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Tax year 2026 · state vs state

New Hampshire vs North Carolina Income Tax Comparison (2026)

On a $75,000 salary (single filer, 2026), you pay $2,484 less state income tax a year in New Hampshire than in North Carolina, which is about $207 a month. At $150,000 the gap is $5,476 in favor of New Hampshire.

New Hampshire: no state taxNorth Carolina: 3.99% flatUpdated October 10, 2026

Compare New Hampshire 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.

1New Hampshire

Lowest

17.9%

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

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

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💰 Monthly breakdown

Your take-home pay, spread across the year

New Hampshire

Monthly gross$6,250
Monthly tax$1,117
Monthly take-home$5,133

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.

New Hampshire vs North Carolina: how the two systems differ

New HampshireNorth Carolina
Wage income taxNo tax on wagesFlat 3.99%
Top rate0%3.99%
Lowest rate0%3.99%
Deductions and credits (single)Not applicable$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.

IncomeNH state taxNC state taxDifferenceNH take-homeNC take-home
$30,000$0$688$688 less in New Hampshire$26,285$25,597
$40,000$0$1,087$1,087 less in New Hampshire$34,320$33,233
$50,000$0$1,486$1,486 less in New Hampshire$42,355$40,869
$60,000$0$1,885$1,885 less in New Hampshire$50,390$48,505
$75,000$0$2,484$2,484 less in New Hampshire$61,593$59,109
$100,000$0$3,481$3,481 less in New Hampshire$79,180$75,699
$150,000$0$5,476$5,476 less in New Hampshire$113,791$108,315
$250,000$0$9,466$9,466 less in New Hampshire$183,182$173,716

Single filer, 2026, federal standard deduction. Take-home is after federal, state and payroll tax. No local taxes.

Married filing jointly

IncomeNH state taxNC state taxDifferenceNH take-homeNC take-home
$75,000$0$1,975$1,975 less in New Hampshire$64,623$62,647
$100,000$0$2,973$2,973 less in New Hampshire$84,710$81,737
$150,000$0$4,968$4,968 less in New Hampshire$123,185$118,217
$250,000$0$8,958$8,958 less in New Hampshire$197,468$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, New Hampshire and North Carolina charge the same state income tax (nothing) up to roughly $15,000 of income. Above that, New Hampshire is the lower-tax state.

Rates side by side

New Hampshire (single filers)

New Hampshire does not tax wages. Its tax on interest and dividends was fully repealed starting in 2025.

North Carolina (single filers)

3.99%Over $0

Full details for each state: New Hampshire income tax calculator and North Carolina income tax calculator. Federal rates are on the 2026 federal tax brackets page.

New Hampshire vs North Carolina FAQ

Which has lower income tax, New Hampshire or North Carolina?+

New Hampshire is lower at $75,000: $0 of state income tax versus $2,484 in North Carolina. At $150,000 it is $0 in New Hampshire and $5,476 in North Carolina. For a single filer, New Hampshire and North Carolina charge the same state income tax (nothing) up to roughly $15,000 of income. Above that, New Hampshire is the lower-tax state.

How much more do I keep on $100,000 in New Hampshire versus North Carolina?+

A single filer keeping $79,180 a year in New Hampshire would keep $75,699 in North Carolina after federal, state and payroll tax. The difference is $3,481 a year, or $290 a month.

How do the New Hampshire and North Carolina income tax systems differ?+

New Hampshire has no tax on wages; 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 New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire 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

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.