North Carolina vs Texas Taxes: Take-Home Pay Compared (2026)
On a $75,000 salary, a single filer keeps $2,993 more a year in Texas than in North Carolina ($249 a month).
North Carolina
3.99% flat state income tax
$58,600
take-home on $75,000 · $4,883/month
34th of 51 states for take-home pay
North Carolina paycheck calculator ›Texas
No state income tax on wages
$61,592
take-home on $75,000 · $5,133/month
1st of 51 states for take-home pay
Texas paycheck calculator ›Take-home pay in North Carolina and Texas by salary
| Salary | North Carolina | Texas | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| $40,000 | $32,724 | $34,320 | $1,596 more in Texas |
| $50,000 | $40,360 | $42,355 | $1,995 more in Texas |
| $60,000 | $47,996 | $50,390 | $2,394 more in Texas |
| $75,000 | $58,600 | $61,592 | $2,993 more in Texas |
| $100,000 | $75,190 | $79,180 | $3,990 more in Texas |
| $125,000 | $91,716 | $96,703 | $4,988 more in Texas |
| $150,000 | $107,806 | $113,791 | $5,985 more in Texas |
| $200,000 | $140,947 | $148,927 | $7,980 more in Texas |
Single filer, standard deduction, no local tax. To match $75,000 in North Carolina you would need about $70,750 in Texas; to match $75,000 in Texas you would need about $79,500 in North Carolina.
How North Carolina and Texas tax wages
| 2026 | North Carolina | Texas |
|---|---|---|
| Income tax | a flat 3.99% income tax | no state income tax |
| Top rate | 3.99% | 0% |
| Standard deduction | $12,750 single | Not applicable |
| State tax on $75k | $2,993 (4.0%) | $0 (0.0%) |
| Local wage taxes | No | No |
| Reciprocity | None | None |
| 2026 change | North Carolina finished its phasedown, cutting the flat rate from 4.25% to 3.99% for 2026. | No rate change |
North Carolina vs Texas: FAQ
Does North Carolina or Texas have lower income taxes in 2026?
On a $75,000 salary, a single filer keeps $2,993 more a year in Texas than in North Carolina ($249 a month). North Carolina has a flat 3.99% income tax for 2026. Texas has no state income tax.
What salary in Texas equals $75,000 in North Carolina?
To take home the same $58,600 that $75,000 leaves in North Carolina, you would need about $70,750 in Texas, based on income, payroll, and state taxes only. Housing and other living costs are not included.
How much more do high earners keep in Texas than in North Carolina?
At $150,000 the gap is $5,985 a year: $107,806 in North Carolina versus $113,791 in Texas. With flat or no state tax, the gap grows roughly in line with salary.
