Massachusetts vs Utah: Paycheck Calculator Comparison
VSDetailed comparison of tax rates, cost of living, and quality of life
📌 Comparing 5.00% to 4.85% yields roughly $150 difference per year on $100,000. Utah offsets taxes through outdoor recreation. While academics favor Utah's lower burden, skiers frequently value Massachusetts's offerings in cost of living more highly.
The tax picture between Massachusetts and Utah breaks down like this: 5.00% versus 4.85%. For someone making $100,000, we're talking about $150 in annual difference. That's significant, but it's worth looking at what else each state brings to the table.
🔑 Key Differences
- **State income tax**: Massachusetts at 5.00% vs Utah at 4.85%
- **Annual savings** (on $100,000): Utah saves you ~$150
- **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 | Massachusetts | Utah |
|---|---|---|
| State Income Tax | 5% | 4.85% |
| 💰 On $40,000 Salary |
State Tax: $2,000
Take Home: $38,000
|
State Tax: $1,940
Take Home: $38,060
+$60
|
| 💰 On $60,000 Salary |
State Tax: $3,000
Take Home: $57,000
|
State Tax: $2,910
Take Home: $57,090
+$90
|
| 💰 On $100,000 Salary |
State Tax: $5,000
Take Home: $95,000
|
State Tax: $4,850
Take Home: $95,150
+$150
|
| Cost of Living | Massachusetts ranks among America's most expensive states. Boston-area housing commands extreme prices - one-bedroom apartments often exceed $2,500-3,000 monthly, with two-bedrooms approaching $3,500-4,000. Median home prices in desirable suburbs frequently surpass $600,000-800,000. Cambridge costs even more. Worcester and Springfield offer substantially better value, though still expensive by national standards. Property taxes run high statewide, often reaching $6,000-10,000 annually. Parking in Boston costs add hundreds monthly. Groceries, dining, and services all run above national averages. Even substantial six-figure salaries can feel constrained by housing costs alone consuming 35-45% of take-home pay. | 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
Massachusetts
✓ Advantages
- Flat 5% income tax is simple and predictable
- World-class healthcare and biotechnology sectors
- Excellent education systems from K-12 through universities
- Strong public transportation in Boston area
- High quality of life despite costs
⚠ Considerations
- Extremely high cost of living especially housing
- High property taxes statewide
- Cold winters with significant snow
- Traffic congestion in Boston area severe
- Sales tax at 6.25%
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
From a tax standpoint, Utah delivers about $150 more take-home at $100,000. Massachusetts compensates through outdoor recreation, keeping it competitive for certain demographics. academics tend to choose Utah, while skiers populations often lean toward Massachusetts despite higher taxes.📢 Share This Comparison
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