Is the move worth it?
Calculate take home pay by state and compare two state take home pay metrics, factoring in progressive taxes, no-tax jurisdictions, and bracket creep from relocation raises.
Relocation Setup
If blank, we compare the exact same gross salary in both states.
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50-State Ranking
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State Take-Home Pay FAQ
Which US states have no income tax?
Nine states currently have no state income tax on wages: Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming. New Hampshire taxes investment income but not earned wages, so for salaried employees it is effectively a no-tax state. If you are comparing a job offer in any of these states against an offer in California, New York, or Oregon, the state tax difference alone can be worth $10,000 to $30,000 per year at typical tech salaries — a fact that dramatically changes which offer is actually more valuable.
How much does moving from California to Texas actually save in taxes?
For a single filer earning $150,000, moving from California to Texas saves approximately $10,000 to $12,000 per year in state income tax. California applies progressive rates up to 13.3% at the highest bracket, while Texas has no state income tax at all. At $200,000, the annual savings increase to approximately $18,000 to $22,000. However, this comparison does not account for differences in cost of living, property taxes, or local municipal taxes — factors that can offset some or all of the income tax savings depending on where exactly you relocate.
If I work remotely, which state's tax rules apply to me?
Generally, you pay income tax in the state where you physically perform your work, not where your employer is headquartered. If you live and work in Texas but your employer is based in California, you typically owe only Texas income tax — which is zero. However, some states have special rules: New York uses a "convenience of the employer" doctrine that may require you to pay New York tax even when working remotely if your employer is based there and your remote arrangement is for your own convenience rather than a business necessity. This is a complex area and the rules vary by state, so confirming with a tax professional before relocating is advisable for high-income situations.
What is the difference between marginal and effective tax rate?
Your marginal tax rate is the rate applied to your last dollar of income — the rate of the highest bracket you reach. Your effective tax rate is the actual percentage of your total income paid in taxes, which is always lower than your marginal rate because only income above each bracket threshold is taxed at that bracket's rate. For example, a single filer earning $150,000 has a 24% federal marginal rate but an effective federal rate closer to 17%, because their first $11,925 is taxed at 10%, the next tranche at 12%, and so on. Knowing your effective rate tells you what a raise is actually worth after tax — not your marginal rate.
Does moving to a no-tax state always mean more money?
Not necessarily — and this is one of the most common relocation misconceptions. While eliminating state income tax is significant, no-tax states often offset this through higher property taxes, higher sales taxes, or simply higher costs of living in desirable areas. Texas has no income tax but property tax rates among the highest in the nation. Florida has no income tax but homeowner's insurance and cost of living in Miami or Tampa have risen sharply. The take-home pay calculator above shows you the income tax difference accurately, but a complete relocation analysis should also factor in housing costs, property taxes, and lifestyle expenses specific to your target city.