Ohio vs Florida Taxes
Compare the total tax burden between Ohio (0% – 3.5%) and Florida (no income tax). Enter your income to see which state saves you more.
Ohio vs Florida: The Rust Belt's southbound tax pipeline
Ohio to Florida is one of the most well-worn migration paths in America, fueled by a combination of tax savings, warmer weather, and a lower cost of living in many Florida markets. Ohio's progressive income tax tops out at 3.5% on income above $115,300—relatively modest compared to other states—but Ohio also allows municipalities to levy their own income taxes, with rates ranging from 1% to 3% in major cities. Combined state and local income taxes in Cleveland or Columbus can reach 5.5-6.5%, making the effective burden significantly heavier than the state rate alone suggests.
Florida's zero income tax eliminates both layers. For an Ohio resident earning $150,000 in Columbus (which levies a 2.5% city income tax), the combined state and local tax bill is roughly $7,300. In Florida, it's zero. This municipal income tax wrinkle is what makes Ohio's tax burden more significant than it first appears—and it's a factor that many comparison tools overlook.
Property taxes tell a mixed story. Ohio's effective rate averages about 1.41%, well above Florida's 0.80%. On a $300,000 home, the gap is about $1,830 per year in Florida's favor. But Ohio's housing prices are substantially lower than most Florida metros—the median home in Columbus is roughly $280,000 versus $380,000 in Tampa and $550,000+ in South Florida. For retirees downsizing, the overall housing cost difference may be narrower than expected once Florida's higher home prices and insurance costs are factored in.
Key Differences Beyond Income Tax
| Category | Ohio | Florida |
|---|---|---|
| Income Tax Structure | No state income tax | Progressive 0%-3.5% at state level; PLUS municipal income taxes of 1%-3% in most cities |
| Property Tax | Effective rate ~0.80%; $50,000 homestead exemption; Save Our Homes cap at 3%/year | Effective rate ~1.41%; homestead exemption reduces up to $25,000 in market value for 65+ |
| Sales Tax | Base rate 6%, combined up to 7.5% | Base rate 5.75%, combined up to 8.0%; groceries exempt |
| Cost of Living | Coastal metros increasingly expensive; Central/North FL more affordable | Columbus, Cleveland, and Cincinnati among most affordable major metros in the U.S. |
| Retirement Income | No state income tax on any income | Social Security fully exempt; retirement income credit available; municipal taxes may apply to pensions |
Who Benefits from Moving?
Ohio retirees from high-tax municipalities
A retiree in Cleveland (2% city tax) drawing $80,000 in retirement income pays roughly $3,400 in combined state and city tax. In Florida, it's $0. Over a 20-year retirement, that's $68,000 in savings—potentially more if Ohio raises rates to address its own fiscal pressures.
Mid-career professionals earning $150K+
A Columbus worker earning $150,000 pays roughly $3,800 in state income tax plus $3,750 in city income tax (2.5%), totaling $7,550. Moving to Jacksonville or Tampa eliminates this entirely. The savings compound significantly over a career.
Snowbirds making the permanent switch
If you already winter in Florida, establishing full residency saves the entire Ohio tax bill. But run the total cost comparison: Ohio's cheaper housing and much lower insurance costs can offset the tax savings, especially if you're buying in South Florida where insurance averages $4,000+/year.
Bottom line: At $150,000 income, moving from Columbus to Florida saves roughly $7,550 in combined state and city income taxes—one of the larger savings available, thanks to Ohio's often-overlooked municipal income tax layer.
Tax at Different Income Levels
| Income | Ohio Total Tax | Florida Total Tax | Annual Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| $75,000 | $14,600 | $13,687 | Save $913 |
| $100,000 | $22,700 | $21,099 | Save $1,601 |
| $150,000 | $39,774 | $36,542 | Save $3,232 |
| $200,000 | $55,868 | $50,885 | Save $4,982 |
Based on single filer, standard deduction, 2025 tax year. Includes federal income tax, state income tax, and FICA.
Why the difference
You'd save $1,601/year ($133/month) in Florida vs Ohio.
Tax structure
Ohio uses progressive brackets up to 3.5%, while Florida has no state income tax.
Effective rate at your income
At $100,000, Florida's effective state rate is 0.0% vs 1.6% in Ohio — a 1.6 percentage point gap.
Ohio local taxes
Most Ohio cities levy a municipal income tax (typically 1-2.5%) on top of state tax.
Tip: Ohio's exemption of the first $26,050 of income means very low effective state rates for modest earners. However, municipal income taxes (Cleveland 2.5%, Columbus 2.5%) can add significantly — these are separate from state tax.
Tip: No state income tax means your take-home pay is among the highest nationally. Florida does not tax retirement income, Social Security, or investment income at the state level, making it one of the most tax-efficient states for retirees and investors.
Understanding Each State
Ohio
Ohio uses progressive income tax brackets starting at 0% (income under $26,050 is exempt) and topping out at 3.5% on income over $115,300. Ohio's rates are moderate, and the state offers several credits including a nonrefundable personal exemption credit. Some Ohio cities levy a municipal income tax (typically 1-2.5%).
Tip: Ohio's exemption of the first $26,050 of income means very low effective state rates for modest earners. However, municipal income taxes (Cleveland 2.5%, Columbus 2.5%) can add significantly — these are separate from state tax.
Florida
Florida has no state income tax, funded instead by a 6% state sales tax (plus local additions up to 2%) and property taxes. This makes Florida especially attractive for high earners and retirees. Florida's population has grown rapidly, partly driven by tax migration from high-tax states like New York and California.
Tip: No state income tax means your take-home pay is among the highest nationally. Florida does not tax retirement income, Social Security, or investment income at the state level, making it one of the most tax-efficient states for retirees and investors.
Key Comparison Points
Income tax structure: Ohio has a progressive income tax (0% – 3.5%), while Florida has no state income tax.
Beyond income tax: State tax comparisons should also consider property tax rates, sales tax, and cost of living. A state with no income tax may have higher property or sales taxes that offset the savings.
SALT deduction cap: Under OBBBA (2025+), the federal SALT cap is $40,000, phasing out above $500,000 MAGI toward a $10,000 floor. This limits the federal tax benefit of living in a high-tax state, so the gross state tax difference remains close to the net difference for most earners — especially high earners inside the phaseout.
Frequently asked questions
Is it cheaper to live in Ohio or Florida?
Based on income tax alone, Florida has a lower tax burden. At $100K income, you'd save $1,601 annually in Florida compared to Ohio. However, total cost of living also depends on property taxes, sales taxes, and housing costs.
How much would I save moving from Ohio to Florida?
A single filer earning $100,000 would save approximately $1,601 per year in total taxes by living in Florida instead of Ohio. At $150,000 income, the savings change to $3,232 per year.
What is the income tax rate in Ohio?
Ohio has a progressive income tax with rates of 0% – 3.5%.
What is the income tax rate in Florida?
Florida has no state income tax.
Does Florida have income tax?
No, Florida does not levy a state income tax. Residents pay only federal income tax and FICA. However, Florida may have higher property taxes or sales taxes to compensate.