Arkansas vs Texas Paycheck Comparison 2026

Annual salary

$

Annual salary

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

You take home $3,177/yr more in Texas

$265/mo · $122/paycheck more

Arkansas
Texas

$58,416/yr in Arkansas vs $61,593/yr in Texas.

Arkansas

Take-home per paycheck

$2,246.76

$58,416/yr · 26x/yr

Federal tax$7,67010%
State tax$3,1774%
Social Security$4,6506%
Medicare$1,0881%
Take-home$58,41678%
Tax rates
Effective: 22.1%Marginal fed: 22.0%Marginal state: 4.4%

Texas

Take-home per paycheck

$2,368.94

$61,593/yr · 26x/yr

Federal tax$7,67010%
Social Security$4,6506%
Medicare$1,0881%
Take-home$61,59382%
Tax rates
Effective: 17.9%Marginal fed: 22.0%

Cost of living comparison

Cost of living in Arkansas and Texas is about the same.

At a $75,000 salary, take-home pay of $58,416 in Arkansas has the purchasing power of $57,774 in Texas terms.

After adjusting for cost of living, Texas comes out ahead by $3,819/yr.

Housing
Median home$195,000vs$295,000
Arkansas
Texas
51% more
Avg 2BR rent$1,103/movs$1,112/mo
Arkansas
Texas
1% more
Groceries
Index
Arkansas
Texas
1% more
Transportation
Regular gas$3.05/galvs$3.21/gal
Arkansas
Texas
5% more
Utilities
Electric bill$85/movs$87/mo
Arkansas
Texas
2% more
Healthcare
Index
Arkansas
Texas
11% more
Childcare & Misc
Infant childcare$8,873/yrvs$10,706/yr
Arkansas
Texas
21% 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

Arkansas: Arkansas uses a progressive income tax with 3 brackets ranging from 2.00% to 4.40%.

Texas: Texas has no state income tax. Residents pay only federal income tax, Social Security, and Medicare.

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

Salary Arkansas take-home Texas take-home Difference
$50,000 $40,278 $42,355 -$2,077
$75,000 $58,416 $61,593 -$3,177
$100,000 $74,903 $79,180 -$4,277
$150,000 $107,314 $113,791 -$6,477
$200,000 $140,250 $148,927 -$8,677
$300,000 $202,100 $215,177 -$13,077

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

FAQ

Which state has lower taxes, Arkansas or Texas?

At a $100,000 salary, Texas results in $4,277 more annual take-home pay. Arkansas uses a progressive income tax with 3 brackets ranging from 2.00% to 4.40%. Texas has no state income tax. Residents pay only federal income tax, Social Security, and Medicare.

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

The difference depends on salary. At $50,000, the gap is $2,077/yr. At $150,000, it grows to $6,477/yr. At $300,000, the difference is $13,077/yr.

Do Arkansas and Texas 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 Arkansas or Texas?

Arkansas is cheaper to live in. Cost of living in Arkansas is 11% lower than in Texas. Arkansas's Regional Price Parity is 87 and Texas's is 97.5 (US average = 100).

Is Arkansas cheaper than Texas?

Yes. Arkansas has a lower cost of living than Texas (index 87 vs 97.5). Housing is typically the biggest difference between the two states.

Is Texas more expensive than Arkansas?

Yes. Texas has a higher cost of living (index 97.5) compared to Arkansas (index 87). 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 $74,903 in Arkansas has the purchasing power of $66,837 in Texas terms. Conversely, $79,180 in Texas equals $88,736 in Arkansas terms. After adjusting for both taxes and cost of living, Texas comes out ahead.

Arkansas vs Texas cost of living — what's the difference?

The overall cost of living is 11% different between Arkansas and Texas. Living costs are 13% below the national average Living costs are about 3% below the national average After taxes and cost of living, Texas gives you more purchasing power on a $100,000 salary.

Related tools

Arkansas Paycheck Estimator · Texas Paycheck Estimator · All states