How State Taxes Affect Your Take-Home Pay
Last updated: January 2025
Where you live in the United States can significantly impact how much of your salary you actually keep. State income taxes vary dramatically—from 0% to over 13%—which can mean thousands of dollars difference in your annual take-home pay.
Compare Your State
Select any state to see the exact tax breakdown for your salary.
Open State Calculator →States With No Income Tax
Nine states don't tax your regular income at all. If you live in one of these states, you'll only pay federal taxes and FICA (Social Security and Medicare):
Texas
0% state tax
Florida
0% state tax
Washington
0% state tax
Nevada
0% state tax
Alaska
0% state tax
Wyoming
0% state tax
South Dakota
0% state tax
Tennessee
0% state tax
New Hampshire
0% wage tax*
*New Hampshire taxes only interest and dividend income, not wages.
States With the Highest Income Tax
On the other end of the spectrum, some states have top marginal rates exceeding 10%:
| State | Top Rate | Tax Type |
|---|---|---|
| California | 13.3% | Progressive |
| Hawaii | 11.0% | Progressive |
| New Jersey | 10.75% | Progressive |
| Oregon | 9.9% | Progressive |
| Minnesota | 9.85% | Progressive |
| New York | 10.9% | Progressive |
Real Comparison: $100,000 Salary Across States
Here's how take-home pay compares for the same $100,000 gross salary in different states:
| State | State Tax | Take-Home Pay | Monthly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas | $0 | $77,377 | $6,448 |
| Florida | $0 | $77,377 | $6,448 |
| Colorado | $4,400 | $72,977 | $6,081 |
| Illinois | $4,950 | $72,427 | $6,035 |
| New York | $5,747 | $71,630 | $5,969 |
| California | $6,401 | $70,976 | $5,915 |
Key Insight
At a $100,000 salary, the difference between Texas (0% state tax) and California (~6.4% effective state tax) is over $6,400 per year or about $533 per month.
Flat Tax vs Progressive Tax States
States use two main approaches to income taxation:
Flat Tax States
These states charge the same percentage regardless of income:
- Colorado: 4.4%
- Illinois: 4.95%
- Indiana: 3.05%
- Kentucky: 4.0%
- Massachusetts: 5.0%
- Michigan: 4.25%
- North Carolina: 4.75%
- Pennsylvania: 3.07%
- Utah: 4.65%
Progressive Tax States
These states tax higher incomes at higher rates, similar to federal taxes. Most states with income taxes use this approach, including California, New York, and New Jersey.
Beyond State Income Tax: Other Considerations
State income tax isn't the only factor affecting your finances:
- Sales tax: States without income tax often have higher sales taxes
- Property tax: Texas and New Hampshire have notably high property taxes
- Cost of living: No-tax states aren't always cheaper overall
- Local taxes: Cities like New York City add their own income taxes
Disclaimer
The calculations on this website are estimates based on standard deductions and tax brackets. Your actual tax liability may differ based on your specific situation, including local taxes, deductions, and credits. This is not tax or financial advice. Consult a qualified professional before making location-based financial decisions.
Calculate Your State's Take-Home Pay
Use our state-specific calculators to see exactly how much you'll take home:
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Enter your salary and select any state to see your estimated take-home pay with full tax breakdown.
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