Nebraska vs Utah: Tax Impact on Your Salary
VSDetailed comparison of tax rates, cost of living, and quality of life
📌 Running the numbers on $60,000 shows 6.84% versus 4.85% creates about $1,194 in take-home difference. Utah stays competitive by offering outdoor recreation. Recent migration data indicates families moving toward Utah, while skiers increasingly choose Nebraska.
Nebraska and Utah take different approaches to income tax—6.84% compared to 4.85%. Run the math on $60,000, and you're looking at around $1,194 yearly variance. Of course, taxes are just one piece of the relocation puzzle.
🔑 Key Differences
- **State income tax**: Nebraska at 6.84% vs Utah at 4.85%
- **Annual savings** (on $60,000): Utah saves you ~$1,194
- **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 | Nebraska | Utah |
|---|---|---|
| State Income Tax | 2.46% - 6.84% | 4.85% |
| 💰 On $40,000 Salary |
State Tax: $1,860
Take Home: $38,140
+$80
|
State Tax: $1,940
Take Home: $38,060
|
| 💰 On $60,000 Salary |
State Tax: $2,790
Take Home: $57,210
+$120
|
State Tax: $2,910
Take Home: $57,090
|
| 💰 On $100,000 Salary |
State Tax: $4,650
Take Home: $95,350
+$200
|
State Tax: $4,850
Take Home: $95,150
|
| Cost of Living | Nebraska consistently ranks among America's most affordable states. Omaha and Lincoln offer genuine metropolitan amenities while maintaining housing costs 40-50% below expensive coastal markets. Quality homes in good neighborhoods typically sell for $200,000-300,000. Smaller Nebraska cities provide even better value. Property taxes vary but generally stay moderate. Groceries, utilities, and services all cost substantially less than national averages. The dramatic affordability means even moderate incomes support comfortable middle-class lifestyles. | 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
Nebraska
✓ Advantages
- Low cost of living
- Affordable housing
- Strong agriculture and insurance sectors
- Low unemployment
⚠ Considerations
- Cold winters
- Limited metro areas
- Tornado risk
- Population decline in rural 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
On pure tax math, Utah comes out ahead by about $1,194 per year at $60,000 (4.85% versus 6.84%). Nebraska makes up ground through outdoor recreation, which matters considerably to many people. The right choice depends on whether you prioritize direct savings or value what Nebraska offers in {factor} and overall lifestyle.📢 Share This Comparison
Help others make informed decisions about their paycheck