California charges 1-13.3% state income tax. Use the cost of living calculator pre-loaded with California rates.
Open Cost of Living Calculator →California's cost of living index is 142, and the graduated (1-13.3%) state tax further affects how far your dollar goes. The high cost of living combined with state income tax means you need a significantly higher gross salary to match the lifestyle available in cheaper states. This calculator factors in both taxes and cost of living for California.
California uses a graduated income tax with brackets ranging from 1-13.3%. Lower income is taxed at lower rates, with the 13.3% top rate applying only to income in the highest bracket. This progressive structure means your effective state tax rate is always lower than the top marginal rate. California does not have local income taxes, so the state graduated rate is the total state-level income tax burden.
The table below shows what you actually keep at five salary levels in California, accounting for federal tax, FICA, and California's graduated (1-13.3%) state tax.
See how California compares to other West states. Each link takes you to the cost of living calculator landing page for that state.
For a comprehensive breakdown of California’s tax structure, salary comparisons, cost-of-living analysis, and more, visit the full California take-home pay page.