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2026 Tax Rates · Single Filer

North Carolina vs Virginia
Income Tax Comparison

On a $100K salary, North Carolina keeps you $1,016 more than Virginia.

North Carolina

$75,164

take-home on $100K

Top rate: 4.5%

Virginia

$74,148

take-home on $100K

Top rate: 5.75%

State Tax Rate

4.5%

North Carolina

Annual Savings on $100K

$1,016

North Carolina advantage

State Tax Rate

5.75%

Virginia

North Carolina vs Virginia — Take-Home Pay by Salary (2026)

Single filer, standard deduction, no other adjustments.

Gross SalaryNorth Carolina Take-HomeVirginia Take-HomeNorth Carolina Saves
$40K$33,004(17.5%)$32,738(18.2%)+$266/yr
$50K$40,589(18.8%)$40,198(19.6%)+$391/yr
$60K$48,174(19.7%)$47,658(20.6%)+$516/yr
$75K$58,701(21.7%)$57,998(22.7%)+$704/yr
$100K$75,164(24.8%)$74,148(25.9%)+$1,016/yr
$125K$91,562(26.8%)$90,234(27.8%)+$1,329/yr
$150K$107,525(28.3%)$105,884(29.4%)+$1,641/yr
$200K$140,411(29.8%)$138,145(30.9%)+$2,266/yr

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

↔ View Virginia vs North Carolina instead

Detailed Tax Breakdown on $100,000 Salary

North Carolina — $100K Salary
Federal Income Tax$13,170
North Carolina State Tax$4,016
Social Security (6.2%)$6,200
Medicare (1.45%)$1,450
Total Tax$24,836
Annual Take-Home$75,164
Virginia — $100K Salary
Federal Income Tax$13,170
Virginia State Tax$5,033
Social Security (6.2%)$6,200
Medicare (1.45%)$1,450
Total Tax$25,853
Annual Take-Home$74,148

North Carolina vs Virginia Income Tax — FAQ

Which state has lower taxes, North Carolina or Virginia?

North Carolina has lower income taxes than Virginia. On a $100,000 salary (2026), North Carolina residents take home $1,016 more per year. North Carolina top state rate: 4.5%; Virginia: 5.75%. At $200K the gap grows to $2,266/year.

What is the income tax rate in North Carolina vs Virginia?

North Carolina top state income tax rate: 4.5%. Virginia top rate: 5.75%. Both states also have the same federal income tax rates and FICA (Social Security + Medicare) taxes.

Is it worth moving from Virginia to North Carolina for taxes?

Moving from Virginia to North Carolina could save you $1,016/year on a $100K salary — that's $85/month. Over 10 years, that's potentially $10,163 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 North Carolina or Virginia 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, North Carolina or Virginia?

At $200,000 gross salary, North Carolina take-home is $140,411 vs $138,145 in Virginia — a difference of $2,266 per year. The gap widens significantly at higher incomes due to progressive tax brackets.

How are taxes calculated for North Carolina vs Virginia?

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: North Carolina charges up to 4.5% vs Virginia charges up to 5.75%.

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