Alabama vs Missouri Paycheck Comparison 2026

Annual salary

$

Annual salary

$
Additional options (filing status, deductions)
Filing status
$
$

You take home $220/yr more in Missouri

$18/mo · $8/paycheck more

Alabama
Missouri

$57,883/yr in Alabama vs $58,102/yr in Missouri.

Alabama

Take-home per paycheck

$2,226.25

$57,883/yr · 26x/yr

Federal tax$7,67010%
State tax$3,7105%
Social Security$4,6506%
Medicare$1,0881%
Take-home$57,88377%
Tax rates
Effective: 22.8%Marginal fed: 22.0%Marginal state: 5.0%

Missouri

Take-home per paycheck

$2,234.71

$58,102/yr · 26x/yr

Federal tax$7,67010%
State tax$3,4905%
Social Security$4,6506%
Medicare$1,0881%
Take-home$58,10277%
Tax rates
Effective: 22.5%Marginal fed: 22.0%Marginal state: 4.8%

Cost of living comparison

Cost of living in Alabama and Missouri is about the same.

At a $75,000 salary, take-home pay of $57,883 in Alabama has the purchasing power of $57,362 in Missouri terms.

After adjusting for cost of living, Missouri comes out ahead by $740/yr.

Housing
Median home$220,000vs$235,000
Alabama
Missouri
7% more
Avg 2BR rent$997/movs$1,085/mo
Alabama
Missouri
9% more
Groceries
Index
Alabama
2% more
Missouri
Transportation
Regular gas$3.13/galvs$3.03/gal
Alabama
3% more
Missouri
Utilities
Electric bill$105/movs$98/mo
Alabama
8% more
Missouri
Healthcare
Index
Alabama
Missouri
10% more
Childcare & Misc
Infant childcare$7,871/yrvs$13,173/yr
Alabama
Missouri
67% more

Estimate based on 2026 tax rates and standard deductions. Does not include local taxes, itemized deductions, tax credits, or other individual circumstances.

Tax system comparison

Alabama: Alabama uses a progressive income tax with 3 brackets ranging from 2.00% to 5.00%.

Missouri: Missouri uses a progressive income tax with 8 brackets ranging from 2.00% to 4.80%.

Take-home pay at different salaries (single filer, 2026)

Salary Alabama take-home Missouri take-home Difference
$50,000 $39,895 $40,065 -$170
$75,000 $57,883 $58,102 -$220
$100,000 $74,220 $74,490 -$270
$150,000 $106,331 $106,701 -$370
$200,000 $138,967 $139,437 -$470
$300,000 $200,217 $200,887 -$670

Positive values mean higher take-home in Alabama. Assumes single filer, no deductions.

FAQ

Which state has lower taxes, Alabama or Missouri?

At a $100,000 salary, Missouri results in $270 more annual take-home pay. Alabama uses a progressive income tax with 3 brackets ranging from 2.00% to 5.00%. Missouri uses a progressive income tax with 8 brackets ranging from 2.00% to 4.80%.

How much more do you take home in Missouri vs the other state?

The difference depends on salary. At $50,000, the gap is $170/yr. At $150,000, it grows to $370/yr. At $300,000, the difference is $670/yr.

Do Alabama and Missouri have the same federal taxes?

Yes. Federal income tax, Social Security, and Medicare are the same in every state. Only state income tax differs. This calculator shows the combined effect of federal and state taxes on your take-home pay.

Is it cheaper to live in Alabama or Missouri?

Alabama is cheaper to live in. Cost of living in Alabama is 2% lower than in Missouri. Alabama's Regional Price Parity is 87.9 and Missouri's is 89.8 (US average = 100).

Is Alabama cheaper than Missouri?

Yes. Alabama has a lower cost of living than Missouri (index 87.9 vs 89.8). Housing is typically the biggest difference between the two states.

Is Missouri more expensive than Alabama?

Yes. Missouri has a higher cost of living (index 89.8) compared to Alabama (index 87.9). The national average is 100. Housing costs are typically the largest driver of the difference.

After cost of living, which state is actually cheaper?

At a $100,000 salary, take-home pay of $74,220 in Alabama has the purchasing power of $72,650 in Missouri terms. Conversely, $74,490 in Missouri equals $76,100 in Alabama terms. After adjusting for both taxes and cost of living, Missouri comes out ahead.

Alabama vs Missouri cost of living — what's the difference?

The overall cost of living is 2% different between Alabama and Missouri. Living costs are 12% below the national average Living costs are 10% below the national average After taxes and cost of living, Missouri gives you more purchasing power on a $100,000 salary.

Do I need to file state tax returns in both Alabama and Missouri?

Alabama requires residents to file a state income tax return annually, typically due April 15. Missouri requires residents to file a state income tax return annually, typically due April 15. If you move between states mid-year, you typically file a part-year resident return in each state for the income earned while living there. Each state has its own tax return form — check your state's department of revenue website for the correct form and e-filing options.

Related tools

Alabama Paycheck Estimator · Missouri Paycheck Estimator · All states