Arkansas vs Utah Take-Home Pay Showdown
VSDetailed comparison of tax rates, cost of living, and quality of life
📌 The spread between 4.85% and 4.90% means roughly $38 per year at $75,000. Arkansas maintains pull through outdoor recreation. budget-conscious have shown preference for Utah, though skiers often prioritize Arkansas's advantages in family needs.
Between Arkansas's 4.90% and Utah's 4.85%, the tax differential hits around $38 yearly at $75,000. That's real money in anyone's book, even if the decision ultimately comes down to more than just tax policy.
🔑 Key Differences
- **State income tax**: Arkansas at 4.90% vs Utah at 4.85%
- **Annual savings** (on $75,000): Utah saves you ~$38
- **Tax system**: Both use progressive brackets
- **Deductions**: Standard federal deductions apply, state variations exist
- **Local taxes**: Check your specific county/city as rates vary within states
Tax Comparison
| Tax Type | Arkansas | Utah |
|---|---|---|
| State Income Tax | 2% - 4.9% | 4.85% |
| 💰 On $40,000 Salary |
State Tax: $1,380
Take Home: $38,620
+$560
|
State Tax: $1,940
Take Home: $38,060
|
| 💰 On $60,000 Salary |
State Tax: $2,070
Take Home: $57,930
+$840
|
State Tax: $2,910
Take Home: $57,090
|
| 💰 On $100,000 Salary |
State Tax: $3,450
Take Home: $96,550
+$1,400
|
State Tax: $4,850
Take Home: $95,150
|
| Cost of Living | Arkansas delivers exceptional value. Little Rock, Fayetteville, and Fort Smith offer genuine urban amenities while maintaining housing costs dramatically below national averages. You'll find quality homes for $180,000-250,000 in good neighborhoods. Monthly rent for nice apartments typically runs $700-1,000. Northwest Arkansas costs slightly more due to Walmart's influence but remains very affordable by national standards. Property taxes stay low statewide. Groceries, utilities, and services all cost less than most states. Even moderate incomes provide comfortable lifestyles - a stark contrast to expensive metros where similar salaries barely cover basic needs. | Utah costs have increased substantially. Salt Lake City and surrounding areas command prices approaching expensive metros - median home prices often exceed $450,000-500,000. Provo-Orem follows similar trajectory. Smaller Utah cities offer better value. Property taxes stay moderate. Sales tax reaches 7-8%. The affordability advantage Utah once offered has compressed significantly as technology sector drives population growth and housing demand. |
Pros & Cons
Arkansas
✓ Advantages
- Very low cost of living
- Affordable housing
- Natural beauty
- Growing northwest region
⚠ Considerations
- Lower average salaries
- Limited metro areas
- Hot humid summers
- Sales tax high in some areas
Utah
✓ Advantages
- Flat 4.65% income tax is simple and predictable
- Strong growing technology sector
- Beautiful outdoor recreation and skiing
- Lower unemployment rates
- Young educated workforce
⚠ Considerations
- Rising housing costs especially in Salt Lake area
- Air quality issues in winter months
- Limited public transportation
- Sales tax can be high
- Some areas face water scarcity
Bottom Line
Looking strictly at taxes, Utah provides $38 yearly advantage for $75,000 professionals. Arkansas balances this through outdoor recreation. Your best choice depends on weighing that direct savings against what Arkansas offers in terms of {factor} and overall quality of life.📢 Share This Comparison
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