1North Carolina
Lowest21.2%
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
Tax year 2026 · state vs state
Georgia vs North Carolina Income Tax Comparison (2026)
On a $75,000 salary (single filer, 2026), you pay $786 less state income tax a year in North Carolina than in Georgia, which is about $65 a month. At $150,000 the gap is $1,686 in favor of North Carolina.
Georgia: 5.19% flatNorth Carolina: 3.99% flatUpdated October 10, 2026
Compare Georgia 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.
2Georgia
22.2%
Overall effective tax rate
- Net
- Federal
- State
- FICA
- Federal income tax
- $7,670
- State income tax
- $3,270
- Payroll tax (FICA)
- $5,738
- Total tax
- $16,677
- Net income (annual)
- $58,323
Advanced analysis (optional)
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💰 Monthly breakdown
Your take-home pay, spread across the year
North Carolina
Monthly gross$6,250
Monthly tax$1,324
Monthly take-home$4,926
Georgia
Monthly gross$6,250
Monthly tax$1,390
Monthly take-home$4,860
Estimates use 2026 federal and state rates, the standard deduction for your filing status and no local taxes. Rankings use state income tax only.
Georgia vs North Carolina: how the two systems differ
| Georgia | North Carolina | |
|---|---|---|
| Wage income tax | Flat 5.19% | Flat 3.99% |
| Top rate | 5.19% | 3.99% |
| Lowest rate | 5.19% | 3.99% |
| Deductions and credits (single) | $12,000 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 | GA state tax | NC state tax | Difference | GA take-home | NC take-home |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $30,000 | $934 | $688 | $246 less in North Carolina | $25,351 | $25,597 |
| $40,000 | $1,453 | $1,087 | $366 less in North Carolina | $32,867 | $33,233 |
| $50,000 | $1,972 | $1,486 | $486 less in North Carolina | $40,383 | $40,869 |
| $60,000 | $2,491 | $1,885 | $606 less in North Carolina | $47,899 | $48,505 |
| $75,000 | $3,270 | $2,484 | $786 less in North Carolina | $58,323 | $59,109 |
| $100,000 | $4,567 | $3,481 | $1,086 less in North Carolina | $74,613 | $75,699 |
| $150,000 | $7,162 | $5,476 | $1,686 less in North Carolina | $106,629 | $108,315 |
| $250,000 | $12,352 | $9,466 | $2,886 less in North Carolina | $170,830 | $173,716 |
Single filer, 2026, federal standard deduction. Take-home is after federal, state and payroll tax. No local taxes.
Married filing jointly
| Income | GA state tax | NC state tax | Difference | GA take-home | NC take-home |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $75,000 | $2,647 | $1,975 | $672 less in North Carolina | $61,976 | $62,647 |
| $100,000 | $3,944 | $2,973 | $972 less in North Carolina | $80,766 | $81,737 |
| $150,000 | $6,539 | $4,968 | $1,572 less in North Carolina | $116,646 | $118,217 |
| $250,000 | $11,729 | $8,958 | $2,772 less in North Carolina | $185,739 | $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, Georgia and North Carolina charge the same state income tax (nothing) up to roughly $12,500 of income. Above that, North Carolina is the lower-tax state.
Rates side by side
Georgia (single filers)
| 5.19% | Over $0 |
North Carolina (single filers)
| 3.99% | Over $0 |
Full details for each state: Georgia income tax calculator and North Carolina income tax calculator. Federal rates are on the 2026 federal tax brackets page.
Georgia vs North Carolina FAQ
Which has lower income tax, Georgia or North Carolina?+
North Carolina is lower at $75,000: $2,484 of state income tax versus $3,270 in Georgia. At $150,000 it is $7,162 in Georgia and $5,476 in North Carolina. For a single filer, Georgia and North Carolina charge the same state income tax (nothing) up to roughly $12,500 of income. Above that, North Carolina is the lower-tax state.
How much more do I keep on $100,000 in Georgia versus North Carolina?+
A single filer keeping $74,613 a year in Georgia would keep $75,699 in North Carolina after federal, state and payroll tax. The difference is $1,086 a year, or $90 a month.
How do the Georgia and North Carolina income tax systems differ?+
Georgia uses a flat 5.19% 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 Georgia 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 Georgia 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.