Massachusetts vs Tennessee Taxes: Take-Home Pay Compared (2026)
On a $75,000 salary, a single filer keeps $3,750 more a year in Tennessee than in Massachusetts ($312 a month).
Massachusetts
5% flat state income tax
$57,842
take-home on $75,000 · $4,820/month
47th of 51 states for take-home pay
Massachusetts paycheck calculator ›Tennessee
No state income tax on wages
$61,592
take-home on $75,000 · $5,133/month
1st of 51 states for take-home pay
Tennessee paycheck calculator ›Take-home pay in Massachusetts and Tennessee by salary
| Salary | Massachusetts | Tennessee | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| $40,000 | $32,320 | $34,320 | $2,000 more in Tennessee |
| $50,000 | $39,855 | $42,355 | $2,500 more in Tennessee |
| $60,000 | $47,390 | $50,390 | $3,000 more in Tennessee |
| $75,000 | $57,842 | $61,592 | $3,750 more in Tennessee |
| $100,000 | $74,180 | $79,180 | $5,000 more in Tennessee |
| $125,000 | $90,454 | $96,703 | $6,250 more in Tennessee |
| $150,000 | $106,291 | $113,791 | $7,500 more in Tennessee |
| $200,000 | $138,927 | $148,927 | $10,000 more in Tennessee |
Single filer, standard deduction, no local tax. To match $75,000 in Massachusetts you would need about $69,650 in Tennessee; to match $75,000 in Tennessee you would need about $80,750 in Massachusetts.
How Massachusetts and Tennessee tax wages
| 2026 | Massachusetts | Tennessee |
|---|---|---|
| Income tax | a flat 5% income tax | no state income tax |
| Top rate | 5% | 0% |
| Standard deduction | None (exemptions or credits only) | Not applicable |
| State tax on $75k | $3,750 (5.0%) | $0 (0.0%) |
| Local wage taxes | No | No |
| Reciprocity | None | None |
Massachusetts vs Tennessee: FAQ
Does Massachusetts or Tennessee have lower income taxes in 2026?
On a $75,000 salary, a single filer keeps $3,750 more a year in Tennessee than in Massachusetts ($312 a month). Massachusetts has a flat 5% income tax for 2026. Tennessee has no state income tax.
What salary in Tennessee equals $75,000 in Massachusetts?
To take home the same $57,842 that $75,000 leaves in Massachusetts, you would need about $69,650 in Tennessee, based on income, payroll, and state taxes only. Housing and other living costs are not included.
How much more do high earners keep in Tennessee than in Massachusetts?
At $150,000 the gap is $7,500 a year: $106,291 in Massachusetts versus $113,791 in Tennessee. With flat or no state tax, the gap grows roughly in line with salary.