,757
Iowa median home
$181,600
Affordability ratio
193%
Max housing / mo
$2,275.00

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 $350,757. 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

StatusNet annualMonthlyEffective rate
Single$95,238$7,936.5026.7%
Married Filing Jointly$104,427$8,702.2519.7%
Head of Household$99,062$8,255.1723.8%

$130,000 in neighboring states

Net pay and rent burden across Iowa's contiguous neighbors. Direct comparison for relocation or remote-work decisions.

StateState rateNetMedian rent / moAfter rent / yr
Iowa (current)3.80%$95,238$1,011$83,106
Minnesota9.85%$88,281$1,245$73,341
Wisconsin7.65%$90,811$1,106$77,539
Illinois4.95%$93,916$1,244$78,988
Missouri4.95%$93,916$1,063$81,160
Nebraska5.84%$92,892$1,058$80,196
South Dakota0.00%$99,608$935$88,388

Other salaries in Iowa

Common questions

How much of a $130,000 salary do I keep in Iowa?
About $95,238 after federal income tax, Iowa state tax (3.80%, flat), Social Security and Medicare. That works out to roughly $7,937 per month or $3,663 every two weeks for a single filer in 2025.
What is the effective tax rate on $130,000 in Iowa?
The combined effective rate is 26.7%. 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 →

Sources

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