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West Coast Comparison
Living in Washington vs. California: Take-Home Pay and Tax Differences
Updated for the 2026 Tax Year • 5 min read
Choosing where to live and work between California and Washington has a profound effect on your financial bottom line. Both states boast tech and commercial hubs, but their tax codes diverge dramatically. Washington charges 0% state income tax on earned wages, though employees contribute to WA Paid Family Leave and WA Cares Fund. Even with these withholdings, workers retain over $5,500 more per year in Washington on a $100k salary.
Key Tax Differences
- California State Tax: Progressive (1.0% – 12.3%) + 1.1% SDI.
- Washington State Tax: 0.00% on Wages (WA PFML & WA Cares).
- Federal Deductions: Both states are subject to IRS federal withholding and mandatory FICA contributions (6.2% Social Security and 1.45% Medicare).
$100,000 Annual Salary Take-Home Comparison
| Withholding Category | California ($100k) | Washington ($100k) |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Salary | $100,000 | $100,000 |
| Federal Income Tax (Est.) | ~$13,600 | ~$13,600 |
| FICA (Social Security & Medicare) | $7,650 | $7,650 |
| State Income Tax (PIT) | ~$5,200 | $0.00 |
| Mandatory State Deductions / SDI | ~$1,100 | ~$740 (WA PFML/Cares) |
| Estimated Annual Net Pay | ~$72,450 | ~$78,010 |
Estimated net pay difference: +$5,560 in Washington.
California Calculator
Calculate exact take-home pay based on California state rules.
Washington Calculator
Estimate your net paycheck under Washington tax regulations.