Side-by-side tax comparison between Mississippi (4% top rate, flat) and North Carolina (3.99% top rate, flat). See which state lets you keep more at every salary level, and how cost of living changes the picture.
Mississippi uses a flat income tax (4% flat) while North Carolina has a flat system (3.99% flat). On a $100K salary, Mississippi takes $4,000 in state and local taxes compared to North Carolina’s $3,990 \u2014 a difference of $10.
Both states use flat brackets, but Mississippi’s top rate of 4% is higher than North Carolina’s 3.99%.
North Carolina wins at 10 out of 10 salary levels tested. The advantage exists but is modest across the income spectrum.
| Salary | Mississippi | North Carolina | Difference | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $40K | $32,720 | $32,724 | +$4 | North Carolina |
| $50K | $40,355 | $40,360 | +$5 | North Carolina |
| $60K | $47,990 | $47,996 | +$6 | North Carolina |
| $75K | $58,538 | $58,545 | +$8 | North Carolina |
| $100K | $75,125 | $75,135 | +$10 | North Carolina |
| $120K | $88,395 | $88,407 | +$12 | North Carolina |
| $150K | $107,751 | $107,766 | +$15 | North Carolina |
| $200K | $140,887 | $140,907 | +$20 | North Carolina |
| $250K | $173,264 | $173,289 | +$25 | North Carolina |
| $300K | $203,329 | $203,359 | +$30 | North Carolina |
Take-home pay only tells part of the story. Mississippi has a cost of living index of 83 while North Carolina is at 95 (national average = 100).
The cost of living gap is moderate. After adjustment, $100K has purchasing power of $90,512 in Mississippi vs $79,089 in North Carolina. However, Mississippi actually provides better purchasing power despite North Carolina’s take-home advantage.
For a single earner at $100K filing jointly, take-home becomes $80,710 in Mississippi and $80,720 in North Carolina \u2014 a difference of $10. The gap remains similar regardless of filing status.
On paper, moving from Mississippi to North Carolina would save $10/year on a $100K salary, or $50 over 5 years. But relocation involves real costs: moving expenses, potentially buying/selling a home, changing jobs, and adjusting to a new community.
At $10/year, the tax difference alone likely isn’t worth relocating for. Other factors — job market, lifestyle, family — should drive the decision. The tax savings are a nice bonus if you’re already considering the move for other reasons.