California vs. Washington
On a $75,000 salary, you keep about $2,709 more a year in Washington. Prices are 3% higher in California, so after adjusting for cost of living Washington comes out ahead.
Last verified November 2, 2026.
| California | Washington | |
|---|---|---|
| State income tax | Has a graduated income tax with 9 brackets, from 1% up to 12.3% on taxable income over $742,953 for single filers. | Does not tax wages, so there is no state income tax withheld from paychecks. |
| Minimum wage | $16.90 | $17.13 |
| Price level (U.S. = 100) | 110.7 | 107.0 |
| Employer cost on a $50,000 hire | $5,147 | $5,328 |
| SUTA wage base | $7,000 | $78,200 |
Take-home pay at the same salary
| Salary | California take-home | Washington take-home | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $40,665 | $41,661 | $996 more in Washington |
| $75,000 | $57,843 | $60,552 | $2,709 more in Washington |
| $100,000 | $72,825 | $77,793 | $4,968 more in Washington |
| $150,000 | $102,136 | $111,710 | $9,574 more in Washington |
Single filer, standard deduction, tax year 2026. Excludes local income taxes.
Adjusted for cost of living
Using BEA regional price parities, $57,843 in California buys what $52,243 buys in an average-priced state, and $60,552 in Washington buys what $56,584 does. To keep the same buying power moving from California to Washington, a $75,000 salary would need to be about $72,489 before the tax difference.
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Frequently asked questions
- Is California or Washington better for take-home pay?
- On $75,000, you keep about $2,709 more a year in Washington. Adjusted for prices, Washington comes out ahead by $4,341.
- Which state is cheaper for employers, California or Washington?
- Employer taxes and insurance on a $50,000 hire are about $5,147 in California and $5,328 in Washington.