Best States to Move to From California
California has one of the higher state income tax burdens in the country, with rates up to 13.3%. If you are considering a move, there are states where you could pay meaningfully less in total tax. Use the ranking tool below to compare all 50 states and see how much you could save based on your actual income and filing status.
Most Tax Savings
AlaskaSave $4,378/yr
Your Tax Burden
$4,3784.38% effective state rate
Federal + FICA
$21,099Same across all states
At your income of $100,000, California charges $4,378 in state income tax (4.38% effective rate).
Best option: Alaska saves you $4,378/year — With no state income tax, your take-home pay in Alaska is higher than most states. However, the cost of living — particularly housing, food, and energy — is significantly above the national average, which can offset the tax savings.
Highest tax: Oregon would cost you $2,709/year more than California.
| # | State | State Tax | Eff. Rate | Total Tax | Take-Home | Annual Savings ▼ | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alaska | $0 | 0.00% | $21,099 | $78,901 | +$4,378 | |
| 2 | Florida | $0 | 0.00% | $21,099 | $78,901 | +$4,378 | |
| 3 | Nevada | $0 | 0.00% | $21,099 | $78,901 | +$4,378 | |
| 4 | New Hampshire | $0 | 0.00% | $21,099 | $78,901 | +$4,378 | |
| 5 | South Dakota | $0 | 0.00% | $21,099 | $78,901 | +$4,378 | |
| 6 | Tennessee | $0 | 0.00% | $21,099 | $78,901 | +$4,378 | |
| 7 | Texas | $0 | 0.00% | $21,099 | $78,901 | +$4,378 | |
| 8 | Washington | $0 | 0.00% | $21,099 | $78,901 | +$4,378 | |
| 9 | Wyoming | $0 | 0.00% | $21,099 | $78,901 | +$4,378 | |
| 10 | North Dakota | $771 | 0.77% | $21,870 | $78,130 | +$3,607 | |
| 11 | Ohio | $1,601 | 1.60% | $22,700 | $77,301 | +$2,777 | |
| 12 | Arizona | $2,106 | 2.11% | $23,205 | $76,795 | +$2,271 | |
| 13 | Indiana | $2,570 | 2.57% | $23,669 | $76,331 | +$1,808 | |
| 14 | Pennsylvania | $2,586 | 2.59% | $23,685 | $76,315 | +$1,791 | |
| 15 | Louisiana | $2,999 | 3.00% | $24,098 | $75,902 | +$1,378 | |
| 16 | Arkansas | $3,208 | 3.21% | $24,307 | $75,693 | +$1,169 | |
| 17 | New Jersey | $3,240 | 3.24% | $24,339 | $75,661 | +$1,137 | |
| 18 | Rhode Island | $3,267 | 3.27% | $24,366 | $75,634 | +$1,110 | |
| 19 | Kentucky | $3,370 | 3.37% | $24,469 | $75,531 | +$1,008 | |
| 20 | West Virginia | $3,425 | 3.43% | $24,524 | $75,476 | +$952 | |
| 21 | Mississippi | $3,490 | 3.49% | $24,589 | $75,411 | +$888 | |
| 22 | Michigan | $3,581 | 3.58% | $24,680 | $75,320 | +$797 | |
| 23 | Colorado | $3,707 | 3.71% | $24,806 | $75,194 | +$671 | |
| 24 | North Carolina | $3,791 | 3.79% | $24,890 | $75,110 | +$586 | |
| 25 | Oklahoma | $3,813 | 3.81% | $24,912 | $75,088 | +$564 | |
| 26 | New Mexico | $3,849 | 3.85% | $24,948 | $75,052 | +$529 | |
| 27 | Connecticut | $3,884 | 3.88% | $24,983 | $75,017 | +$494 | |
| 28 | Utah | $3,918 | 3.92% | $25,017 | $74,983 | +$460 | |
| 29 | Missouri | $3,932 | 3.93% | $25,031 | $74,969 | +$446 | |
| 30 | Maryland | $3,949 | 3.95% | $25,048 | $74,952 | +$428 | |
| 31 | Wisconsin | $4,079 | 4.08% | $25,178 | $74,822 | +$299 | |
| 32 | Vermont | $4,085 | 4.08% | $25,184 | $74,816 | +$293 | |
| 33 | Illinois | $4,170 | 4.17% | $25,269 | $74,731 | +$207 | |
| 34 | Alabama | $4,173 | 4.17% | $25,272 | $74,729 | +$205 | |
| 35 | Massachusetts | $4,213 | 4.21% | $25,312 | $74,689 | +$165 | |
| 36 | Nebraska | $4,252 | 4.25% | $25,351 | $74,649 | +$125 | |
| 37 | Kansas | $4,345 | 4.34% | $25,444 | $74,556 | +$33 | |
| 38 | CaliforniaYour state | $4,378 | 4.38% | $25,477 | $74,523 | — | |
| 39 | Georgia | $4,394 | 4.39% | $25,493 | $74,507 | -$16 | |
| 40 | Iowa | $4,503 | 4.50% | $25,602 | $74,398 | -$125 | |
