Compare two job offers
which pays more after tax?
A lower salary in a no-tax state often beats a higher salary in California or New York. See net pay, effective rates, and purchasing power side by side.
Job offer 1
Job offer 2
Net income vs rent
Summary
Single filer · 2026 tax brackets · rent from Zillow median estimates
Gross Pay vs. Net Pay: What Actually Matters
When comparing job offers, gross salary is the first number discussed — but it's not the number that hits your bank account.
The same $100,000 gross salary produces roughly $75,000 net in California and $93,000 net in Texas. That's an $18,000 annual difference on identical offers. Federal tax is the same everywhere — the entire gap comes from state income tax.
Net take-home is the right number to compare. This calculator shows it directly for both offers.
When Cost of Living Changes the Winner
A higher net salary in New York City may still leave you with less money after rent than a lower net salary in Austin, TX. If you're relocating with one of the offers, pair this comparison with the relocation calculator to account for housing costs in each city.
The tax comparison tells you which offer pays more net. The cost-of-living comparison tells you which city stretches that net pay further. Both matter for making the right decision.
Beyond the Paycheck: Total Compensation
This calculator compares after-tax salary. Total compensation includes several things it doesn't capture:
- 401(k) employer match: Often 3–5% of salary — a $100k offer with a 4% match is worth $4,000/year more than one without.
- Health insurance: Employer contributions can exceed $10,000/year for family plans.
- Equity and bonuses: These vary widely and can significantly affect the real value of each offer.
Use the net salary comparison as your starting point, then factor in total compensation to make the final call.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the same salary produce different take-home in different states?+
State income taxes vary widely. Seven states have no income tax at all (TX, FL, WA, NV, SD, WY, AK), while states like California charge up to 13.3% on high incomes. Federal tax is the same regardless of where you live.
Does this calculator include cost of living?+
This calculator shows after-tax net income only. It does not adjust for cost of living. For a cost-of-living-adjusted comparison, use the relocation calculator.
How should I compare salaries if I work remotely?+
If you can choose where you live, state income tax has a big impact. Use this tool to see the after-tax difference between locations, then factor in housing costs for your specific target city.
See how your take-home compares to rent and living costs in your state.
Check Cost of Living →See how much more you need as a contractor to match a W-2 employee's take-home.
Compare W-2 vs 1099 →Calculate your complete tax picture — federal, state, FICA, and take-home by period.
Open Salary Calculator →