New York vs. Massachusetts
On a $75,000 salary, you keep about $67 more a year in New York. Prices are 2% higher in New York, so after adjusting for cost of living Massachusetts comes out ahead.
Last verified November 2, 2026.
| New York | Massachusetts | |
|---|---|---|
| State income tax | Has a graduated income tax with 9 brackets, from 3.9% up to 10.9% on taxable income over $25,000,000 for single filers. | Has a flat income tax of 5% on taxable income. |
| Minimum wage | $16.00 | $15.00 |
| Price level (U.S. = 100) | 107.9 | 105.8 |
| Employer cost on a $50,000 hire | $5,579 | $4,933 |
| SUTA wage base | $17,600 | $15,000 |
Take-home pay at the same salary
| Salary | New York take-home | Massachusetts take-home | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $40,005 | $39,845 | $160 more in New York |
| $75,000 | $57,784 | $57,718 | $67 more in New York |
| $100,000 | $73,877 | $73,940 | $63 more in Massachusetts |
| $150,000 | $105,538 | $105,821 | $283 more in Massachusetts |
Single filer, standard deduction, tax year 2026. Excludes local income taxes.
Adjusted for cost of living
Using BEA regional price parities, $57,784 in New York buys what $53,543 buys in an average-priced state, and $57,718 in Massachusetts buys what $54,576 does. To keep the same buying power moving from New York to Massachusetts, a $75,000 salary would need to be about $73,496 before the tax difference.
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Frequently asked questions
- Is New York or Massachusetts better for take-home pay?
- On $75,000, you keep about $67 more a year in New York. Adjusted for prices, Massachusetts comes out ahead by $1,032.
- Which state is cheaper for employers, New York or Massachusetts?
- Employer taxes and insurance on a $50,000 hire are about $5,579 in New York and $4,933 in Massachusetts.