1Arizona
Lowest19.8%
Overall effective tax rate
- Net
- Federal
- State
- FICA
- Federal income tax
- $7,670
- State income tax
- $1,473
- Payroll tax (FICA)
- $5,738
- Total tax
- $14,880
- Net income (annual)
- $60,120
Tax year 2026 · state vs state
Arizona vs North Carolina Income Tax Comparison (2026)
On a $75,000 salary (single filer, 2026), you pay $1,011 less state income tax a year in Arizona than in North Carolina, which is about $84 a month. At $150,000 the gap is $2,129 in favor of Arizona.
Arizona: 2.5% flatNorth Carolina: 3.99% flatUpdated October 10, 2026
Compare Arizona and North Carolina for your income
Estimate for education only, not tax advice. 2026 federal and state rules, standard deductions, no local taxes. How we calculate.
State comparison
Comparing 2 states, sorted by lowest overall tax rate.
2North Carolina
21.2%
Overall effective tax rate
- Net
- Federal
- State
- FICA
- Federal income tax
- $7,670
- State income tax
- $2,484
- Payroll tax (FICA)
- $5,738
- Total tax
- $15,891
- Net income (annual)
- $59,109
Advanced analysis (optional)
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💰 Monthly breakdown
Your take-home pay, spread across the year
Arizona
Monthly gross$6,250
Monthly tax$1,240
Monthly take-home$5,010
North Carolina
Monthly gross$6,250
Monthly tax$1,324
Monthly take-home$4,926
Estimates use 2026 federal and state rates, the standard deduction for your filing status and no local taxes. Rankings use state income tax only.
Arizona vs North Carolina: how the two systems differ
| Arizona | North Carolina | |
|---|---|---|
| Wage income tax | Flat 2.5% | Flat 3.99% |
| Top rate | 2.5% | 3.99% |
| Lowest rate | 2.5% | 3.99% |
| Deductions and credits (single) | $16,100 standard deduction | $12,750 standard deduction |
State income tax and take-home pay at every salary
The same salary can leave you with different take-home pay depending on the state. This table applies each state’s 2026 rules to a single filer with no pre-tax contributions.
| Income | AZ state tax | NC state tax | Difference | AZ take-home | NC take-home |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $30,000 | $348 | $688 | $341 less in Arizona | $25,938 | $25,597 |
| $40,000 | $598 | $1,087 | $490 less in Arizona | $33,723 | $33,233 |
| $50,000 | $848 | $1,486 | $639 less in Arizona | $41,508 | $40,869 |
| $60,000 | $1,098 | $1,885 | $788 less in Arizona | $49,293 | $48,505 |
| $75,000 | $1,473 | $2,484 | $1,011 less in Arizona | $60,120 | $59,109 |
| $100,000 | $2,098 | $3,481 | $1,384 less in Arizona | $77,083 | $75,699 |
| $150,000 | $3,348 | $5,476 | $2,129 less in Arizona | $110,444 | $108,315 |
| $250,000 | $5,848 | $9,466 | $3,619 less in Arizona | $177,335 | $173,716 |
Single filer, 2026, federal standard deduction. Take-home is after federal, state and payroll tax. No local taxes.
Married filing jointly
| Income | AZ state tax | NC state tax | Difference | AZ take-home | NC take-home |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $75,000 | $1,070 | $1,975 | $905 less in Arizona | $63,553 | $62,647 |
| $100,000 | $1,695 | $2,973 | $1,278 less in Arizona | $83,015 | $81,737 |
| $150,000 | $2,945 | $4,968 | $2,023 less in Arizona | $120,240 | $118,217 |
| $250,000 | $5,445 | $8,958 | $3,513 less in Arizona | $192,023 | $188,510 |
Married filing jointly, 2026, federal standard deduction. Uses each state's joint brackets where they differ.
Does the lower-tax state change as income rises?
For a single filer, Arizona and North Carolina charge the same state income tax (nothing) up to roughly $15,000 of income. Above that, Arizona is the lower-tax state.
Rates side by side
Arizona (single filers)
| 2.5% | Over $0 |
North Carolina (single filers)
| 3.99% | Over $0 |
Full details for each state: Arizona income tax calculator and North Carolina income tax calculator. Federal rates are on the 2026 federal tax brackets page.
Arizona vs North Carolina FAQ
Which has lower income tax, Arizona or North Carolina?+
Arizona is lower at $75,000: $1,473 of state income tax versus $2,484 in North Carolina. At $150,000 it is $3,348 in Arizona and $5,476 in North Carolina. For a single filer, Arizona and North Carolina charge the same state income tax (nothing) up to roughly $15,000 of income. Above that, Arizona is the lower-tax state.
How much more do I keep on $100,000 in Arizona versus North Carolina?+
A single filer keeping $77,083 a year in Arizona would keep $75,699 in North Carolina after federal, state and payroll tax. The difference is $1,384 a year, or $115 a month.
How do the Arizona and North Carolina income tax systems differ?+
Arizona uses a flat 2.5% rate; North Carolina uses a flat 3.99% rate. State deductions and exemptions also differ, which changes how much income is taxed.
Are local taxes included in this Arizona vs North Carolina comparison?+
No. It covers federal income tax, Social Security, Medicare and state income tax only. City, county, sales and property taxes are not included, and they can change the real cost of living in each state.
Should I move from Arizona to North Carolina to save on taxes?+
State income tax is one cost among many. Property and sales taxes, housing, insurance and wages also differ, and you may owe tax to both states in the year you move. Use this comparison as one input and confirm details with a tax professional.
Sources
- Tax Foundation: 2026 state individual income tax rates and brackets
- IRS: Tax inflation adjustments for tax year 2026
Last checked October 10, 2026. Confirm with your state tax agency before filing.
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Estimates for education only, not tax, legal or financial advice. Not a substitute for a tax professional or your state revenue department.