| 41 | Delaware | $4,544 | 4.54% | $25,643 | $74,357 | -$166 | |
| 42 | Virginia | $4,587 | 4.59% | $25,686 | $74,314 | -$209 | |
| 43 | South Carolina | $4,699 | 4.70% | $25,798 | $74,202 | -$321 | |
| 44 | Montana | $4,725 | 4.72% | $25,824 | $74,176 | -$347 | |
| 45 | New York | $4,729 | 4.73% | $25,828 | $74,172 | -$352 | |
| 46 | Idaho | $4,887 | 4.89% | $25,986 | $74,015 | -$509 | |
| 47 | Minnesota | $5,293 | 5.29% | $26,392 | $73,608 | -$915 | |
| 48 | Maine | $5,559 | 5.56% | $26,658 | $73,342 | -$1,181 | |
| 49 | District of Columbia | $5,561 | 5.56% | $26,660 | $73,340 | -$1,184 | |
| 50 | Hawaii | $6,204 | 6.20% | $27,303 | $72,697 | -$1,827 | |
| 51 | Oregon | $7,087 | 7.09% | $28,186 | $71,814 | -$2,709 |
About Taxes in California
California has the highest top marginal state tax rate in the US at 13.3%, with progressive brackets starting at 1%. An additional 1% Mental Health Services Tax applies to incomes over $1 million. Despite high taxes, California's economy — tech, entertainment, agriculture — attracts top talent globally. Under OBBBA (2025+), the SALT deduction cap rose to $40,000 ($20,000 MFS) but phases out $1-for-$1 above $500,000 MAGI ($250,000 MFS) toward a $10,000 floor — so high-income California itemizers see only partial federal relief.
Tip: California's progressive brackets mean your effective rate is much lower than 13.3% for most earners. At $100,000, the effective state rate is approximately 5.8%. Consider maximizing 401(k) contributions and HSA to reduce California-taxable income.
What to Consider When Moving
Tax residency rules: Most states tax you as a resident for the entire year if you live there for more than 183 days. Moving mid-year may require filing part-year returns in both states.
Remote work complication: Some states, notably New York, use "convenience of the employer" rules. If you move but keep an employer in a higher-tax state, part of your income may still be sourced there.
Total cost matters: A no-income-tax state saves you the full state tax amount, but higher property taxes (Texas), sales taxes (Tennessee, Washington), or cost of living can erode the savings. Compare total out-of-pocket, not just income tax.
Frequently asked questions
Which state has the lowest taxes if I move from California?
States with no income tax — Alaska, Florida, Nevada, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming — often offer the biggest income tax savings compared to California. Use the ranking tool above with your actual income and filing status to see the exact best-fit destination for you.
How much would I save moving from California to Texas or Florida?
Because Texas and Florida have no state income tax, your savings can equal most or all of your California state income tax bill. The exact amount depends on your income, filing status, spending, and home value.
What is California's income tax rate?
California has 1% – 13.3%, with a top marginal rate of 13.3%. Your effective rate depends on income, filing status, deductions, and credits.
Do all states have income tax?
No. Nine states have no individual income tax: Alaska, Florida, Nevada, New Hampshire, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wyoming.
Should I consider other taxes when comparing states?
Yes. Income tax is only one part of your total tax burden. Property taxes, sales taxes, housing costs, and local taxes can materially change whether a move actually saves money.
Does this calculator include federal taxes?
The ranking focuses on state-to-state tax differences. Federal income tax and FICA are broadly similar no matter where you live, so the ranking is most useful for isolating the state-level part of the move decision.