City Tax Burden Comparison
Estimate your combined state and local tax burden—income tax, sales tax, and property tax—and compare cities to see potential savings. This tool provides rough estimates only, not tax advice.
Compare Your Tax Burden
Enter your income, spending, and housing details to see estimated state and local tax burden. Compare cities to find potential savings.
Income Tax
State & local rates
Sales Tax
Combined rates
Property Tax
Homeowner rates
Understanding Tax Burden by Location
Learn how different tax types combine to affect your total tax burden when comparing cities.
Understanding State Income Tax
State income tax varies dramatically across the US. Nine states—Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming—have no state income tax on wages. Other states like California (up to 13.3%) and New York (up to 10.9%) have high progressive rates. This tool uses simplified effective rates that approximate what a typical filer in your income range might pay, not marginal rates.
How Sales Tax Works
Sales tax combines state and local rates. Five states—Alaska, Delaware, Montana, New Hampshire, and Oregon—have no state sales tax (though Alaska allows local taxes). States like Tennessee and Louisiana have high combined rates exceeding 9%. Not all purchases are taxable—most states exempt groceries and prescription drugs. Our estimate assumes a portion of your spending is on taxable goods.
Property Tax Basics
Property taxes are assessed locally based on your home's value. Rates vary widely—New Jersey averages over 2% effective rate while Hawaii is under 0.3%. Many factors affect your actual bill: assessment ratios, homestead exemptions, and local millage rates. Our tool uses approximate effective rates for each metro area. If you're renting, property tax is effectively included in your rent.
Tax Profile Assumptions
We offer four tax profiles to approximate different situations. "Single, Renter" assumes 80% of income is taxable (after standard deduction) and 60% of spending is taxable. "Family, Homeowner" assumes lower taxable ratios (75%/50%) due to family deductions and includes property tax. These are rough approximations—your actual situation depends on specific deductions, credits, and circumstances.
Why Location Matters
A $100,000 salary can stretch very differently depending on where you live. In Austin, TX with no income tax, you keep more of your paycheck. In San Francisco with high state income tax, sales tax, and property values, the same salary goes less far. Consider total tax burden alongside cost of living, job opportunities, and quality of life when evaluating relocations.
Important Limitations
This tool provides rough estimates only and is NOT tax advice. We use simplified effective rates, not actual tax bracket calculations. We don't account for: federal taxes, FICA, capital gains, itemized deductions, tax credits (EITC, child tax credit), local income taxes in some cities (NYC, Philadelphia), or special situations (self-employment, multiple income sources). Consult a tax professional for accurate planning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing tax burden across cities.
These are rough estimates using simplified effective tax rates, not precise calculations. Actual tax liability depends on many factors: your specific deductions, tax credits (like EITC or child tax credit), filing status, other income sources, and local variations. Use these estimates as a starting point for research, not for tax planning. Always consult a tax professional for accurate advice.
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