North Carolina vs. Virginia
On a $75,000 salary, you keep about $1,015 more a year in North Carolina. Prices are 7% higher in Virginia, so after adjusting for cost of living North Carolina comes out ahead.
Last verified November 2, 2026.
| North Carolina | Virginia | |
|---|---|---|
| State income tax | Has a flat income tax of 3.99% on taxable income. | Has a graduated income tax with 4 brackets, from 2% up to 5.75% on taxable income over $17,000 for single filers. |
| Minimum wage | $7.25 | $12.77 |
| Price level (U.S. = 100) | 94.3 | 101.1 |
| Employer cost on a $50,000 hire | $4,684 | $4,432 |
| SUTA wage base | $34,200 | $8,000 |
Take-home pay at the same salary
| Salary | North Carolina take-home | Virginia take-home | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $40,869 | $40,294 | $575 more in North Carolina |
| $75,000 | $59,109 | $58,094 | $1,015 more in North Carolina |
| $100,000 | $75,699 | $74,244 | $1,455 more in North Carolina |
| $150,000 | $108,315 | $105,980 | $2,335 more in North Carolina |
Single filer, standard deduction, tax year 2026. Excludes local income taxes.
Adjusted for cost of living
Using BEA regional price parities, $59,109 in North Carolina buys what $62,664 buys in an average-priced state, and $58,094 in Virginia buys what $57,460 does. To keep the same buying power moving from North Carolina to Virginia, a $75,000 salary would need to be about $80,389 before the tax difference.
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Frequently asked questions
- Is North Carolina or Virginia better for take-home pay?
- On $75,000, you keep about $1,015 more a year in North Carolina. Adjusted for prices, North Carolina comes out ahead by $5,205.
- Which state is cheaper for employers, North Carolina or Virginia?
- Employer taxes and insurance on a $50,000 hire are about $4,684 in North Carolina and $4,432 in Virginia.