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2026 Tax Rates · Single Filer

Arizona vs California
Income Tax Comparison

On a $100K salary, Arizona keeps you $4,324 more than California.

Arizona

$77,045

take-home on $100K

Top rate: 2.5%

California

$72,721

take-home on $100K

Top rate: 13.3%

State Tax Rate

2.5%

Arizona

Annual Savings on $100K

$4,324

Arizona advantage

State Tax Rate

13.3%

California

Arizona vs California — Take-Home Pay by Salary (2026)

Single filer, standard deduction, no other adjustments.

Gross SalaryArizona Take-HomeCalifornia Take-HomeArizona Saves
$40K$33,685(15.8%)$33,106(17.2%)+$579/yr
$50K$41,470(17.1%)$40,540(18.9%)+$930/yr
$60K$49,255(17.9%)$47,865(20.2%)+$1,390/yr
$75K$60,083(19.9%)$57,723(23.0%)+$2,359/yr
$100K$77,045(23.0%)$72,721(27.3%)+$4,324/yr
$125K$93,944(24.8%)$87,645(29.9%)+$6,299/yr
$150K$110,406(26.4%)$102,132(31.9%)+$8,274/yr
$200K$144,292(27.9%)$132,068(34.0%)+$12,224/yr

2026 IRS brackets · FICA included · State tax estimated · Numbers rounded

↔ View California vs Arizona instead

Detailed Tax Breakdown on $100,000 Salary

Arizona — $100K Salary
Federal Income Tax$13,170
Arizona State Tax$2,135
Social Security (6.2%)$6,200
Medicare (1.45%)$1,450
Total Tax$22,955
Annual Take-Home$77,045
California — $100K Salary
Federal Income Tax$13,170
California State Tax$6,459
Social Security (6.2%)$6,200
Medicare (1.45%)$1,450
Total Tax$27,279
Annual Take-Home$72,721

Arizona vs California Income Tax — FAQ

Which state has lower taxes, Arizona or California?

Arizona has lower income taxes than California. On a $100,000 salary (2026), Arizona residents take home $4,324 more per year. Arizona top state rate: 2.5%; California: 13.3%. At $200K the gap grows to $12,224/year.

What is the income tax rate in Arizona vs California?

Arizona top state income tax rate: 2.5%. California top rate: 13.3%. Both states also have the same federal income tax rates and FICA (Social Security + Medicare) taxes.

Is it worth moving from California to Arizona for taxes?

Moving from California to Arizona could save you $4,324/year on a $100K salary — that's $360/month. Over 10 years, that's potentially $43,236 in tax savings, not accounting for raises or investment growth. However, cost of living differences (housing, property taxes, sales tax) should also factor in.

Does Arizona or California have higher sales tax?

Income tax is only part of the picture. Be sure to also compare sales tax, property taxes, and cost of living. This tool focuses on state income tax differences. For a complete picture, research each state's total tax burden.

Which state is better for high earners, Arizona or California?

At $200,000 gross salary, Arizona take-home is $144,292 vs $132,068 in California — a difference of $12,224 per year. The gap widens significantly at higher incomes due to progressive tax brackets.

How are taxes calculated for Arizona vs California?

All figures are for a single filer using the standard deduction with no other adjustments (no 401k, no pre-tax benefits). Federal income tax, Social Security (6.2% up to $176,100), and Medicare (1.45%) are the same in both states. The difference is entirely due to state income tax: Arizona charges up to 2.5% vs California charges up to 13.3%.

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