There are several states without income taxes and/or sales taxes as well (NV, OR, TX, FL). Depending upon your income stream/sources and lifestyle this is hugely important. Once you retire...for example...you may spend more than you earn...or you may buy a car (that last 10 years). For other people, its real-estate (maintenance) taxes that are a function of asset-bases (often inflated, and not income). {etc}