Compare taxes and see how much you save moving from Ohio to Florida
Ohio has a progressive income tax with rates from 0% to 3.75%, while Florida has zero state income tax. A $100,000 earner pays approximately $2,834 in Ohio state income tax vs $0 in Florida. Ohio recently reduced its top rate from 3.99% to 3.75% and eliminated the bottom brackets, but Florida's 0% rate still provides substantial savings. Ohio taxes retirement income including 401(k) and IRA distributions, while Florida exempts all retirement income. The Ohio-to-Florida migration is heavily driven by retirees from Cleveland, Columbus, and Cincinnati seeking both tax savings and warmer winters.
4 Progressive Brackets
Progressive income tax from 0% to 3.75% (top rate on income over $115,300)
No Income Tax
Constitutional prohibition on state income tax
At $100,000 income:
That is $236/month back in your pocket!
| Income | OH Tax | FL Tax | Savings | 10-Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 | $1,117 | $0 | $1,117 | $11,170 |
| $75,000 | $2,055 | $0 | $2,055 | $20,550 |
| $100,000 | $2,834 | $0 | $2,834 | $28,340 |
| $150,000 | $4,709 | $0 | $4,709 | $47,090 |
| $250,000 | $8,459 | $0 | $8,459 | $84,590 |
| $70K retirement | $1,867 | $0 (retirees) | $1,867 | $18,670 (retirees) |
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Moving from Ohio to Florida? Multi-state returns are tricky—partial-year residency, different deadlines, avoiding double taxation. Get matched with a CPA who specializes in state moves. Virtual meetings, fixed pricing.
Get Matched With a CPA →At $100,000 income, you save approximately $2,834 per year ($236/month) on state income tax moving to Florida. Ohio's top rate is 3.75% on income over $115,300; Florida charges 0%. If you live in Cleveland, Columbus, or Cincinnati, add another $1,800-2,500/year in city income tax savings. Over 10 years, a $100K earner saves $28,340 in state tax alone.
Yes, Ohio taxes most retirement income at state income tax rates (up to 3.75%). This includes 401(k) withdrawals, IRA distributions, and pension income. Social Security is exempt if your Ohio AGI is under $100,000 (married) or $50,000 (single). Florida taxes none of these—all retirement income is completely exempt regardless of amount.
Many Ohio cities levy local income taxes on top of state tax. Cleveland, Columbus, Akron, Toledo, and Dayton all charge 2.5%. Cincinnati charges 1.8%. These taxes apply to all earned income. A Cleveland resident earning $100,000 pays $5,334 in combined state/city income tax vs $0 in Florida. This makes the savings even more dramatic for city dwellers.
Ohio averages 1.41% property tax (13th highest) vs Florida's 0.86% (26th highest). However, Ohio homes are generally cheaper. A $200,000 Ohio home costs ~$2,820/year in property tax. A comparable $350,000 Florida home costs ~$2,580/year after the homestead exemption. Property tax is roughly similar; income tax savings drive the decision.
Coastal Florida (Miami, Naples) is significantly more expensive than Ohio. However, Tampa, Jacksonville, and Orlando have costs comparable to Columbus or Cleveland suburbs. When you factor in $2,834-5,334/year tax savings plus eliminated heating costs ($1,500-2,500/year in Ohio), many Florida locations offer better overall value.
Florida homeowners insurance averages $4,000-6,000/year—significantly higher than Ohio's $1,200-1,800/year. This adds $2,500-4,000/year in costs. However, Ohio residents in major cities still come out ahead: Cleveland $100K earner saves $5,334/year in income tax, more than covering the insurance difference.
To establish Florida residency: (1) Spend 183+ days/year in Florida, (2) Get Florida driver's license within 30 days, (3) Register vehicles in Florida, (4) Register to vote in Florida, (5) File Declaration of Domicile with county clerk, (6) Change address with banks, employer, IRS, Social Security. Keep detailed records as Ohio may audit high-income taxpayers claiming to have moved.
Tampa Bay is the most popular destination for Ohio expats—affordable, familiar feel, large existing Ohio community. Sarasota/Bradenton attracts many Cleveland retirees. Naples and Fort Myers are upscale Gulf Coast options. Orlando appeals to families. Jacksonville offers lowest costs and easy I-75 drives back to Ohio (8-9 hours). The Villages has a massive Ohio retiree population.
No, Ohio eliminated its estate tax in 2013. Neither Ohio nor Florida has state estate or inheritance taxes. This makes the comparison purely about income tax and living costs. For estate planning, both states are favorable—unlike Pennsylvania and other Northeast states with inheritance taxes.
Ohio offers lower housing costs, four seasons, proximity to Midwest family, strong job markets (Columbus is booming), and excellent healthcare systems (Cleveland Clinic, Ohio State). Florida offers zero income tax, warm weather, beaches, no heating costs, but higher insurance, hurricane risk, and brutal summers. Retirees typically favor Florida; families with children often prefer Ohio's lower costs and better public schools in suburban districts.