State vs state · 2026
Georgia vs North Carolina: take-home pay compared (2026)
North Carolina wins on take-home pay. A single worker earning $100,000 keeps $1,086 more per year in North Carolina ($74,613 in Georgia vs $75,699 in North Carolina). The difference comes almost entirely from state income tax, because federal tax and FICA are the same everywhere.
Take-home pay at every salary level
Single filer, standard deduction, 2026 rates. Local city or county income taxes are not included.
| Salary | Georgia | North Carolina | Difference / yr | Better in |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $40,000 | $32,867 | $33,233 | $366 | North Carolina |
| $60,000 | $47,899 | $48,505 | $606 | North Carolina |
| $75,000 | $58,323 | $59,109 | $786 | North Carolina |
| $100,000 | $74,613 | $75,699 | $1,086 | North Carolina |
| $150,000 | $106,629 | $108,315 | $1,686 | North Carolina |
| $200,000 | $139,170 | $141,456 | $2,286 | North Carolina |
| $300,000 | $200,230 | $203,715 | $3,486 | North Carolina |
How each state taxes income
| Feature | Georgia | North Carolina |
|---|---|---|
| Tax type | Flat | Flat |
| Top rate | 5.19% | 3.99% |
| Number of brackets | 1 | 1 |
| Deductions | a standard deduction of $12,000 (single) / $24,000 (married filing jointly) | a standard deduction of $12,750 (single) / $25,500 (married filing jointly) |
| Local income tax | Generally no | Generally no |
The verdict
If you are deciding between Georgia and North Carolina purely on paycheck taxes, North Carolina comes out ahead at every salary from $100,000 up, by $1,086 a year. Before moving, compare rent or home prices, property tax, sales tax and car insurance, which often matter as much as income tax for middle incomes.
Run your exact salary in the Georgia paycheck calculator or the North Carolina paycheck calculator.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Georgia or North Carolina better for take-home pay?
North Carolina leaves you more money. On a $100,000 salary you keep $1,086 more per year ($90 a month) in North Carolina, based on 2026 state income tax for a single filer.
How much more tax do you pay in Georgia than North Carolina?
Georgia taxes wages at a flat 5.19% rate. North Carolina taxes wages at a flat 3.99% rate. The gap widens as income rises: at $200,000 it is $2,286 a year.
Does this include property and sales tax?
No. This comparison covers taxes withheld from pay: federal income tax, FICA and state income tax. Sales, property and local taxes can narrow or widen the gap, so factor in housing costs before moving.
Disclaimer: These are estimates based on published tax rates for a single employee with standard deductions and no other income. Your actual pay depends on your tax code, benefits, credits and local taxes. This site is for information only and is not financial, tax or legal advice. Check with your tax authority or a qualified professional before making decisions.