Money Where You Live
Where you live changes what your money is worth. Compare state income tax, cost of living, and median pay — all in one place.
Where you work affects what you keep. Nine states charge no income tax at all. California takes up to 13.3% on high earners. But taxes are only part of the story — cost of living matters too. A $75,000 salary in Dallas buys more than $100,000 in New York City.
These guides compare real purchasing power across all 50 states: median salaries, state income tax rates, cost-of-living indices, and net take-home pay after federal and state taxes. Use the calculators to see exactly how much you would keep in each state.
The Real Take-Home Pay guide is the best starting point — it shows net pay for every state after federal and state taxes. Pair it with the Cost of Living guide to compare purchasing power, not just salaries.
Average Salary by State 2026
Median earnings across all industries for every US state.
Read guide →Cost of Living by State
What your salary actually buys — state by state.
Read guide →Real Take-Home Pay by State
Net pay after federal + state income tax across all 50 states.
Read guide →Minimum Wage by State
Every state's current minimum wage — and which are above federal.
Read guide →Living Wage vs Minimum Wage by US State 2026
The hourly living wage needed to cover basic costs in every US state, per the MIT Living Wage Calculator.
Read guide →No-Tax State Math, Honestly
Nine states have no income tax. But do you actually come out ahead?
Read guide →All state comparisons use 2026 data. Cost-of-living indices sourced from BLS. State tax rates from state revenue departments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which US states have no income tax?
Nine states charge no personal income tax: Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming. Tennessee and New Hampshire tax only dividend and interest income. These states still collect revenue through sales tax, property tax, and other mechanisms.
Does living in a high-tax state always mean keeping less money?
Not always. High-tax states often fund better public services and higher salaries in certain industries. New York and California have high state income taxes but also higher median salaries in knowledge-work sectors. The right comparison is after-tax income adjusted for cost of living using the Regional Price Parity (RPP) index from the Bureau of Economic Analysis.
How do I compare real purchasing power between two states?
Use the Regional Price Parity (RPP) index published by the Bureau of Economic Analysis. An RPP of 120 means that location is 20% more expensive than the national average. Compare your after-tax salary in both locations, then apply the RPP adjustment to find which salary actually goes further.
Can I be taxed by two states if I work remotely?
Possibly. Most states tax income earned within their borders. If you live in one state and work remotely for an employer in another, you may owe taxes to both — though most states have a credit provision to prevent double taxation on the same income. The rules vary significantly by state pair. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation.