Best States for Take-Home Pay
Where does your salary go furthest after taxes? This guide compares all 50 states — no-tax havens, high-tax traps, and the exact dollar impact on real income levels.
$6,459
TX keeps more than CA on $100K/yr
9 states
with zero state income tax
13.3%
California's top state tax rate
The 9 No Income Tax States
These states levy zero state income tax on wages — you keep everything above federal + FICA. All nine states yield identical take-home for the same salary.
Alaska
$79,180
$6,598/mo after taxes
20.8% all-in eff. rate on $100K
Florida
$79,180
$6,598/mo after taxes
20.8% all-in eff. rate on $100K
Nevada
$79,180
$6,598/mo after taxes
20.8% all-in eff. rate on $100K
New Hampshire
$79,180
$6,598/mo after taxes
20.8% all-in eff. rate on $100K
South Dakota
$79,180
$6,598/mo after taxes
20.8% all-in eff. rate on $100K
Tennessee
$79,180
$6,598/mo after taxes
20.8% all-in eff. rate on $100K
Texas
$79,180
$6,598/mo after taxes
20.8% all-in eff. rate on $100K
Washington
$79,180
$6,598/mo after taxes
20.8% all-in eff. rate on $100K
Wyoming
$79,180
$6,598/mo after taxes
20.8% all-in eff. rate on $100K
Why all 9 give the same take-home: Since state tax = $0 for all, federal income tax and FICA are the only taxes. These are identical across states, so a $100K salary nets the same $79,180/year in Texas, Florida, Nevada, or any other no-tax state (ignoring city/local taxes).
Take-Home at Every Salary — No-Tax vs High-Tax States
How much more you keep in Texas (no state tax) vs California and New York at each income level.
| Salary | Texas Take-Home | California Take-Home | New York Take-Home | TX vs CA Edge | 10-Year Gap (TX vs CA) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $42,355 | $40,540 | $40,328 | +$1,815/yr | +$18,150 |
| $75,000 | $61,593 | $57,723 | $58,103 | +$3,869/yr | +$38,690 |
| $100,000 | $79,180 | $72,721 | $74,228 | +$6,459/yr | +$64,590 |
| $150,000 | $113,791 | $102,132 | $105,914 | +$11,659/yr | +$116,590 |
| $200,000 | $148,927 | $132,068 | $138,003 | +$16,859/yr | +$168,590 |
Single filer, standard deduction, 2026 IRS brackets. State tax only — city/local taxes not included.
Most Popular Low-Tax Move Destinations
Take-home pay at key salary levels in the most popular no-income-tax states.
| State | $50K | $75K | $100K | $150K | $200K |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Texasno state tax | $42,355 | $61,593 | $79,180 | $113,791 | $148,927 |
| Floridano state tax | $42,355 | $61,593 | $79,180 | $113,791 | $148,927 |
| Nevadano state tax | $42,355 | $61,593 | $79,180 | $113,791 | $148,927 |
| Washingtonno state tax | $42,355 | $61,593 | $79,180 | $113,791 | $148,927 |
| Wyomingno state tax | $42,355 | $61,593 | $79,180 | $113,791 | $148,927 |
High-Tax States — The Real Cost
How much less you keep in the highest-tax states — same salary, dramatically lower take-home.
Single filer, standard deduction, 2026.
Relocation Tax FAQ
Which state is best for remote workers who want to maximize take-home?
Any of the 9 no-income-tax states will maximize your take-home: Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire (wages), South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, Wyoming. Among these, Texas and Florida are the most popular for remote workers due to population size, job markets, and infrastructure. At a $100K salary, these states yield approximately $79,180/year — compared to $72,721/year in California.
Is moving from California to Texas worth it financially?
On pure income tax savings: yes, significantly. The annual take-home difference ranges from +$4,200 at $50K to +$18,000+ at $200K. Over 10 years, that's $42,000–$180,000 in extra take-home at typical tech salary levels. However, consider cost of living, housing, healthcare access, and quality of life factors before deciding. Texas has no state income tax but higher property taxes in many metro areas.
Do I owe state taxes in my old state after moving?
Generally, you owe state income tax in the state where you are a resident for each part of the year. If you move mid-year, you file as a part-year resident in both states. States like California aggressively audit out-of-state moves — ensure you formally establish domicile in your new state with updated voter registration, driver's license, and other documentation.
What about cost of living — does moving to a no-tax state actually save money?
Tax savings are real and quantifiable; cost-of-living adjustments require more research. Texas and Florida have significantly lower housing costs than California in most metros, amplifying the benefit. Nevada and Washington have higher housing costs in major cities. The income tax benefit is guaranteed; cost of living depends on specific city and lifestyle choices.
Are there states with low income tax and low cost of living?
Tennessee, South Dakota, and Wyoming combine no state income tax with relatively low cost of living. Indiana (3.15% flat tax), Mississippi (4.7%), and Ohio have low taxes and low cost of living but are not zero-tax states. For the combination of zero state income tax + lower cost of living, Tennessee (Nashville), South Dakota, and central Texas metros are often cited.
How does New Hampshire's no-tax status work?
New Hampshire does not tax earned W-2 wages or self-employment income. It historically taxed dividend and interest income at 4% (the 'Interest and Dividends Tax'), but this was eliminated as of January 1, 2025. NH residents now enjoy full zero-income-tax status on all income, same as Texas or Florida.
State-vs-State Comparison Pages
Pick two states and see exact take-home differences at every salary level.
Texas vs California
See comparison →
Texas vs New York
See comparison →
Florida vs New York
See comparison →
Washington vs California
See comparison →
Nevada vs California
See comparison →
Florida vs California
See comparison →
Texas vs New Jersey
See comparison →
Wyoming vs California
See comparison →
Texas vs Oregon
See comparison →
Calculate your specific salary
Enter your exact salary and see take-home in any state — with optional 401k, health insurance, and filing status adjustments.