What this tool does
This table shows what the same salary is worth after taxes in all 11 cities. Federal income tax and FICA are identical everywhere, so the differences come entirely from state and local income taxes and state payroll premiums.
How to use it
- Enter a salary, filing status and 401(k) percentage.
- Sort the table by take-home pay, tax or name.
How it works
Each row uses that city's paycheck engine: New York State plus NYC tax for New York City; California tax and SDI for San Francisco and Los Angeles; no wage tax for Houston, Dallas and Miami; Washington's PFML and WA Cares premiums for Seattle; flat taxes for Chicago, Atlanta and Boston; and DC's brackets for Washington DC.
Worked example
Using the default inputs:
| City | State + local income tax | State payroll deductions | Take-home pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Houston | $0 | $0 | $75,280 |
| Dallas | $0 | $0 | $75,280 |
| Miami | $0 | $0 | $75,280 |
| Seattle | $0 | $1,387 | $73,893 |
| Atlanta | $3,992 | $0 | $71,288 |
| Chicago | $4,558 | $0 | $70,722 |
| Boston | $4,530 | $460 | $70,290 |
| Washington DC | $5,106 | $0 | $70,174 |
| San Francisco | $4,594 | $1,300 | $69,386 |
| Los Angeles | $4,594 | $1,300 | $69,386 |
| New York City | $7,812 | $443 | $67,025 |
Highest take-home pay on $100,000: Houston. $75,280 a year — $8,255 more than New York City.
Federal income tax and FICA are identical in every city, so the whole spread of $8,255 comes from state and local taxes. New York City ranks last because residents pay both New York State and NYC income tax. Taxes are only part of the picture — the cost-of-living comparison adds rent and other costs.
What the ranking shows
The four no-income-tax cities lead, with Seattle slightly behind the Texas and Florida cities because of payroll premiums. New York City is usually last at higher incomes because residents pay both state and city tax.
Take-home pay at three common salaries
For a quick reference, this table shows estimated yearly take-home pay for a single filer at $60,000, $100,000 and $150,000 in all 11 cities, using the same tax engines as the tool above and no pre-tax deductions.
| City | At $60,000 | At $100,000 | At $150,000 |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York City | $45,566 | $70,436 | $100,159 |
| San Francisco | $47,966 | $72,821 | $102,132 |
| Los Angeles | $47,966 | $72,821 | $102,132 |
| Houston | $50,390 | $79,180 | $113,791 |
| Dallas | $50,390 | $79,180 | $113,791 |
| Chicago | $47,565 | $74,375 | $106,511 |
| Miami | $50,390 | $79,180 | $113,791 |
| Atlanta | $48,145 | $74,939 | $107,055 |
| Boston | $47,334 | $73,940 | $105,821 |
| Seattle | $49,558 | $77,793 | $111,710 |
| Washington DC | $47,937 | $73,649 | $104,010 |
The gap between cities widens as income rises, because state and city income taxes are graduated in New York, California and DC. At lower salaries, payroll items such as California’s SDI or Washington’s paid family leave premium make up a larger share of the difference.
Tips
- Taxes are only part of the picture — compare rent too.
- Check the effect of a larger 401(k) contribution in high-tax cities.
Frequently asked questions
Which city has the highest take-home pay?
One of the no-income-tax cities — Houston, Dallas or Miami — at nearly every salary.
Which city has the lowest take-home pay?
Usually New York City, because of the combined state and city income tax.
Does this include property or sales tax?
No. It covers taxes taken from a paycheck only.
Sources
Disclaimer
This calculator provides estimates for educational purposes only and is not financial, tax, legal, real estate, or insurance advice. Consult a licensed professional before making decisions.