New York vs Vermont:
Take-Home Pay Comparison
Side-by-side tax comparison between New York (10.9% top rate, graduated) and Vermont (8.75% top rate, graduated). See which state lets you keep more at every salary level, and how cost of living changes the picture.
Tax Structure: New York vs Vermont
New York uses a graduated income tax (4-10.9% + NYC local) while Vermont has a graduated system (3.35-8.75%). On a $100K salary, New York takes $7,085 in state and local taxes compared to Vermont’s $5,688 \u2014 a difference of $1,398.
Both states use graduated brackets, but New York’s top rate of 10.9% is higher than Vermont’s 8.75%.
New York also has local income taxes (estimated at $0/year on $100K), which Vermont does not. This widens the gap beyond just state rates.
Take-Home at Every Salary Level
Vermont wins at 10 out of 10 salary levels tested. The advantage exists but is modest across the income spectrum.
| Salary | New York | Vermont | Difference | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $40K | $31,486 | $32,045 | +$559 | Vermont |
| $50K | $38,813 | $39,511 | +$699 | Vermont |
| $60K | $46,139 | $46,978 | +$839 | Vermont |
| $75K | $56,224 | $57,272 | +$1,048 | Vermont |
| $100K | $72,040 | $73,438 | +$1,398 | Vermont |
| $120K | $84,693 | $86,370 | +$1,677 | Vermont |
| $150K | $103,124 | $105,220 | +$2,096 | Vermont |
| $200K | $134,717 | $137,512 | +$2,795 | Vermont |
| $250K | $165,552 | $169,045 | +$3,494 | Vermont |
| $300K | $194,074 | $198,266 | +$4,193 | Vermont |
Cost of Living: New York (125) vs Vermont (105)
Take-home pay only tells part of the story. New York has a cost of living index of 125 while Vermont is at 105 (national average = 100).
This is a substantial difference. After adjusting for cost of living, $100K in New York has purchasing power of $57,632 compared to $69,940 in Vermont. Vermont wins on both raw take-home and cost-adjusted purchasing power, making it the clear winner for a $100K earner.
Married Filing Jointly: How It Changes the Comparison
For a single earner at $100K filing jointly, take-home becomes $77,625 in New York and $79,023 in Vermont \u2014 a difference of $1,398. The gap remains similar regardless of filing status.
Should You Move from New York to Vermont?
On paper, moving from New York to Vermont would save $1,398/year on a $100K salary, or $6,988 over 5 years. But relocation involves real costs: moving expenses, potentially buying/selling a home, changing jobs, and adjusting to a new community.
At $1,398/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.