Pennsylvania vs North Carolina Taxes
Compare the total tax burden between Pennsylvania (3.07% flat) and North Carolina (3.99% flat). Enter your income to see which state saves you more.
| Tax Component | Pennsylvania | North Carolina |
|---|---|---|
| Federal Tax | $13,170 | $13,170 |
| State Tax | $3,070 | $3,481 |
| FICA | $7,650 | $7,650 |
| Total Tax | $23,890 | $24,301 |
| Take-Home | $76,110 | $75,699 |
| Effective Rate | 23.89% | 24.30% |
| Annual Difference | $411 less | $411 more |
The $411 difference is primarily because North Carolina has a flat 4.3% income tax, while Pennsylvania has a flat 3.1% income tax. At your income level, North Carolina's marginal rate is 4.0% vs Pennsylvania's 3.1%.
Why the difference
You'd pay $411/year ($34/month) more in North Carolina vs Pennsylvania.
Tax structure
Pennsylvania has a flat 3.1% state income tax, while North Carolina has a flat 4.3% state income tax.
Effective rate at your income
At $100,000, Pennsylvania's effective state rate is 3.1% vs 3.5% in North Carolina — a 0.4 percentage point gap.
Pennsylvania local taxes
Many Pennsylvania municipalities levy an earned income tax (typically 1-3%); Philadelphia wage tax is 3.75% for residents.
Tip: PA's low flat rate benefits high earners, but the Philadelphia wage tax adds significantly for city workers. If you live outside Philadelphia but work in the city, the non-resident wage tax is 3.44%. PA's exemption of retirement income makes it attractive for retirees.
Tip: With a flat tax rate, your effective state rate is predictable and consistent. Focus tax reduction on pre-tax contributions (401k, HSA) and any state-specific deductions or credits available.
Pennsylvania Total Tax
$23,89023.89% effective rate
North Carolina Total Tax
$24,30124.30% effective rate
Annual Savings
$411by living in Pennsylvania
Tax at Different Income Levels
| Income | Pennsylvania Total Tax | North Carolina Total Tax | Annual Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| $75,000 | $15,710 | $15,891 | +$181 |
| $100,000 | $23,890 | $24,301 | +$411 |
| $150,000 | $40,814 | $41,685 | +$871 |
| $200,000 | $57,213 | $58,544 | +$1,331 |
Based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 tax year. Includes federal income tax, state income tax, and FICA.
Why the difference
You'd pay $411/year ($34/month) more in North Carolina vs Pennsylvania.
Tax structure
Pennsylvania has a flat 3.1% state income tax, while North Carolina has a flat 4.3% state income tax.
Effective rate at your income
At $100,000, Pennsylvania's effective state rate is 3.1% vs 3.5% in North Carolina — a 0.4 percentage point gap.
Pennsylvania local taxes
Many Pennsylvania municipalities levy an earned income tax (typically 1-3%); Philadelphia wage tax is 3.75% for residents.
Tip: PA's low flat rate benefits high earners, but the Philadelphia wage tax adds significantly for city workers. If you live outside Philadelphia but work in the city, the non-resident wage tax is 3.44%. PA's exemption of retirement income makes it attractive for retirees.
Tip: With a flat tax rate, your effective state rate is predictable and consistent. Focus tax reduction on pre-tax contributions (401k, HSA) and any state-specific deductions or credits available.
Understanding Each State
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania has a flat income tax rate of 3.07% — one of the lowest flat rates in the US. Some municipalities levy an additional earned income tax (typically 1-3%), and Philadelphia residents pay a 3.75% wage tax. PA does not tax retirement income (401k, IRA, Social Security).
Tip: PA's low flat rate benefits high earners, but the Philadelphia wage tax adds significantly for city workers. If you live outside Philadelphia but work in the city, the non-resident wage tax is 3.44%. PA's exemption of retirement income makes it attractive for retirees.
North Carolina
This state uses a flat income tax rate, meaning the same percentage applies to all taxable income regardless of how much you earn. This simplifies tax planning but means there is no bracket benefit for lower earners. The effective rate is very close to the headline rate after deductions.
Tip: With a flat tax rate, your effective state rate is predictable and consistent. Focus tax reduction on pre-tax contributions (401k, HSA) and any state-specific deductions or credits available.
Key Comparison Points
Income tax structure: Pennsylvania has a flat income tax (3.07% flat), while North Carolina has a flat income tax (3.99% flat).
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, the 2026 federal SALT cap is $40,400, phasing out above $505,000 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 Pennsylvania or North Carolina?
Based on income tax alone, Pennsylvania has a lower tax burden. At $100K income, you'd save $411 annually in Pennsylvania compared to North Carolina. However, total cost of living also depends on property taxes, sales taxes, and housing costs.
How much would I save moving from North Carolina to Pennsylvania?
A single filer earning $100,000 would save approximately $411 per year in total taxes by living in Pennsylvania instead of North Carolina. At $150,000 income, the savings change to $871 per year.
What is the income tax rate in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania has a flat income tax with rates of 3.07% flat.
What is the income tax rate in North Carolina?
North Carolina has a flat income tax with rates of 3.99% flat.