State comparison
California vs New York
A sourced, side-by-side look at taxes, home insurance context and climate risk — so you can judge the trade-offs of moving from California to New York for yourself.
General information, not tax advice. Confirm current rates with the linked sources or a tax professional before you decide.
| Category | California | New York |
|---|---|---|
| State income tax | Progressive income tax with one of the highest top marginal rates in the country.Source: California Franchise Tax Board | Progressive state income tax with relatively high rates, plus New York City adds its own income tax for city residents.Source: Tax Foundation |
| Sales tax | State sales tax plus local district add-ons; combined rates vary by city/county.Source: Tax Foundation — sales tax rates | State sales tax plus local add-ons; combined rates are high in many areas.Source: Tax Foundation |
| Property tax | Property taxes are capped by Proposition 13 and generally assessed near 1% of purchase price plus voter-approved add-ons.Source: Tax Foundation — property taxes | Property taxes are among the higher in the country in many counties.Source: Tax Foundation |
| Homeowners insurance context | Wildfire risk has pushed some insurers to limit new homeowners policies in parts of the state.Source: California Department of Insurance | Coastal counties face higher wind/flood exposure; winter-storm risk upstate.Source: New York Department of Financial Services |
| Climate risk context | Elevated wildfire and earthquake risk statewide, with drought and heat risk in inland areas.Source: FEMA National Risk Index | Coastal flood/hurricane risk downstate; winter-storm risk upstate.Source: FEMA National Risk Index |
Sources
General information, not tax advice.