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 (3.9-10.9% + NYC local) while Vermont has a graduated system (3.35-8.75%). On a $100K salary, New York takes $4,860 in state and local taxes compared to Vermont’s $4,218 \u2014 a difference of $642.
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 7 out of 10 salary levels tested. The advantage exists but is modest across the income spectrum.
| Salary | New York | Vermont | Difference | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $40K | $32,757 | $33,399 | +$642 | Vermont |
| $50K | $40,252 | $41,099 | +$847 | Vermont |
| $60K | $47,747 | $48,799 | +$1,052 | Vermont |
| $75K | $58,085 | $58,969 | +$885 | Vermont |
| $100K | $74,265 | $74,907 | +$642 | Vermont |
| $120K | $87,155 | $87,657 | +$502 | Vermont |
| $150K | $105,941 | $106,018 | +$77 | Vermont |
| $200K | $138,127 | $137,354 | −$774 | New York |
| $250K | $169,302 | $167,931 | −$1,371 | New York |
| $300K | $197,941 | $195,672 | −$2,269 | New York |
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 $59,412 compared to $71,340 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 $80,509 in New York and $82,199 in Vermont \u2014 a difference of $1,690. The gap widens under married filing, making the state choice even more impactful for married filers.
Should You Move from New York to Vermont?
On paper, moving from New York to Vermont would save $642/year on a $100K salary, or $3,208 over 5 years. But relocation involves real costs: moving expenses, potentially buying/selling a home, changing jobs, and adjusting to a new community.
At $642/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.