Tax and take-home pay difference (DC -> Berkeley)

[Anonymous]

Hi—we’re thinking of moving back to the East bay after living in DC for a years. Can anyone who has made this move tell me how your take-home pay changed based on CA taxes? Is your take-home markedly less than what it was in DC?

[Anonymous]

It depends on how much you make and whether you're married or single. But broadly, CA income tax isn't that much higher than DC's income tax (assuming you mean you live in the District now--you'll feel it more coming from MD or VA, where income tax rates are lower). Sales taxes are higher, and obviously housing costs are higher (although depending on where in DC you are and where in Berkeley you want to move, it also may not be that different).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Hi—we’re thinking of moving back to the East bay after living in DC for a years. Can anyone who has made this move tell me how your take-home pay changed based on CA taxes? Is your take-home markedly less than what it was in DC?

Taxes are only 2-3% more, but that's the least of your worries.

Overall cost of living and therefore conmute times have gone insane.

The only way to move there and feel similar buying power than here is if you make 30-40% more in total comp, imcluding stock.