Compare taxes and see how much you save moving from Massachusetts to Connecticut
Massachusetts and Connecticut represent a nuanced tax comparison that flips depending on income. Massachusetts’ 5% flat rate beats Connecticut’s progressive brackets up to around $140,000, but at higher incomes Connecticut’s maximum rate of 6.99% undercuts Massachusetts significantly — and the gap widens dramatically above $1 million where Massachusetts adds a 4% surtax for a 9% combined rate. Estate tax is a critical differentiator: Massachusetts has a severe $2 million exemption cliff with no portability, while Connecticut conforms to the federal $13.6 million exemption.
Flat (9% on $1M+)
5% flat income tax; 4% Millionaire Tax surtax on income above $1M = 9% combined
7 Progressive Brackets
Progressive 3-6.99% across 7 brackets; cheaper than MA above roughly $140K
At $100,000 income:
That is $25/month back in your pocket!
| Income | MA Tax | CT Tax | Savings | 10-Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $2,500 | $2,013 | $487 (CT cheaper) | $4,870 |
| $75,000 | $3,750 | $3,181 | $569 (CT cheaper) | $5,690 |
| $100,000 | $5,000 | $4,699 | $301 (MA cheaper) | $3,010 |
| $150,000 | $7,500 | $8,249 | $749 (MA cheaper) | $7,490 |
| $250,000 | $12,500 | $16,849 | $4,349 (MA cheaper) | $43,490 |
| $500,000 | $25,000 | $34,449 | $9,449 (MA cheaper) | $94,490 |
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Talk to a CPA About Your State Move →It depends on your income. Massachusetts’ 5% flat rate is cheaper up to roughly $140,000. Above that level, Connecticut’s top rate of 6.99% is lower than Massachusetts, and for incomes above $1 million, Connecticut is far cheaper because Massachusetts adds a 4% Millionaire Tax surtax (9% combined) while Connecticut stays at 6.99%.
Massachusetts voters passed a constitutional amendment in 2022 adding a 4% surtax on annual income above $1,000,000. This is applied on top of the standard 5% flat rate, creating a 9% combined rate on income above that threshold. The threshold is not indexed to inflation as of 2026. Connecticut has no equivalent surtax, capping out at 6.99%.
Massachusetts has a state estate tax on estates above $2 million (as of 2026), with rates up to 16%. Critically, there is no portability between spouses under state law, so a married couple only gets one $2M exemption unless careful planning is done. Connecticut conforms to the federal estate tax exemption of $13.6 million per person (fully portable), making it far more favourable for wealthy families.
Connecticut has significantly higher property taxes. The average effective rate in Connecticut is approximately 1.79% compared to Massachusetts’ 1.14%. On a $500,000 home, Connecticut costs about $8,950/year vs Massachusetts’ $5,700/year. This property tax difference partially offsets Connecticut’s income tax advantage for mid-to-high earners who own homes.