US State and Local Taxes Calculator

How this US state and local taxes calculator works

State and local tax systems in the United States are complex. Every state has its own mix of income, sales, property, and other taxes, and local governments can layer additional rates on top. This calculator gives you a planning-level estimate of your annual state and local tax burden and lets you compare how it changes across states.

Taxes included in the estimate

• State individual income tax – based on your annual gross income and filing status.
• Sales tax – based on a user‑defined share of your income spent on taxable goods and services.
• Property tax – based on your home value and an average effective property tax rate.

Other state and local taxes (gasoline, alcohol, tobacco, hotel, utility, business, and various fees) are not modeled individually. They are implicitly captured only to the extent they show up in typical sales or property tax burdens.

Formulas used

Income tax model (simplified brackets)

For each state, the calculator uses a simplified progressive bracket structure or a flat rate that approximates typical state income tax rules for the current era. It does not model:

• Standard or itemized deductions
• Personal exemptions or credits
• Preferential rates for capital gains or dividends
• Local income taxes (city, county, school district) beyond a rough average where applicable

The goal is to give you a comparable effective rate across states, not to reproduce your exact tax return.

Sales tax assumptions

Sales tax is estimated as:

• A combined state + average local sales tax rate for each state.
• A user‑selected percentage of income that is spent on taxable purchases.

Many essentials (e.g., groceries, rent, some services) are exempt or taxed at reduced rates in some states. By adjusting the “Taxable spending” percentage, you can roughly account for your own mix of taxable vs. non‑taxable spending.

Property tax assumptions

Property tax is calculated using an average effective property tax rate for each state, applied to your home value. In reality, property taxes depend on:

• Local mill rates (city, county, school district, special districts)
• Assessment ratios and timing of reassessments
• Homestead exemptions and other relief programs

If you rent, you can uncheck “Include property tax” or set home value to zero. Keep in mind that some portion of your rent indirectly reflects your landlord’s property tax costs.

How to use this calculator effectively

1. Enter your income and filing status. Use your expected annual gross income before federal and state taxes.
2. Choose a state. Start with your current state, then compare to others you are considering.
3. Adjust taxable spending. Higher‑spending households or those in high‑cost areas may want to use a higher percentage.
4. Set your home value. Use your current home’s market value or a realistic target for a future move.
5. Review the effective rate and comparison table. Look at both the dollar amount and the percentage of income.

Interpreting the results

• Income‑tax‑heavy states (e.g., California, New York) may show higher income tax but moderate property or sales taxes.
• No‑income‑tax states (e.g., Texas, Florida, Washington) often rely more on sales and property taxes.
• Property‑tax‑heavy states (e.g., New Jersey, Illinois) can look expensive for homeowners but less so for renters.

Always compare total state & local tax and the effective rate, not just one component in isolation.

Limitations and important disclaimers

This calculator is designed for education and planning, not for filing returns or providing legal or tax advice.

• Rates and brackets are simplified and may not reflect the latest legislative changes.
• Local income taxes (e.g., New York City, some Ohio and Pennsylvania municipalities) are approximated or omitted.
• Special deductions, credits, and surtaxes are not modeled.
• Business income, self‑employment tax, and federal taxes are outside the scope of this tool.

For official guidance, always consult:

• Your state’s Department of Revenue or Taxation
• Local tax authorities (city, county, school district)
• The IRS and reputable tax software or a qualified tax professional

Frequently asked questions

Is this calculator up to date with current tax law?

The calculator is built using recent public data and typical combined rates, but tax laws change frequently. Treat the results as approximate. For precise numbers, use your state’s official tax tables or professional software.

Can I use this to decide where to move?

Yes, as a starting point. Taxes are only one part of the cost‑of‑living picture. Housing costs, wages, healthcare, and other expenses can easily outweigh differences in state and local taxes. Use this tool alongside a cost‑of‑living calculator for a fuller view.

Why doesn’t my result match my last tax return?

Your actual return reflects detailed rules: deductions, credits, multiple income sources, and specific local rates. This calculator intentionally simplifies those details to make state‑to‑state comparisons easier and faster.