Where the Middle Class Can’t Breathe: 6 States With Crushing Tax Burdens
Taxes often feel like they are crushing our family, even though we live in one of the “cheaper” states in the U.S. Sometimes, it feels like our paycheck just disappears (way faster than it used to). However, some folks in the middle class are feeling it a lot more due to the tax burdens in their states. Here’s a look at six states where families are paying more than their fair share.
The Tax Burden is Heaviest in These States
1. Hawaii: Paradise at What Cost?
Hawaii tops the list with the highest overall tax burden, swallowing nearly 14% of residents’ income. That includes income, property, and excise taxes—particularly high on essentials like groceries and utilities. Middle-income earners here feel the pinch when balancing paradise living with real-life budgets. While the aloha spirit is real, so is the strain on wallets once the bills arrive. Weighing lifestyle vs. cost has never been more critical in this island paradise.
2. New York: The Empire State’s Steep Tax Toll
New York isn’t far behind, with a tax burden hovering around 13.5%. It’s a triple whammy: high local income rates, elevated property taxes, and steep sales tax in everything from rent to groceries. Combine that with New York City’s own add-ons, and middle-class households often feel squeezed. Despite the perks of city life, many are reconsidering whether the trade-off is worthwhile. It’s a prime example of how urban opportunity comes at a cost.
3. New Jersey: The Nation’s Tax King
Residents of New Jersey pay around 12.9% of their income in state and local taxes, one of the highest in the country. With property taxes that can easily top 2% of home value and a layered income tax system, the tax burden adds up fast. Even homeowners with modest earnings feel pressured to keep stirrup-pulling from their paychecks. Despite some property tax relief programs, everyday middle-class families still pay the price. Many are wondering: is the cost of living here truly worth it?
4. California: Sunny Skies and Heavy Taxes
California’s gorgeous weather comes with a tax catch: a rate stretching up to 13.3% for top earners. On average, residents hand over about 11% of their income in combined state and local tax burden. Sales taxes hover near 8.85%, and Prop 13 caps help on property—but still leave many paying dearly. Middle-class families in the Bay Area or L.A. often feel caught between dream homes and reality checks. The cost of calling it home has never been this high.
5. Connecticut: New England’s Hidden Squeeze
Connecticut’s middle-class tax burden sits around 11.9%—second only to New York in New England . State income ranges from 3% to nearly 7%, plus a flat 6.35% sales tax. Local property taxes are famously high—the nation’s highest after New Jersey . The result? Working families see more than a tenth of their earnings vanish before savings begin. Even this smaller state packs a big fiscal punch.
6. Illinois: Flat But Heavy
Illinois uses a flat 4.95% income tax, but that number hides a heavier tax burden when other levies are added. Property taxes rank second-highest nationally, with real estate taxes around 2.31%. Sales taxes add to the strain, especially in urban centers like Chicago. Combine that with local fees and tolls, and it adds up fast. The message? A flat income rate doesn’t guarantee affordability.
What the Numbers Mean for You
Regardless of how much you pay into taxes, you are still earning the same amount of money. So, it is important to be strategic about how you spend your paycheck. Look for ways to maximize tax credits and deductions on your state return. You should also make an effort to challenge property assessments or appeal local rates. At the end of the day, staying informed about changes in your state and how you can get ahead is always your best bet.
To do this, you’ll need tools like calculators, advocacy groups, and community forums. Maybe moving to a different state might be the best option for you. Whatever the case may be, staying informed will put you ahead of the rest of the crowd.
Have you felt the squeeze of a steep tax burden? Whether you’re in one of the six states on our list or feel the pressure somewhere else, we want to hear from you. What changes have helped—or hurt—your bottom line? Tell us in the comments!
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