Virginia vs Texas Paycheck Calculator Comparison
VSDetailed comparison of tax rates, cost of living, and quality of life
📌 Virginia and Texas represent distinct economic approaches. Virginia benefits from massive federal government and defense contractor presence near Washington DC, offering six-figure salaries in cybersecurity, government contracting, and technology sectors. Texas counters with no state income tax and a diverse private-sector economy spanning energy, technology, and healthcare. Virginia's graduated income tax reaches 5.75%, while Texas workers keep significantly more of their earnings despite higher property and sales taxes. Housing costs split dramatically - Northern Virginia approaches DC expense levels while Texas cities outside Austin remain remarkably affordable. Both states support strong job markets, but Virginia leans government-dependent while Texas drives private enterprise growth.
Tax Comparison
| Tax Type | Virginia | Texas |
|---|---|---|
| State Income Tax | 2% - 5.75% | No Income Tax Winner |
| 💰 On $40,000 Salary |
State Tax: $1,550
Take Home: $38,450
|
State Tax: $0
Take Home: $40,000
+$1,550
|
| 💰 On $60,000 Salary |
State Tax: $2,325
Take Home: $57,675
|
State Tax: $0
Take Home: $60,000
+$2,325
|
| 💰 On $100,000 Salary |
State Tax: $3,875
Take Home: $96,125
|
State Tax: $0
Take Home: $100,000
+$3,875
|
| Cost of Living | Virginia costs split dramatically. Northern Virginia near DC commands extreme prices - median home values often exceed $600,000-700,000 in desirable areas. Richmond offers substantially better value. Virginia Beach moderate. Southwestern Virginia delivers genuine affordability. Property taxes vary but generally moderate. The cost division means identical salaries deliver vastly different lifestyles depending on location. | Texas costs vary dramatically by region. Austin housing has exploded - median prices often exceed $500,000 in desirable areas. Parts of Dallas expensive. Houston offers better value given size. San Antonio, Fort Worth, and smaller cities maintain genuine affordability. Property taxes run high - often $4,000-8,000 annually even for modest homes. Sales tax reaches 8.25%. The no-income-tax advantage creates meaningful benefit, though property taxes substantial. |
Pros & Cons
Virginia
✓ Advantages
- Moderate state income tax (max 5.75%)
- Strong job market especially in Northern Virginia
- Proximity to Washington DC without DC taxes
- Good quality of life and education systems
- Diverse economy with stable government contracting
⚠ Considerations
- Northern Virginia has very high cost of living
- Traffic congestion severe in DC metro area
- Property taxes can be high in some counties
- Sales tax at 5.3% plus local additions
- Car property tax in most localities
Texas
✓ Advantages
- Zero state income tax keeps more money in your paycheck
- Diverse economy with opportunities in energy, tech, healthcare, and manufacturing
- Housing costs substantially lower than California or Northeast states
- No state estate or inheritance tax
- Business-friendly environment attracts employers
⚠ Considerations
- Property taxes average 1.6% of home value
- Sales tax ranges from 6.25% to 8.25%
- Summer heat can be intense
- Public transportation limited outside major cities
- Health insurance costs often higher
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