1Texas
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
North Carolina vs Texas Income Tax Comparison (2026)
On a $75,000 salary (single filer, 2026), you pay $2,484 less state income tax a year in Texas than in North Carolina, which is about $207 a month. At $150,000 the gap is $5,476 in favor of Texas.
North Carolina: 3.99% flatTexas: no state taxUpdated October 10, 2026
Compare North Carolina and Texas 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)
Choose which extra insights you would like to see.
💰 Monthly breakdown
Your take-home pay, spread across the year
Texas
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.
North Carolina vs Texas: how the two systems differ
| North Carolina | Texas | |
|---|---|---|
| Wage income tax | Flat 3.99% | No tax on wages |
| Top rate | 3.99% | 0% |
| Lowest rate | 3.99% | 0% |
| Deductions and credits (single) | $12,750 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 | NC state tax | TX state tax | Difference | NC take-home | TX take-home |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $30,000 | $688 | $0 | $688 less in Texas | $25,597 | $26,285 |
| $40,000 | $1,087 | $0 | $1,087 less in Texas | $33,233 | $34,320 |
| $50,000 | $1,486 | $0 | $1,486 less in Texas | $40,869 | $42,355 |
| $60,000 | $1,885 | $0 | $1,885 less in Texas | $48,505 | $50,390 |
| $75,000 | $2,484 | $0 | $2,484 less in Texas | $59,109 | $61,593 |
| $100,000 | $3,481 | $0 | $3,481 less in Texas | $75,699 | $79,180 |
| $150,000 | $5,476 | $0 | $5,476 less in Texas | $108,315 | $113,791 |
| $250,000 | $9,466 | $0 | $9,466 less in Texas | $173,716 | $183,182 |
Single filer, 2026, federal standard deduction. Take-home is after federal, state and payroll tax. No local taxes.
Married filing jointly
| Income | NC state tax | TX state tax | Difference | NC take-home | TX take-home |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $75,000 | $1,975 | $0 | $1,975 less in Texas | $62,647 | $64,623 |
| $100,000 | $2,973 | $0 | $2,973 less in Texas | $81,737 | $84,710 |
| $150,000 | $4,968 | $0 | $4,968 less in Texas | $118,217 | $123,185 |
| $250,000 | $8,958 | $0 | $8,958 less in Texas | $188,510 | $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, North Carolina and Texas charge the same state income tax (nothing) up to roughly $15,000 of income. Above that, Texas is the lower-tax state.
Rates side by side
North Carolina (single filers)
| 3.99% | Over $0 |
Texas (single filers)
Texas has no state personal income tax. Its constitution restricts one. State revenue comes mainly from sales tax and property taxes set locally.
Full details for each state: North Carolina income tax calculator and Texas income tax calculator. Federal rates are on the 2026 federal tax brackets page.
North Carolina vs Texas FAQ
Which has lower income tax, North Carolina or Texas?+
Texas is lower at $75,000: $0 of state income tax versus $2,484 in North Carolina. At $150,000 it is $5,476 in North Carolina and $0 in Texas. For a single filer, North Carolina and Texas charge the same state income tax (nothing) up to roughly $15,000 of income. Above that, Texas is the lower-tax state.
How much more do I keep on $100,000 in North Carolina versus Texas?+
A single filer keeping $75,699 a year in North Carolina would keep $79,180 in Texas after federal, state and payroll tax. The difference is $3,481 a year, or $290 a month.
How do the North Carolina and Texas income tax systems differ?+
North Carolina uses a flat 3.99% rate; Texas has no tax on wages. State deductions and exemptions also differ, which changes how much income is taxed.
Are local taxes included in this North Carolina vs Texas 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 North Carolina to Texas 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.
More state comparisons
- California vs North Carolina
- Florida vs North Carolina
- New York vs North Carolina
- North Carolina vs Washington
- California vs Texas
- New York vs Texas
- Illinois vs Texas
- All state comparisons →
Estimates for education only, not tax, legal or financial advice. Not a substitute for a tax professional or your state revenue department.