Compare Paycheck by State
↻ Updated 2026 tax yearWeighing a move or a job offer in another state? Put two states side by side to see your 2026 take-home pay in each. Federal tax and FICA are the same everywhere, so the entire difference is state income tax — this tool shows you exactly how much.
| California | Texas | |
|---|---|---|
| Gross salary | $90,000 | $90,000 |
| Pre-tax 401(k) | − $5,400 | − $5,400 |
| Federal income tax | − $9,782 | − $9,782 |
| FICA | − $6,885 | − $6,885 |
| State income tax | − $3,791 | $0 |
| Annual take-home | $64,142 | $67,933 |
How to read a two-state paycheck comparison
Because federal income tax and FICA don't change with your state, the gap between two states is pure state income tax. A move from a high-tax state like California or New York to a no-tax state like Texas or Florida can lift your take-home pay by several thousand dollars a year on a typical salary — with no raise at all. But a no-tax state isn't automatically a richer one: those states tend to recover the revenue through higher sales and property taxes, and the cost of living (housing above all) can erase the paycheck gain. Use the take-home difference here as one input, then check whether that bigger paycheck actually stretches further where you'd live.
Frequently asked questions
Why is my take-home pay different between two states?
On the same salary, federal income tax and FICA (Social Security and Medicare) are identical no matter where you live — so the entire difference in take-home pay between two states is state income tax. Nine states levy none at all, which is why a move to Texas or Florida raises your net pay without any change in salary.
Which states have no income tax?
Nine states take no tax on wage income: Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington and Wyoming. On this tool, picking one of them as State A or B shows a $0 state-tax line and usually the higher take-home pay — though those states often make up the revenue through higher sales or property taxes.
Does this comparison include local city taxes?
No. It compares state income tax only. Some cities levy their own income tax on top — New York City (about 3–4%), most Pennsylvania and Ohio municipalities (around 1–2.5%), and Detroit — which this tool does not model. If you're comparing a city with a local wage tax, your real gap is larger than shown.
Is comparing salaries across states just about income tax?
No — take-home pay is only half the picture. A higher net paycheck in a no-tax state can be offset by a higher cost of living, especially housing. Pair this with the cost-of-living comparison to see whether a bigger paycheck actually goes further where you'd be living.
- ·IRS Rev. Proc. 2025-32 — 2026 inflation adjustments — Tax year 2026 brackets & standard deduction
- ·IRS Topic 751 — Social Security & Medicare withholding rates
- ·Tax Foundation — 2026 State Income Tax Rates and Brackets — State wage-tax estimate; excludes local income taxes
RealMoneyIQ provides free educational calculators, not financial, tax, investment or legal advice. Results are estimates based on the assumptions you enter and publicly published rates; your actual outcome will differ. Always confirm decisions with a licensed professional who knows your full situation.