2026 tax year · Two states, one salary
Compare take-home pay by state
Enter one salary and see what actually lands in your bank account in two states. The comparison applies the same 2026 federal brackets and FICA rules, then adds each state's income tax.
Tax year 2026. Federal: IRS Rev. Proc. 2025-32 and Publication 15. State: Tax Foundation, State Individual Income Tax Rates and Brackets, 2026. Local income taxes excluded.
How the state comparison works
The tool runs the same calculation twice, once for each state. It starts with your annual gross salary, subtracts pre-tax contributions, applies the 2026 federal brackets and standard deduction, subtracts Social Security and Medicare, then applies the state's own 2026 income tax rules.
Federal income tax and FICA are the same in both states at the same salary. That means the difference in take-home pay comes from state income tax, including each state's rates, brackets, and standard deduction.
What the comparison includes
- 2026 federal income tax brackets and standard deduction.
- Social Security at 6.2% up to the $184,500 wage base.
- Medicare at 1.45%, plus the 0.9% Additional Medicare tax where it applies.
- Each state's 2026 wage income tax and state standard deduction.
- Traditional 401(k) and Section 125 pre-tax health contributions, if entered.
What it does not include
- City, county, and local income taxes, such as New York City or Philadelphia.
- Property tax, sales tax, rent, commuting costs, and cost of living.
- Your W-4 elections and your employer's exact withholding tables.
- Credits, itemized deductions, and income outside your salary.
- Wage garnishments, union dues, and post-tax deductions.
Use the result to compare the tax side of a move or a job offer, not to predict your W-2 to the dollar.
Popular comparisons
Compare a specific state pair
This comparison has a dedicated page with salary tables and state sources: Massachusetts vs New Hampshire →
Answers
Frequently asked questions
How does the state paycheck comparison work?
It runs the same 2026 federal, FICA, and state tax calculation for two states at the same gross salary. The result shows each state's take-home pay, state income tax, total tax, and the annual and monthly difference.
Does the comparison include federal tax and FICA?
Yes. Both states use the same 2026 federal brackets and FICA rates, so the difference in take-home pay comes from state income tax.
Why does the same salary produce different take-home pay?
States use different tax types, rates, brackets, and standard deductions. A no-tax state can leave thousands of dollars more per year than a high-tax state at the same gross salary.
Does the comparison include local taxes and cost of living?
No. City and county income taxes, property tax, sales tax, rent, and commuting costs are outside the calculation. Use the result as a tax comparison, then add local costs before making a move.
Can I compare more than two states at once?
The tool compares two states side by side. For a move with several finalists, run the comparison more than once or open the individual state calculator pages.
Free checklist
Get the 2026 paycheck checklist
The full checklist covers withholding, pre-tax benefits, local taxes, and moving between states. Add your email for the printable copy.