Relocation Calculator
Compare how the tax side of your paycheck changes across states now, then layer in full metro cost-of-living data as that dataset is verified.
Full relocation comparison mode
Both metros have verified cost-of-living coverage, so this comparison includes purchasing-power and housing baselines alongside tax differences.
How to use this comparison
Start with the tax difference here, then use it as a baseline for comparing salary, housing, and overall disposable income between locations.
Why State Taxes Matter When Relocating
State income tax is one of the largest variables in your paycheck. Moving from California (top rate 13.3%) to Texas (no state income tax) on a $100,000 salary can increase your annual take-home pay by $4,000-$6,000 depending on your filing status and deductions. But tax savings alone do not tell the full story -- cost of living, housing, property taxes, and sales taxes differ significantly between states.
States with No Income Tax
Seven states levy no income tax on wages: Alaska, Florida, Nevada, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, and Wyoming. New Hampshire and Washington tax only investment income and capital gains, respectively, not wages. Moving to one of these states eliminates state withholding entirely, but many compensate with higher property taxes or sales taxes.
For example, Texas has no income tax but property tax rates average 1.6-1.8% of assessed value -- among the highest in the country. Florida has no income tax but sales tax is 6% plus local surcharges up to 8.5%. The real comparison should include all these factors.
Relocation Tax FAQ
If I move mid-year, which state do I pay taxes to?
Most states require you to file a part-year resident return for each state. You pay taxes to your old state on income earned while living there, and to your new state on income earned after the move. Some states have specific rules about the date of domicile change.
Do remote workers pay taxes where they live or where the company is?
Generally, you pay taxes to the state where you physically work. If you work remotely from Florida for a New York company, you typically owe Florida taxes (none, in this case). However, some states like New York have a “convenience of the employer” rule that taxes remote workers if the employer is based there. Check your specific state's rules.
What salary increase offsets a move to a higher-tax state?
Use this calculator to compare net take-home pay in both states at your current salary. The difference is the minimum raise you need to break even on tax alone. For a complete picture, factor in housing cost changes -- a $5,000 tax increase may be negligible if rent is $12,000/year cheaper.
Are moving expenses tax deductible?
For most taxpayers, no. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act suspended the moving expense deduction from 2018 through 2025 for everyone except active-duty military. For 2026, check whether Congress has reinstated the deduction. Employer-paid relocation reimbursements are generally taxable income.