Florida vs Texas Salary Comparison (2026)
Florida and Texas are the two giants of the no-state-income-tax club, and their take-home pay at any salary level is identical. The decisions come down to property tax, insurance, and the overall economy.
Where this salary lands you
Florida property taxes (effective ~0.8–1.0%) are markedly lower than Texas (~1.6–2.3%). Florida home insurance is exorbitant in coastal areas and trending higher across the state; Texas insurance is rising too but not as steep. Texas tends to win on tech and energy salaries; Florida wins on year-round weather and proximity to retirement infrastructure.
Federal & FICA breakdown
State-comparison pages don’t lock in a single salary — use the live tool below to compare any income.
$0 state income tax in both. The decision is property + insurance + COL, not income tax.
Compare Texas to other states
| Line item | Texas | California |
|---|---|---|
| Gross | $150,000 | $150,000 |
| Federal income tax | $24,953 | $24,953 |
| State income tax | $0 | $9,032 |
| FICA | $11,475 | $11,475 |
| Take-home | $113,572 | $104,540 |
| Effective rate | 24.3% | 30.3% |
Texas keeps you $9,032 more per year on this salary versus California at the income-tax line. Cost of living, housing, and property taxes still need to be factored in separately.
Frequently asked questions
Does Texas truly save more than Florida?
On the income-tax line: yes, at every income level. On total cost of living, the answer depends on housing, insurance, and personal lifestyle factors. Run our calculator and compare against your specific budget.
Are there any catches?
Yes — Texas property tax is higher than most states, and home/auto insurance can be more expensive in coastal Texas. For renters, Texas almost always wins. For homeowners, the calculus depends on the home's price.
How do I actually change residency?
Establish a Texas address, get a Texas driver's license within 90 days, register to vote here, update HR and brokerage addresses, and file a part-year return for your old state covering the period you lived there. See our Moving to Texas Tax Guide.