The Tax Brief real effective rates for 111+ countries — bi-weekly, free.
HEAD-TO-HEAD TAX COMPARISON · 2026

COUNTRY A Ohio VS COUNTRY B Florida

Side-by-side analysis of income tax, effective rates, and take-home pay for Ohio and Florida in 2026.

Daniel · CountryTaxCalc Updated May 2026 Tax Comparison 2026
Calculate your take-home → See all comparisons →
OVERVIEW
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.
Section 01

The Big Picture

Top-line rates and effective take-home for a typical earner — including income tax, social contributions, and applicable surcharges.
🌰
COUNTRY A
Ohio
TAX RATE
0-3.75%
4 Progressive Brackets
Progressive income tax from 0% to 3.75% (top rate on income over $115,300)
🌴
COUNTRY B
Florida
TAX RATE
0%
No Income Tax
Constitutional prohibition on state income tax
TYPICAL ANNUAL DIFFERENCE
Moving from Florida → Ohio at $100,000
$2,834
That's $236/month back in your pocket
Section 02

Tax Savings by Income Level

Net take-home after all income tax, social contributions, and surcharges — for a single employee with no dependents.
GROSS 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)
💡

CountryTaxCalc.com is reader-supported. When you use our partner links, we may earn a commission at no cost to you. This helps us provide free tax calculators and comparison tools. Learn more about our affiliate partnerships

Talk to a Real CPA

Taxhub

★ 4.8 verified reviews  ·  3,758 reviews

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.

⚠ Not for simple single-state returns. Free filing is fine for straightforward W-2 situations.

Get Matched With a CPA →

Interested in reaching this audience? Advertise on CountryTaxCalc →

🌰

Ohio Pros & Cons

+ PROS
  • Lower cost of living than Florida's coastal areas
  • No local income tax in most suburbs (unlike some OH cities)
  • Strong job markets in Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati
  • Four seasons with moderate climate compared to northern states
  • Lower property tax rates than Northeast states (1.41% average)
− CONS
  • Progressive income tax up to 3.75% on higher incomes
  • Some cities levy additional municipal income taxes (2-2.5%)
  • Cold winters with significant heating costs
  • Retirement income fully taxed at state rates
  • Limited exemption for Social Security (based on income)
🌴

Florida Pros & Cons

+ PROS
  • 0% state income tax (constitutional protection)
  • No tax on retirement income (Social Security, pensions, 401k/IRA)
  • No estate tax or inheritance tax
  • Warm weather year-round (no heating costs)
  • Homestead exemption reduces property tax by $400-600/year
− CONS
  • Higher home prices in desirable coastal areas
  • Significantly higher homeowners insurance (hurricanes, flooding)
  • Hot, humid summers (90°F+ for 6+ months)
  • Higher sales tax in some counties (6-7.5%)
  • Hurricane risk and flood zone requirements
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

How much will I save moving from Ohio to Florida?

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.

Does Ohio tax retirement income?

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.

What about Ohio's municipal income taxes?

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.

How do property taxes compare between Ohio and Florida?

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.

Is Florida more expensive to live in than Ohio?

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.

What about hurricane insurance costs in Florida?

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.

How do I establish Florida residency?

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.

Which Florida cities are most popular with Ohio residents?

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.

Does Ohio have an estate or inheritance tax?

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.

What are the trade-offs beyond 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.
From the brief
PT38.4%−9.6 vs. headline
CY17.8%incl. 60-day rule
AE 0.0%substance required
The Tax Brief · Subscribe free

More like this, every two weeks.

Verified rates, real after-tax figures, plain English. Free.

Bi-weekly. No spam. Unsubscribe in one click.