Offer vs. Offer

Job Offer Comparison Calculator

Compare job offers after taxes, benefits, and deductions. Know which offer truly pays more before you decide.

How It Works

1

Enter Each Offer

Input salary, state, and benefits for up to 4 job offers.

2

See After-Tax Pay

Each offer is calculated with federal, FICA, and state taxes applied.

3

Choose Wisely

The difference column reveals which offer gives you more real take-home pay.

Comparing Job Offers After Taxes

Choosing between job offers is one of the most consequential financial decisions you will make — and most people make it based on the wrong number. A $90,000 offer in New York City sounds better than a $70,000 offer in Dallas, but after federal taxes, FICA, New York state income tax (up to 10.9%), and the NYC resident tax (3.078%–3.876%), the Dallas offer could leave you with more money in your pocket. Our job offer comparison calculator gives you the real, after-tax numbers for up to four offers simultaneously, so you never have to guess which job pays more.

Relocation decisions compound the problem. Moving from a no-income-tax state like Texas or Florida to a high-tax state like California or New York can cost you $8,000–$15,000 per year in state taxes alone, depending on your salary. But the reverse move can be equally transformative — a $10,000 raise in California might net you only $6,000 after taxes, while a lateral move to Texas with the same salary puts thousands more in your bank account. This calculator breaks down every tax — federal, FICA, state, and even city — so you can see the true financial impact of each offer before you sign.

Total compensation is more than just base salary. One offer might include a 401(k) match worth 5% of your salary, an HSA-eligible health plan, or a signing bonus. Our calculator lets you enter 401(k) and HSA contributions for each scenario independently, so you can model the tax savings of pre-tax deductions. A $75,000 salary with a 5% 401(k) match effectively gives you $3,750 in tax-advantaged retirement savings that a $78,000 salary with no match cannot replicate. When you compare offers holistically — salary, state taxes, benefits — the right choice becomes clear.

Our calculator uses 2026 federal tax brackets (7%, 10%, 12%, 22%, 24%, 32%, 35%, 37%), the $16,100 standard deduction for single filers, the $184,500 Social Security wage base, and current state income tax rates from all 50 state revenue departments. Whether you are comparing offers across the street or across the country, you get accurate, up-to-date after-tax figures instantly.

Job Offer Comparison FAQ

How do I compare two job offers with different salaries and states?

Enter each job offer as a separate scenario — input the salary, state, and filing status. The calculator will compute after-tax take-home pay for each offer side by side. The difference column shows exactly how much more or less you would take home with each option, so you can make an informed decision based on real numbers, not gross salary alone.

Should I factor in cost of living when comparing job offers?

Absolutely. This calculator shows you the after-tax take-home pay, but cost of living can vary dramatically between cities. A $90,000 offer in New York City may give you less purchasing power than a $70,000 offer in Austin, Texas, even after taxes. Use our calculator to get the after-tax numbers, then compare those against local rent, groceries, and transportation costs for a complete picture.

How do 401(k) matches affect my job offer comparison?

If one employer offers a 401(k) match, enter your contribution amount in the 401(k) field for that scenario. Pre-tax 401(k) contributions reduce your taxable income, which means lower federal and state taxes — and the employer match is essentially free money on top. A $70,000 salary with a 5% match can outperform a $75,000 salary with no match after taxes.

Does state income tax really make that much difference?

Yes — it can mean thousands of dollars per year. California charges up to 13.3% state income tax, New York up to 10.9% (plus NYC tax), while Texas, Florida, and Washington charge 0%. For a $100,000 salary, moving from California to Texas saves you roughly $10,000+ in state taxes alone. Our calculator shows you the exact difference for any salary and state combination.

Can I compare offers in states with different local taxes?

Yes. If you are considering a job in New York City, enable the NYC Resident toggle to include the city income tax (3.078%–3.876%). This gives you a more accurate comparison against offers in states or cities without local income taxes.

Is this calculator updated for 2026 tax law?

Yes. All federal tax brackets, the $16,100 standard deduction for single filers, the $184,500 Social Security wage base, Medicare rates, and state income tax rates are current for the 2026 tax year. We update the calculator as soon as new figures are published by the IRS and state revenue departments.

Related Calculators

Rachel Mitchell, CPA

Lead Tax Analyst, TheTaxCalc

Rachel Mitchell is a Certified Public Accountant with over 12 years of experience in individual and small-business taxation. She specializes in federal and state income tax compliance, FICA optimization, and payroll tax strategy. Rachel holds an MS in Taxation from Golden Gate University and is an active member of the AICPA.

Reviewed: January 2026Tax data verified against IRS Publication 15-T & state revenue departments