State Income Tax Comparison

Compare state income tax burden between any two US states for your income level and filing status.

The state income tax comparison tool lets you see the tax difference between any two US states for your income level. Whether you're considering a move or just curious about your state's tax burden, this free calculator shows you exactly how much state income tax you'd pay in each state.

Compare States

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How to Compare State Income Taxes

The state income tax comparison tool helps you understand the income tax difference between two states. This is particularly useful when considering relocation, remote work flexibility, or evaluating job offers in different states.

Step 1: Enter Your Income

Enter your expected annual gross income. The calculator applies each state's income tax brackets and rates to this amount. For married filing jointly, use your combined household income.

Step 2: Select Your Two States

Choose the two states you want to compare. Nine states have no income tax: Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming. Selecting one of these will show $0 in state income tax.

Understanding the Results

The calculator shows annual state income tax for each state and the effective rate. The effective rate is your total state tax divided by your gross income — a better measure than the top marginal rate because it reflects your actual tax burden on all income combined.

Beyond Income Tax

States with no income tax often have higher property taxes, sales taxes, or other fees. California has high income tax but also higher wages and economic opportunity. Texas has no income tax but higher property taxes. Consider total cost of living, not just income tax, when making relocation decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this state tax comparison free?

Yes, completely free with no signup required. All calculations run locally in your browser.

Is my data private?

Absolutely. All calculations happen in your browser. No data is sent to any server.

Which states have no income tax?

As of 2026, nine states have no individual income tax: Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire (taxes only interest and dividends), South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming.

Does this calculator include local income taxes?

No. This calculator shows state income tax only. Some cities and municipalities (like New York City, Philadelphia) also impose local income taxes that would add to the total burden shown here.

Does this include property taxes and sales taxes?

No. This tool focuses on state income tax only. For a complete tax burden comparison, you'd also need to consider property taxes, sales taxes, and other state fees, which vary significantly.

Can moving to a no-income-tax state really save me money?

It depends. While income tax savings can be substantial, states without income taxes often compensate with higher property taxes, sales taxes, or fees. Consider total tax burden, cost of living, and other factors when evaluating a move.