New Hampshire vs Utah: Which State Keeps More Money in Your Pocket?
VSDetailed comparison of tax rates, cost of living, and quality of life
📌 New Hampshire comes out ahead by approximately $3,638 annually at $75,000 income (no income tax compared to 4.85%). That said, Utah pulls in residents attracted to outdoor recreation. The choice often comes down to whether healthcare access or direct tax savings matters more to your situation.
When you're weighing New Hampshire against Utah, taxes make a real difference in your paycheck. New Hampshire tops out at no income tax, while Utah reaches 4.85%. If you're pulling in $75,000, that spread works out to roughly $3,638 per year—though the tax number only tells part of the story.
🔑 Key Differences
- **State income tax**: New Hampshire at no income tax vs Utah at 4.85%
- **Annual savings** (on $75,000): New Hampshire saves you ~$3,638
- **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 | New Hampshire | Utah |
|---|---|---|
| State Income Tax | No Income Tax Winner | 4.85% |
| 💰 On $40,000 Salary |
State Tax: $0
Take Home: $40,000
+$1,940
|
State Tax: $1,940
Take Home: $38,060
|
| 💰 On $60,000 Salary |
State Tax: $0
Take Home: $60,000
+$2,910
|
State Tax: $2,910
Take Home: $57,090
|
| 💰 On $100,000 Salary |
State Tax: $0
Take Home: $100,000
+$4,850
|
State Tax: $4,850
Take Home: $95,150
|
| Cost of Living | New Hampshire costs run high despite tax advantages. Property taxes rank among America's highest - often exceeding $6,000-8,000 annually even for modest homes, funding schools and services without income tax revenue. Housing prices substantial, particularly southeastern areas near Boston and around Portsmouth. Manchester and Nashua offer slightly better value. Northern and western regions provide affordability but limited employment. The tax advantages benefit higher earners significantly, though property taxes and housing costs still require substantial incomes for comfortable living. | 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
New Hampshire
✓ Advantages
- No state income tax on wages
- No sales tax
- High quality of life
- Good schools
⚠ Considerations
- High property taxes
- High cost of living
- Cold winters
- Limited public transportation
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
The tax advantage goes to New Hampshire by roughly $3,638 per year at $75,000. Utah keeps competitive by providing outdoor recreation. Whether you prioritize that savings or Utah's advantages in {factor} typically determines which state works better for you.📢 Share This Comparison
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