Pennsylvania vs Texas take-home pay
Tax year 2026 · Last updated:
Same salary, different state tax rules. This guide explains how TakeHome models Pennsylvania versus Texas paychecks for tax year 2026 — a common Northeast/Midwest-to-Texas offer and relocation comparison.
Quick tax snapshot
Focus on the income-tax and FICA slice. Housing, sales tax, and benefits are outside this table.
| Topic | Pennsylvania | Texas |
|---|---|---|
| State personal income tax | Provisional flat 3.07% state income tax path | No general state personal income tax (verified in our limited scope) |
| Federal income tax + FICA | Included | Included |
| Notable payroll omissions | Local Earned Income Tax (EIT) and Local Services Tax (LST) are NOT included — call these out when comparing Philly or other PA localities | Local items omitted; federal + FICA still apply |
| Best use of this pair | PA state-tax offer checks (without local EIT/LST) | Texas relocation / Sun-Belt offer sketch at the same gross |
What usually changes by salary band
Directional only for a single filer with matching gross — not a payroll quote.
- $80,000 — Federal + FICA dominate; Pennsylvania’s flat 3.07% is a steady slice versus Texas.
- $115,000 — Common professional band. Easy to Compare with Texas at the same gross and pay frequency.
- $160,000 — Higher band. Flat PA tax still adds up in dollars versus Texas; Philly-area EIT/LST remain outside the model.
What this comparison does not decide
- Housing, property tax, and commuting can outweigh paycheck tax differences.
- Bonus, equity, and benefits change total compensation.
- Pennsylvania local EIT and LST are not modeled — Philadelphia and many municipalities add local wage tax that this pair does not capture.
- Texas still has federal income tax and FICA — no state income tax is not “gross equals net.”
Run the numbers
Open either state calculator with a pre-selected state, or use the full tool’s Compare mode with identical salary and pay frequency.
FAQ
Is Texas always higher take-home than Pennsylvania at the same salary?
For the same gross W-2 wages, skipping Pennsylvania’s flat state tax often raises modeled take-home in Texas. Local PA EIT/LST — which we do not model — can widen a real-world Philly gap further. Use Compare for the state-tax slice only.
Does this page include Pennsylvania local EIT or LST?
No. Our Pennsylvania path is a provisional flat 3.07% state tax estimate. Local Earned Income Tax and Local Services Tax are omitted — important for Philadelphia and many PA municipalities.
Does Texas really have zero state income tax here?
Yes within our limited verified scope. Federal income tax and employee FICA still apply.
How do I compare the same offer in both states?
Open the full calculator, switch to Compare, set Offer A to Pennsylvania and Offer B to Texas, and match salary, filing status, and pay frequency.
Should I relocate based on this page alone?
No. This page is an educational tax-slice guide. Relocation decisions need housing, family, career, and professional advice — and a separate look at PA local wage taxes if you live or work in a taxing locality.
Want the full rules and omissions list? Read the methodology