Massachusetts vs Texas Paycheck Comparison 2026

Annual salary

$

Annual salary

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

You take home $3,750/yr more in Texas

$313/mo · $144/paycheck more

Massachusetts
Texas

$57,843/yr in Massachusetts vs $61,593/yr in Texas.

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%

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 Massachusetts is 63% higher than in Texas.

At a $75,000 salary, take-home pay of $57,843 in Massachusetts has the purchasing power of $94,288 in Texas terms.

After adjusting for cost of living, Massachusetts comes out ahead by $32,696/yr.

Housing
Median home$620,000vs$295,000
Massachusetts
110% more
Texas
Avg 2BR rent$3,094/movs$1,112/mo
Massachusetts
178% more
Texas
Groceries
Index
Massachusetts
8% more
Texas
Transportation
Regular gas$3.41/galvs$3.21/gal
Massachusetts
6% more
Texas
Utilities
Electric bill$212/movs$87/mo
Massachusetts
145% more
Texas
Healthcare
Index
Massachusetts
39% more
Texas
Childcare & Misc
Infant childcare$26,709/yrvs$10,706/yr
Massachusetts
149% more
Texas

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

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

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 Massachusetts take-home Texas take-home Difference
$50,000 $39,855 $42,355 -$2,500
$75,000 $57,843 $61,593 -$3,750
$100,000 $74,180 $79,180 -$5,000
$150,000 $106,291 $113,791 -$7,500
$200,000 $138,927 $148,927 -$10,000
$300,000 $200,177 $215,177 -$15,000

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

FAQ

Which state has lower taxes, Massachusetts or Texas?

At a $100,000 salary, Texas results in $5,000 more annual take-home pay. Massachusetts uses a progressive income tax with 2 brackets ranging from 5.00% to 9.00%. 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 $2,500/yr. At $150,000, it grows to $7,500/yr. At $300,000, the difference is $15,000/yr.

Do Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts or Texas?

Texas is cheaper to live in. Cost of living in Massachusetts is 14% higher than in Texas. Massachusetts's Regional Price Parity is 110.8 and Texas's is 97.5 (US average = 100).

Is Texas cheaper than Massachusetts?

Yes. Texas has a lower cost of living than Massachusetts (index 97.5 vs 110.8). Housing is typically the biggest difference between the two states.

Is Massachusetts more expensive than Texas?

Yes. Massachusetts has a higher cost of living (index 110.8) compared to Texas (index 97.5). 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 $74,180 in Massachusetts has the purchasing power of $84,299 in Texas terms. Conversely, $79,180 in Texas equals $69,676 in Massachusetts terms. After adjusting for both taxes and cost of living, Massachusetts comes out ahead.

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

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

Related tools

Massachusetts Paycheck Estimator · Texas Paycheck Estimator · All states