Side-by-side tax comparison between Connecticut (6.99% top rate, graduated) and New York (10.9% top rate, graduated). See which state lets you keep more at every salary level, and how cost of living changes the picture.
Connecticut uses a graduated income tax (3-6.99%) while New York has a graduated system (4-10.9% + NYC local). On a $100K salary, Connecticut takes $4,544 in state and local taxes compared to New York’s $8,585 \u2014 a difference of $4,042.
Both states use graduated brackets, but New York’s top rate of 10.9% is higher than Connecticut’s 6.99%.
New York also has local income taxes (estimated at $1,500/year on $100K), which Connecticut does not.
Connecticut wins at 10 out of 10 salary levels tested. The advantage is consistent and significant across the income spectrum.
| Salary | Connecticut | New York | Difference | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $40K | $32,503 | $30,886 | −$1,617 | Connecticut |
| $50K | $40,083 | $38,063 | −$2,021 | Connecticut |
| $60K | $47,664 | $45,239 | −$2,425 | Connecticut |
| $75K | $58,130 | $55,099 | −$3,031 | Connecticut |
| $100K | $74,582 | $70,540 | −$4,042 | Connecticut |
| $120K | $87,743 | $82,893 | −$4,850 | Connecticut |
| $150K | $106,936 | $100,874 | −$6,062 | Connecticut |
| $200K | $139,800 | $131,717 | −$8,083 | Connecticut |
| $250K | $171,905 | $161,802 | −$10,104 | Connecticut |
| $300K | $201,698 | $189,574 | −$12,125 | Connecticut |
Take-home pay only tells part of the story. Connecticut has a cost of living index of 111 while New York is at 125 (national average = 100).
The cost of living gap is moderate. After adjustment, $100K has purchasing power of $67,191 in Connecticut vs $56,432 in New York. The take-home winner also wins on purchasing power.
For a single earner at $100K filing jointly, take-home becomes $80,167 in Connecticut and $76,125 in New York \u2014 a difference of $4,042. The gap remains similar regardless of filing status.
On paper, moving from New York to Connecticut would save $4,042/year on a $100K salary, or $20,208 over 5 years. But relocation involves real costs: moving expenses, potentially buying/selling a home, changing jobs, and adjusting to a new community.
The $4,042/year savings is meaningful but probably not enough to justify a move on its own. However, combined with other factors like career growth, lifestyle preferences, or family proximity, it could tip the scale.