Best States to Move to From Washington
Washington has no state income tax, but that does not automatically make it the lowest-tax place to live. Property tax, sales tax, and housing costs can still shift the total math in either direction. 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
AlaskaNo savings available
Your Tax Burden
$00.00% effective state rate
Federal + FICA
$21,099Same across all states
At your income of $100,000, Washington charges $0 in state income tax (0.00% effective rate).
Alaska has the lowest total tax burden at your income.
Highest tax: Oregon would cost you $7,087/year more than Washington.
| # | State | State Tax | Eff. Rate | Total Tax | Take-Home | Annual Savings ▼ | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alaska | $0 | 0.00% | $21,099 | $78,901 | $0 | |
| 2 | Florida | $0 | 0.00% | $21,099 | $78,901 | $0 | |
| 3 | Nevada | $0 | 0.00% | $21,099 | $78,901 | $0 | |
| 4 | New Hampshire | $0 | 0.00% | $21,099 | $78,901 | $0 | |
| 5 | South Dakota | $0 | 0.00% | $21,099 | $78,901 | $0 | |
| 6 | Tennessee | $0 | 0.00% | $21,099 | $78,901 | $0 | |
| 7 | Texas | $0 | 0.00% | $21,099 | $78,901 | $0 | |
| 8 | WashingtonYour state | $0 | 0.00% | $21,099 | $78,901 | — | |
| 9 | Wyoming | $0 | 0.00% | $21,099 | $78,901 | $0 | |
| 10 | North Dakota | $771 | 0.77% | $21,870 | $78,130 | -$771 | |
| 11 | Ohio | $1,601 | 1.60% | $22,700 | $77,301 | -$1,601 | |
| 12 | Arizona | $2,106 | 2.11% | $23,205 | $76,795 | -$2,106 | |
| 13 | Indiana | $2,570 | 2.57% | $23,669 | $76,331 | -$2,570 | |
| 14 | Pennsylvania | $2,586 | 2.59% | $23,685 | $76,315 | -$2,586 | |
| 15 | Louisiana | $2,999 | 3.00% | $24,098 | $75,902 | -$2,999 | |
| 16 | Arkansas | $3,208 | 3.21% | $24,307 | $75,693 | -$3,208 | |
| 17 | New Jersey | $3,240 | 3.24% | $24,339 | $75,661 | -$3,240 | |
| 18 | Rhode Island | $3,267 | 3.27% | $24,366 | $75,634 | -$3,267 | |
| 19 | Kentucky | $3,370 | 3.37% | $24,469 | $75,531 | -$3,370 | |
| 20 | West Virginia | $3,425 | 3.43% | $24,524 | $75,476 | -$3,425 | |
| 21 | Mississippi | $3,490 | 3.49% | $24,589 | $75,411 | -$3,490 | |
| 22 | Michigan | $3,581 | 3.58% | $24,680 | $75,320 | -$3,581 | |
| 23 | Colorado | $3,707 | 3.71% | $24,806 | $75,194 | -$3,707 | |
| 24 | North Carolina | $3,791 | 3.79% | $24,890 | $75,110 | -$3,791 | |
| 25 | Oklahoma | $3,813 | 3.81% | $24,912 | $75,088 | -$3,813 | |
| 26 | New Mexico | $3,849 | 3.85% | $24,948 | $75,052 | -$3,849 | |
| 27 | Connecticut | $3,884 | 3.88% | $24,983 | $75,017 | -$3,884 | |
| 28 | Utah | $3,918 | 3.92% | $25,017 | $74,983 | -$3,918 | |
| 29 | Missouri | $3,932 | 3.93% | $25,031 | $74,969 | -$3,932 | |
| 30 | Maryland | $3,949 | 3.95% | $25,048 | $74,952 | -$3,949 | |
| 31 | Wisconsin | $4,079 | 4.08% | $25,178 | $74,822 | -$4,079 | |
| 32 | Vermont | $4,085 | 4.08% | $25,184 | $74,816 | -$4,085 | |
| 33 | Illinois | $4,170 | 4.17% | $25,269 | $74,731 | -$4,170 | |
| 34 | Alabama | $4,173 | 4.17% | $25,272 | $74,729 | -$4,173 | |
| 35 | Massachusetts | $4,213 | 4.21% | $25,312 | $74,689 | -$4,213 | |
| 36 | Nebraska | $4,252 | 4.25% | $25,351 | $74,649 | -$4,252 | |
| 37 | Kansas | $4,345 | 4.34% | $25,444 | $74,556 | -$4,345 | |
| 38 | California | $4,378 | 4.38% | $25,477 | $74,523 | -$4,378 | |
| 39 | Georgia | $4,394 | 4.39% | $25,493 | $74,507 | -$4,394 | |
| 40 | Iowa | $4,503 | 4.50% | $25,602 | $74,398 | -$4,503 | |
| 41 | Delaware | $4,544 | 4.54% | $25,643 | $74,357 | -$4,544 | |
| 42 | Virginia | $4,587 | 4.59% | $25,686 | $74,314 | -$4,587 | |
| 43 | South Carolina | $4,699 | 4.70% | $25,798 | $74,202 | -$4,699 | |
| 44 | Montana | $4,725 | 4.72% | $25,824 | $74,176 | -$4,725 | |
| 45 | New York | $4,729 | 4.73% | $25,828 | $74,172 | -$4,729 | |
| 46 | Idaho | $4,887 | 4.89% | $25,986 | $74,015 | -$4,887 | |
| 47 | Minnesota | $5,293 | 5.29% | $26,392 | $73,608 | -$5,293 | |
| 48 | Maine | $5,559 | 5.56% | $26,658 | $73,342 | -$5,559 | |
| 49 | District of Columbia | $5,561 | 5.56% | $26,660 | $73,340 | -$5,561 | |
| 50 | Hawaii | $6,204 | 6.20% | $27,303 | $72,697 | -$6,204 | |
| 51 | Oregon | $7,087 | 7.09% | $28,186 | $71,814 | -$7,087 |
About Taxes in Washington
Washington has no state income tax but imposes a 7% capital gains tax on gains exceeding $270,000 (effective 2023). The state relies on a relatively high sales tax (6.5% state + local, often totalling 10%+). Washington is a major tech hub (Seattle), attracting high earners who benefit from the lack of income tax.
Tip: If you have significant investment income, note that Washington's capital gains tax may apply to gains above $270,000. For salary-only earners, Washington remains one of the most tax-efficient states.
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 Washington?
Because Washington already has no state income tax, the lowest-tax destination depends more on property tax, sales tax, and housing costs than on income tax alone. Use the ranking tool above to compare the full picture at your income level.
Can I still lower taxes by moving from Washington?
Yes. Even if Washington has no state income tax, your total tax burden can still fall if another state has lower property tax, lower sales tax, or a cheaper housing market. The best answer depends on your income and whether you rent or own.
What is Washington's income tax rate?
Washington does not levy a state income tax, so wages are subject only to federal income tax and FICA at the state level.
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.