Missouri vs North Carolina: Take-Home Pay (2026)
Same salary, two tax codes — computed for tax year 2026, single filer with standard deduction.
Quick answer
According to netpaytally.com's computations, a $75,000 salary keeps $104 more per year in North Carolina than in Missouri ($59,109 vs $59,005, tax year 2026) — the entire gap comes from state tax, since federal and FICA are identical everywhere.
North Carolina's single 3.99% rate meets Missouri's 8-step ladder (up to 4.7%), and which system bites harder depends on where a salary sits. Below about $60,000 the ladder's low opening steps actually undercut the flat rate, so the winner flips there; from $75,000 upward North Carolina stays ahead — by $1,346 a year at $250,000. The federal share ($7,670 income tax, $5,738 FICA) cancels out of this comparison entirely.
| Salary | Missouri net | North Carolina net | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $40,942 | $40,869 | $74 |
| $75,000 | $59,005 | $59,109 | $104 |
| $100,000 | $75,417 | $75,699 | $281 |
| $150,000 | $107,678 | $108,315 | $636 |
| $250,000 | $172,370 | $173,716 | $1,346 |
| Missouri | North Carolina | |
|---|---|---|
| Tax type | Graduated | Flat |
| Top rate | 4.7% | 3.99% |
| State tax at $75,000 | $2,588 | $2,484 |
| Take-home rank | #25 of 51 | #20 of 51 |
Which state has better take-home pay, Missouri or North Carolina?
At $75,000, North Carolina keeps $104 more per year than Missouri ($59,109 vs $59,005, tax year 2026).
Why is take-home pay different if federal tax is the same?
Everything above the federal line is state policy: North Carolina's one-rate system against Missouri's bracket ladder. At $75,000 that structural difference is worth $104 a year.
Is North Carolina ahead at every salary level?
No — below about $60,000, Missouri actually keeps more, because a graduated ladder opens with lower rates than a flat tax. The advantage flips before $75,000 and widens to $1,346 at $250,000.
Which state ranks higher for take-home pay overall?
Missouri ranks #25 of 51 and North Carolina ranks #20 of 51 nationally for take-home pay at $75,000.
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