Which has lower taxes, California or Utah?

Utah has lower total taxes on a $100,000 salary in 2026. A single filer in Utah takes home approximately $74,680 versus $72,151 in California — a difference of $2,529 per year.

How much more take-home pay does Utah give than California at $100,000?

At $100,000, Utah provides $2,529 more annual take-home than California for a single filer in 2026. Over 10 years (not adjusted for inflation), that is $25,288 difference.

Does California have state income tax?

California has a state income tax. On $100,000, a single filer pays approximately $7,029 in California state income tax in 2026.

Does Utah have state income tax?

Utah has a state income tax. On $100,000, a single filer pays approximately $4,500 in Utah state income tax in 2026.

Which is better for remote workers, California or Utah?

For remote workers, the state with lower income tax generally provides more take-home pay. In 2026, Utah takes home $2,529 more per year on $100K. However, cost of living, employer nexus rules, and domicile requirements also apply. See our remote worker tax guide for full details.

2026 State Take-Home Comparison

California vs Utah Take-Home Pay (2026)

Reviewed by ExactTakeHome Editorial Team · 2026-06-10 · Sources: 3 official authorities

Moving from California to Utah: paycheck difference after taxes

On a $75,000 salary, moving from California to Utah means earning $820 more per year after taxes — about $32 more per biweekly paycheck. Federal income tax and FICA stay the same; the difference comes from state tax.

StateAnnual take-homePer paycheck (biweekly)

California$57,397$2,208

Utah$58,218$2,239

Difference+$820/yr+$32/paycheck

What changes: State income tax. What stays the same: Federal income tax and FICA (Social Security + Medicare) are the same in every state for the same salary and filing status. Estimates based on $75,000 salary, single, biweekly. Use the calculator below for your numbers.

On a $100,000 salary, you take home $2,529 more per year in Utah than in California.

$100,000 Salary: California vs Utah

Tax / Component	California	Utah	Difference
Federal Income Tax	$13,170	$13,170	same
State Income Tax	$7,029	$4,500	+$2,529
Social Security	$6,200	$6,200	same
Medicare	$1,450	$1,450	same
Take-Home Pay	$72,151	$74,680	-$2,529

$100,000 — Rent affordability: California vs Utah

Metric	California	Utah
Net take-home / year	$72,151	$74,680
Net take-home / month	$6,013	$6,223
Median 1BR rent (HUD)	$1,350	$950
Rent as % of take-home	22.5% ✓	15.3% ✓

Rent: HUD Fair Market Rents FY2025 · Spending: BLS Consumer Expenditure Survey 2023

$75,000 Salary: California vs Utah

Tax / Component	California	Utah	Difference
Federal Income Tax	$7,670	$7,670	same
State Income Tax	$4,195	$3,375	+$820
Social Security	$4,650	$4,650	same
Medicare	$1,088	$1,088	same
Take-Home Pay	$57,397	$58,218	-$820

Take-Home Pay Comparison: California vs Utah

For a single filer at $100,000, Utah puts $2,528.78 more per year in your pocket than California — $211 per month.

Annual Salary	California	Utah	Annual Difference
$50,000	$40,393.22	$40,105	+$288.22 (California)
$75,000	$57,397.17	$58,217.5	$-820.33 (California)
$100,000	$72,151.22	$74,680	$-2,528.78 (California)
$125,000	$86,792.22	$91,078.5	$-4,286.28 (California)
$150,000	$100,997.22	$107,041	$-6,043.78 (California)

After subtracting median 1-bedroom rent, Utah residents keep $57,280 per year vs $46,951.22 in California. See full cost-adjusted ranking →

Calculate your exact California vs Utah take-home →

Calculation assumptions

Standard withholding per IRS Publication 15-T (2026)
Social Security wage base: $184,500 (SSA 2026)
No pre-tax deductions, no post-tax deductions
Filing status: Single, one job
Standard W-4 withholding (no additional withholding elections)
Actual paycheck may differ based on employer setup, benefits, or W-4 elections

View sources and full methodology →