Indiana vs Massachusetts Paycheck Comparison 2026

Annual salary

$

Annual salary

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

You take home $1,538/yr more in Indiana

$128/mo · $59/paycheck more

Indiana
Massachusetts

$59,380/yr in Indiana vs $57,843/yr in Massachusetts.

Indiana

Take-home per paycheck

$2,283.85

$59,380/yr · 26x/yr

Federal tax$7,67010%
State tax$2,2133%
Social Security$4,6506%
Medicare$1,0881%
Take-home$59,38079%
Tax rates
Effective: 20.8%Marginal fed: 22.0%Marginal state: 2.9%

Massachusetts

Take-home per paycheck

$2,224.71

$57,843/yr · 26x/yr

Federal tax$7,67010%
State tax$3,7505%
Social Security$4,6506%
Medicare$1,0881%
Take-home$57,84377%
Tax rates
Effective: 22.9%Marginal fed: 22.0%Marginal state: 5.0%

Cost of living comparison

Cost of living in Indiana is 39% lower than in Massachusetts.

At a $75,000 salary, take-home pay of $59,380 in Indiana has the purchasing power of $36,268 in Massachusetts terms.

After adjusting for cost of living, Massachusetts comes out ahead by $21,575/yr.

Housing
Median home$230,000vs$620,000
Indiana
Massachusetts
170% more
Avg 2BR rent$1,056/movs$3,094/mo
Indiana
Massachusetts
193% more
Groceries
Index
Indiana
Massachusetts
4% more
Transportation
Regular gas$3.49/galvs$3.41/gal
Indiana
2% more
Massachusetts
Utilities
Electric bill$101/movs$212/mo
Indiana
Massachusetts
110% more
Healthcare
Index
Indiana
Massachusetts
39% more
Childcare & Misc
Infant childcare$14,471/yrvs$26,709/yr
Indiana
Massachusetts
85% 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

Indiana: Indiana has a flat state income tax of 2.95%. All taxable income is taxed at the same rate.

Massachusetts: Massachusetts uses a progressive income tax with 2 brackets ranging from 5.00% to 9.00%.

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

Salary Indiana take-home Massachusetts take-home Difference
$50,000 $40,880 $39,855 + $1,025
$75,000 $59,380 $57,843 + $1,538
$100,000 $76,230 $74,180 + $2,050
$150,000 $109,366 $106,291 + $3,075
$200,000 $143,027 $138,927 + $4,100
$300,000 $206,327 $200,177 + $6,150

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

FAQ

Which state has lower taxes, Indiana or Massachusetts?

At a $100,000 salary, Indiana results in $2,050 more annual take-home pay. Indiana has a flat state income tax of 2.95%. All taxable income is taxed at the same rate. Massachusetts uses a progressive income tax with 2 brackets ranging from 5.00% to 9.00%.

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

The difference depends on salary. At $50,000, the gap is $1,025/yr. At $150,000, it grows to $3,075/yr. At $300,000, the difference is $6,150/yr.

Do Indiana and Massachusetts 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 Indiana or Massachusetts?

Indiana is cheaper to live in. Cost of living in Indiana is 18% lower than in Massachusetts. Indiana's Regional Price Parity is 90.6 and Massachusetts's is 110.8 (US average = 100).

Is Indiana cheaper than Massachusetts?

Yes. Indiana has a lower cost of living than Massachusetts (index 90.6 vs 110.8). Housing is typically the biggest difference between the two states.

Is Massachusetts more expensive than Indiana?

Yes. Massachusetts has a higher cost of living (index 110.8) compared to Indiana (index 90.6). 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 $76,230 in Indiana has the purchasing power of $62,332 in Massachusetts terms. Conversely, $74,180 in Massachusetts equals $90,719 in Indiana terms. After adjusting for both taxes and cost of living, Massachusetts comes out ahead.

Indiana vs Massachusetts cost of living — what's the difference?

The overall cost of living is 20% different between Indiana and Massachusetts. Living costs are 9% below the national average Living costs are 11% above the national average After taxes and cost of living, Massachusetts gives you more purchasing power on a $100,000 salary.

Do I need to file state tax returns in both Indiana and Massachusetts?

Indiana requires residents to file a state income tax return annually, typically due April 15. Massachusetts 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

Indiana Paycheck Estimator · Massachusetts Paycheck Estimator · All states