Washington vs. Texas
On a $75,000 salary, you keep about $1,040 more a year in Texas. Prices are 10% higher in Washington, so after adjusting for cost of living Texas comes out ahead.
Last verified November 2, 2026.
| Washington | Texas | |
|---|---|---|
| State income tax | Does not tax wages, so there is no state income tax withheld from paychecks. | Does not tax wages, so there is no state income tax withheld from paychecks. |
| Minimum wage | $17.13 | $7.25 |
| Price level (U.S. = 100) | 107.0 | 97.1 |
| Employer cost on a $50,000 hire | $5,328 | $4,500 |
| SUTA wage base | $78,200 | $9,000 |
Take-home pay at the same salary
| Salary | Washington take-home | Texas take-home | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $41,661 | $42,355 | $694 more in Texas |
| $75,000 | $60,552 | $61,593 | $1,040 more in Texas |
| $100,000 | $77,793 | $79,180 | $1,387 more in Texas |
| $150,000 | $111,710 | $113,791 | $2,081 more in Texas |
Single filer, standard deduction, tax year 2026. Excludes local income taxes.
Adjusted for cost of living
Using BEA regional price parities, $60,552 in Washington buys what $56,584 buys in an average-priced state, and $61,593 in Texas buys what $63,460 does. To keep the same buying power moving from Washington to Texas, a $75,000 salary would need to be about $68,022 before the tax difference.
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Frequently asked questions
- Is Washington or Texas better for take-home pay?
- On $75,000, you keep about $1,040 more a year in Texas. Adjusted for prices, Texas comes out ahead by $6,876.
- Which state is cheaper for employers, Washington or Texas?
- Employer taxes and insurance on a $50,000 hire are about $5,328 in Washington and $4,500 in Texas.