1Washington
Lowest17.9%
Overall effective tax rate
- Net
- Federal
- State
- FICA
- Federal income tax
- $7,670
- State income tax
- $0
- Payroll tax (FICA)
- $5,738
- Total tax
- $13,408
- Net income (annual)
- $61,593
Tax year 2026 · state vs state
Colorado vs Washington Income Tax Comparison (2026)
On a $75,000 salary (single filer, 2026), you pay $2,592 less state income tax a year in Washington than in Colorado, which is about $216 a month. At $150,000 the gap is $5,892 in favor of Washington.
Colorado: 4.4% flatWashington: no state taxUpdated October 10, 2026
Compare Colorado and Washington 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.
2Colorado
21.3%
Overall effective tax rate
- Net
- Federal
- State
- FICA
- Federal income tax
- $7,670
- State income tax
- $2,592
- Payroll tax (FICA)
- $5,738
- Total tax
- $15,999
- Net income (annual)
- $59,001
Advanced analysis (optional)
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💰 Monthly breakdown
Your take-home pay, spread across the year
Washington
Monthly gross$6,250
Monthly tax$1,117
Monthly take-home$5,133
Colorado
Monthly gross$6,250
Monthly tax$1,333
Monthly take-home$4,917
Estimates use 2026 federal and state rates, the standard deduction for your filing status and no local taxes. Rankings use state income tax only.
Colorado vs Washington: how the two systems differ
| Colorado | Washington | |
|---|---|---|
| Wage income tax | Flat 4.4% | No tax on wages |
| Top rate | 4.4% | 0% |
| Lowest rate | 4.4% | 0% |
| Deductions and credits (single) | $16,100 standard deduction | Not applicable |
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 | CO state tax | WA state tax | Difference | CO take-home | WA take-home |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $30,000 | $612 | $0 | $612 less in Washington | $25,673 | $26,285 |
| $40,000 | $1,052 | $0 | $1,052 less in Washington | $33,268 | $34,320 |
| $50,000 | $1,492 | $0 | $1,492 less in Washington | $40,863 | $42,355 |
| $60,000 | $1,932 | $0 | $1,932 less in Washington | $48,458 | $50,390 |
| $75,000 | $2,592 | $0 | $2,592 less in Washington | $59,001 | $61,593 |
| $100,000 | $3,692 | $0 | $3,692 less in Washington | $75,488 | $79,180 |
| $150,000 | $5,892 | $0 | $5,892 less in Washington | $107,899 | $113,791 |
| $250,000 | $10,292 | $0 | $10,292 less in Washington | $172,890 | $183,182 |
Single filer, 2026, federal standard deduction. Take-home is after federal, state and payroll tax. No local taxes.
Married filing jointly
| Income | CO state tax | WA state tax | Difference | CO take-home | WA take-home |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $75,000 | $1,883 | $0 | $1,883 less in Washington | $62,739 | $64,623 |
| $100,000 | $2,983 | $0 | $2,983 less in Washington | $81,727 | $84,710 |
| $150,000 | $5,183 | $0 | $5,183 less in Washington | $118,002 | $123,185 |
| $250,000 | $9,583 | $0 | $9,583 less in Washington | $187,885 | $197,468 |
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, Colorado and Washington charge the same state income tax (nothing) up to roughly $17,500 of income. Above that, Washington is the lower-tax state.
Rates side by side
Colorado (single filers)
| 4.4% | Over $0 |
Washington (single filers)
Washington does not tax wages. It taxes long-term capital gains above a threshold (7% and 9% tiers) and charges payroll premiums for paid family leave, which are not included here.
Full details for each state: Colorado income tax calculator and Washington income tax calculator. Federal rates are on the 2026 federal tax brackets page.
Colorado vs Washington FAQ
Which has lower income tax, Colorado or Washington?+
Washington is lower at $75,000: $0 of state income tax versus $2,592 in Colorado. At $150,000 it is $5,892 in Colorado and $0 in Washington. For a single filer, Colorado and Washington charge the same state income tax (nothing) up to roughly $17,500 of income. Above that, Washington is the lower-tax state.
How much more do I keep on $100,000 in Colorado versus Washington?+
A single filer keeping $75,488 a year in Colorado would keep $79,180 in Washington after federal, state and payroll tax. The difference is $3,692 a year, or $308 a month.
How do the Colorado and Washington income tax systems differ?+
Colorado uses a flat 4.4% rate; Washington has no tax on wages. State deductions and exemptions also differ, which changes how much income is taxed.
Are local taxes included in this Colorado vs Washington 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 Colorado to Washington 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.