Side-by-side tax comparison between Vermont (8.75% top rate) and Washington (no income tax).
| Salary | Vermont | Washington | Difference | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $50K | $39,016 | $42,298 | +$3,281 | Washington |
| $75K | $56,381 | $61,303 | +$4,922 | Washington |
| $100K | $72,328 | $78,890 | +$6,563 | Washington |
| $150K | $103,602 | $113,446 | +$9,844 | Washington |
| $200K | $135,978 | $149,103 | +$13,125 | Washington |
Washington offers higher take-home pay at every salary level. With no state income tax, Washington gives you a significant advantage over Vermont's 8.75% top rate. At $100K, the difference is $6,563/year — that’s $547/month.
However, cost of living matters. Vermont has a cost index of 105 while Washington is at 110. With similar costs of living, the tax difference is the main factor.