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
On a $75,000 salary (single filer, 2026), you pay $383 less state income tax a year in North Carolina than in Idaho, which is about $32 a month. At $150,000 the gap is $1,365 in favor of North Carolina.
Idaho: 5.3% flatNorth Carolina: 3.99% flatUpdated October 10, 2026
Estimate for education only, not tax advice. 2026 federal and state rules, standard deductions, no local taxes. How we calculate.
Comparing 2 states, sorted by lowest overall tax rate.
21.2%
Overall effective tax rate
21.7%
Overall effective tax rate
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Your take-home pay, spread across the year
North Carolina
Idaho
Estimates use 2026 federal and state rates, the standard deduction for your filing status and no local taxes. Rankings use state income tax only.
| Idaho | North Carolina | |
|---|---|---|
| Wage income tax | Flat 5.3% | Flat 3.99% |
| Top rate | 5.3% | 3.99% |
| Lowest rate | 5.3% | 3.99% |
| Deductions and credits (single) | $16,100 standard deduction | $12,750 standard deduction |
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 | ID state tax | NC state tax | Difference | ID take-home | NC take-home |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $30,000 | $482 | $688 | $207 less in Idaho | $25,803 | $25,597 |
| $40,000 | $1,012 | $1,087 | $76 less in Idaho | $33,308 | $33,233 |
| $50,000 | $1,542 | $1,486 | $55 less in North Carolina | $40,813 | $40,869 |
| $60,000 | $2,072 | $1,885 | $186 less in North Carolina | $48,318 | $48,505 |
| $75,000 | $2,867 | $2,484 | $383 less in North Carolina | $58,726 | $59,109 |
| $100,000 | $4,192 | $3,481 | $710 less in North Carolina | $74,988 | $75,699 |
| $150,000 | $6,842 | $5,476 | $1,365 less in North Carolina | $106,949 | $108,315 |
| $250,000 | $12,142 | $9,466 | $2,675 less in North Carolina | $171,040 | $173,716 |
Single filer, 2026, federal standard deduction. Take-home is after federal, state and payroll tax. No local taxes.
| Income | ID state tax | NC state tax | Difference | ID take-home | NC take-home |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $75,000 | $1,758 | $1,975 | $217 less in Idaho | $62,864 | $62,647 |
| $100,000 | $3,083 | $2,973 | $111 less in North Carolina | $81,627 | $81,737 |
| $150,000 | $5,733 | $4,968 | $766 less in North Carolina | $117,452 | $118,217 |
| $250,000 | $11,033 | $8,958 | $2,076 less in North Carolina | $186,435 | $188,510 |
Married filing jointly, 2026, federal standard deduction. Uses each state's joint brackets where they differ.
For a single filer, Idaho and North Carolina charge the same state income tax (nothing) up to roughly $15,000 of income. Above that, Idaho is the lower-tax state. The order flips again near $47,500, so the better state depends on where your income falls.
| 5.3% | Over $4,811 |
| 3.99% | Over $0 |
Full details for each state: Idaho income tax calculator and North Carolina income tax calculator. Federal rates are on the 2026 federal tax brackets page.
North Carolina is lower at $75,000: $2,484 of state income tax versus $2,867 in Idaho. At $150,000 it is $6,842 in Idaho and $5,476 in North Carolina. For a single filer, Idaho and North Carolina charge the same state income tax (nothing) up to roughly $15,000 of income. Above that, Idaho is the lower-tax state. The order flips again near $47,500, so the better state depends on where your income falls.
A single filer keeping $74,988 a year in Idaho would keep $75,699 in North Carolina after federal, state and payroll tax. The difference is $710 a year, or $59 a month.
Idaho uses a flat 5.3% rate; North Carolina uses a flat 3.99% rate. State deductions and exemptions also differ, which changes how much income is taxed.
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.
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.
Last checked October 10, 2026. Confirm with your state tax agency before filing.
Estimates for education only, not tax, legal or financial advice. Not a substitute for a tax professional or your state revenue department.