US map with state comparisons

Best and Worst States for Take-Home Pay in 2026

Discover where your salary goes the furthest and where taxes take the biggest bite.

States With No Income Tax

Nine states charge no income tax, meaning you keep more of your paycheck:

  • Alaska - No income tax, but high cost of living
  • Florida - No income tax, warm climate, popular for retirees
  • Nevada - No income tax, tourism-based economy
  • New Hampshire - No tax on wages, but taxes dividends and interest
  • South Dakota - No income tax, low cost of living
  • Tennessee - No income tax since 2021
  • Texas - No income tax, but high property taxes
  • Washington - No income tax, but high sales tax
  • Wyoming - No income tax, low cost of living

Highest Tax States

These states have the highest marginal tax rates, resulting in lower take-home pay:

  • California - Up to 13.3% (highest marginal rate in the nation)
  • Hawaii - Up to 11%
  • New York - Up to 10.9% (plus NYC local taxes)
  • New Jersey - Up to 10.75%
  • Oregon - Up to 9.9%

Local City Taxes

Some cities charge additional income taxes on top of state taxes:

  • New York City - Up to 3.876%
  • Philadelphia - 3.79%
  • San Francisco - 1.5%
  • Detroit - 2.4%
  • Columbus, OH - 2.5%

Beyond Income Tax

When comparing states, consider total tax burden, not just income tax:

  • Property taxes: Texas and New Jersey have some of the highest
  • Sales taxes: Tennessee and Louisiana have combined rates over 9%
  • Cost of living: Housing, healthcare, and insurance vary widely

Key Takeaways

  • Nine states have no income tax
  • California has the highest marginal rate at 13.3%
  • Local city taxes can add an additional 1-4%
  • Consider total tax burden, not just income tax

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about your taxes and our calculator.

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